The difference between prickly heat and chickenpox

Written by Cui Lin Jing
Dermatology
Updated on September 07, 2024
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Prickly heat is a physical skin condition that often occurs in hot and humid summer weather, related to excessive sweating, especially common among infants, the elderly, and people working in high-temperature environments. It appears in three types: white, pustular, and red prickly heat. Generally, prickly heat does not have systemic symptoms; it does not feature fever and is not contagious. Chickenpox, on the other hand, is a common acute infectious skin disease, mainly characterized by scattered erythema and vesicles on the trunk, face, and proximal limbs. It is contagious and has prodromal symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and muscle soreness.

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

Prickly heat and heat rash are different. Prickly heat is a dermatological condition, commonly known as prickly heat, caused by high temperatures and hot weather when the body's sweating mechanism fails, resulting in the development of prickly heat on the skin. On the other hand, heat rash is a symptom that can appear in many diseases. Of course, prickly heat can also manifest symptoms of heat rash. Therefore, the difference between prickly heat and heat rash is quite significant.

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Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
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How to remove baby's prickly heat

Baby prickly heat is mainly caused by the hot and humid living environment, which damages the skin. Therefore, it is important to enhance skin care, especially by improving the environmental temperature. Keeping the room ventilated by exchanging air is the best treatment method. If the skin symptoms are severe, Calamine lotion can be used, which can effectively alleviate the symptoms of prickly heat. The main treatment for prickly heat is prevention. Therefore, especially in summer, the clothes worn by infants should be loose and made of pure cotton. Avoid tight clothes or synthetic fabrics, as these can aggravate the symptoms of prickly heat by causing friction between the skin and the clothing. Also, pay attention to the diet and try to eat less spicy and stimulating food, choosing instead light and liquid-based foods. (The use of medication should be carried out under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What is the difference between prickly heat and rash?

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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Can prickly heat heal by itself?

Prickly heat, the disease, can heal on its own since it primarily results from excessive heat or blocked sweat, leading to the condition. Therefore, prickly heat can gradually heal itself if the temperature decreases, cooler weather prevails, or if one sweats less commonly. However, it is crucial to prevent infection, as if infection occurs, it is necessary to use some topical anti-inflammatory medications. Thus, prickly heat can heal on its own, but it is essential to prevent infection during this time.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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When does prickly heat itch?

Prickly heat commonly occurs when temperatures are high, the weather is hot, or when the skin's resistance is weak. One of the main symptoms of prickly heat is itching, particularly prevalent during excessively hot weather, especially when sweating occurs. The sweat soaking into the skin can lead to the appearance of symptoms such as papules and vesicles, which can be particularly itchy. It is advisable to manage these symptoms appropriately.