The difference between prickly heat and allergies

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on September 21, 2024
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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
38sec home-news-image

What's causing the prickly heat pain?

Firstly, prickly heat is divided into several types, including white prickly heat, red prickly heat, and purulent prickly heat. The symptoms of pain often occur during red prickly heat, as it is a type of acute skin disease. Combined with hot weather, it easily leads to pain in red prickly heat on the body. Especially when an infection is triggered, the pain becomes even more pronounced. At this time, it is recommended to use some cooling powders externally to alleviate the pain caused by red prickly heat.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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Is prickly heat powder effective for children's prickly heat?

When children develop heat rash, using prickly heat powder is useful. Heat rash in children is caused by the blockage of sweat ducts in the skin, leading to a type of skin disease. Conditions such as poor development of sweat ducts in newborns, overly hot external environments, and prolonged bed rest can make children more prone to heat rash. Once a child develops heat rash, measures to cool and dry the skin are usually effective in improving the condition. Topical medications can also be applied locally, including ingredients like calamine, prickly heat powder, etc. The principles of using topical medications are cooling, itching relief, and astringency. The components of prickly heat powder include talcum, borneol, zinc oxide, and menthol, which can help remove dampness, disperse wind, cool the skin, and relieve itching. Therefore, using prickly heat powder is useful when children develop heat rash. (The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a physician)

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Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
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Will children develop prickly heat on their limbs?

Children sometimes get heat rash, including on their limbs, but it's usually not severe. If the rash appears on the limbs, it's often because the skin on the limbs has been in contact with the skin on the trunk or from lying on that part of the body, such as the back. During the period when a child has heat rash, it's essential to ensure that sweaty clothes are changed promptly to keep the skin dry and clean. Regular bathing is necessary, and using prickly heat powder or, depending on the child's specific situation, treating with creams under a doctor's guidance, are all acceptable approaches. Additionally, parents should avoid giving their child food that could aggravate the condition.

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Written by Liu Li
Pediatrics
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What should I do if the baby sweats and gets prickly heat?

If a baby sweats a lot, they are likely to develop prickly heat rash. If the condition is not severe, simply clean the baby's skin with water and then apply prickly heat powder or prickly heat solution. If the condition is severe, it is necessary to take the baby to the hospital and follow the guidance and treatment of a professional doctor. Additionally, it’s crucial to maintain good ventilation in the room, ensure a healthy living environment, and adjust the baby's clothing timely according to weather changes. Avoid over-wrapping the baby. Bathe and wash the baby’s hair frequently to keep their skin clean. Regularly change the baby’s clothes, as well as the bed sheets and quilt covers, and expose them to sunlight often, as sunlight helps to disinfect.

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home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
40sec home-news-image

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.