Prickly heat
What is it?
Also known as heat rash or miliaria, prickly heat is a red, itchy rash accompanied by a prickling sensation – hence the name.
How does it happen?
Prickly heat often occurs during the hotter months and is thought to be caused by blockages in the sweat glands. Young children and babies are more prone to it as their sweat glands aren’t yet fully developed. The rash can appear anywhere on the body, but it usually shows up on areas that are exposed to the sun or in skin folds.
What can you do?
Even though it’s nasty and annoying for children, prickly heat is not serious and will normally disappear within a few days. “The best thing is to keep children cool,” says consultant paediatrician Dr Su Laurent. “Put them in a cool bath and pat them dry. Then dress them in light cotton clothing. It’s best to avoid synthetic fabrics, as they don’t let the skin breathe. If your little one’s really itching and unable to sleep, then an antihistamine syrup should help.”
Mum’s story
“Oli is very fair-skinned and he seems to overheat quite quickly and that’s when the rash appears – it usually only lasts about a day. We bring him indoors and turn the bath into a paddling pool so he can cool down.”
Bekki Ford, 36, from Runcorn, mum to Oli, 5, and Evie, 2
