What is the difference between prickly heat and rash?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on September 23, 2024
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The difference between prickly heat (miliaria) and rash is quite significant. Firstly, prickly heat is a dermatological condition that often occurs in hot weather, heat, or when sweat cannot be excreted through the sweat glands. The main manifestations of prickly heat are visible papules and pustular papules. On the other hand, a rash is a manifestation and a symptom, often occurring in skin infections or diseases like skin allergies and eczema. Thus, prickly heat and rash are completely different concepts.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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The difference between prickly heat and allergies

Prickly heat and allergies are two different diseases, each with many significant distinctions. First, prickly heat tends to occur when the temperature is high, the weather is hot, and the body's resistance is low, while allergies are likely to occur when the skin reacts to certain foods, weather conditions, or allergens, causing corresponding skin symptoms. The treatment for prickly heat primarily involves the use of cooling powders applied externally, while maintaining a cool environment and bathing frequently. Allergies, on the other hand, are mainly treated with oral antihistamines.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What does "prickly heat" mean?

Prickly heat is the name of a disease, often characterized by the appearance of white spots, blisters, papules, or vesicular rashes on the skin, and it is usually accompanied by itchiness. The causes are generally related to the weather being too hot, high temperatures, and the inability of sweat to escape from the skin, accumulating on the epidermis and eventually leading to the occurrence of prickly heat. Overall, this disease is very common. Due to its skin symptoms and severe itching, it is advisable to treat it promptly. Moreover, paying attention to daily habits and ensuring good indoor ventilation can help prevent the occurrence of prickly heat.

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Written by Li Ying
Neonatology
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The difference between prickly heat and rash

It's often hard for parents to distinguish between intertrigo and prickly heat, but our approach to handling them is generally the same: keep the area dry and apply a small amount of talcum powder to the area affected by prickly heat. Diaper dermatitis and prickly heat may appear similar. Diaper dermatitis primarily occurs on the baby's genital area due to the parents' failure to change diapers or nappies in time, leading to contamination of the skin by the baby's excrement, which can cause the appearance of erythema. Typically, the skin's surface will exhibit red patches or rashes. At this point, we shouldn't use talcum powder; instead, we should visit a dermatologist who will prescribe antimicrobial topical treatments. Another condition is atopic dermatitis, which also manifests with the development of a rash but is characterized by genetic predisposition and being primarily an allergic reactive disease. It usually appears on the face and the flexural sides of the limbs. If you notice that your baby develops rashes not just during summer but also in winter, or if the rashes appear sporadically, you should take your child to a dermatologist for an examination to see if it is atopic dermatitis. For managing atopic dermatitis, the routine care typically involves the long-term use of moisturizers instead of talcum powder and avoiding allergens.

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Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
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What should I do if a baby gets prickly heat?

If babies develop prickly heat, it should be considered that their sweat glands are underdeveloped, making them susceptible to changes in temperature which can lead to increased sweating. Their sweat can block the sweat glands and increase the occurrence of prickly heat. In terms of treatment, first of all, it's important to pay attention to the temperature of the baby's living environment, ensuring a certain level of humidity and temperature to reduce the stimulus of sweating. Additionally, care should be taken that the clothing is not too tightly wrapped; preferably choose cotton and loose clothing to keep the skin breathable. Furthermore, if prickly heat occurs, you can apply baby-specific prickly heat powder for topical application. Also, pay attention to any symptoms of skin infection, and if present, timely medication should be administered to avoid exacerbation of symptoms leading to infection.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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How to use prickly heat powder?

Use of prickly heat powder, with the following recommended methods: First, if it is used on babies, be careful not to let the baby get the prickly heat powder into their mouth or eyes. When applying the prickly heat powder, try to apply it to the buttocks, armpits, or the neck and back area. Second, when applying it to skin folds, try to spread it out evenly and not let it accumulate in one spot. Use only a small amount each time, just enough to cover with a thin layer. Third, after using the prickly heat powder, cover it properly to avoid getting it wet.