What does "prickly heat" mean?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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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 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.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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Do children get itchy from heat rash?

It itches. Miliaria, caused by blocked sweat ducts, commonly occurs in newborns due to their underdeveloped sweat ducts, as well as in hot environments and situations like prolonged bedrest, which can easily lead to the condition. Some skin infections that block sweat ducts can also cause miliaria. Miliaria is classified into types such as clear miliaria, red miliaria, pustular miliaria, and deep miliaria. Red miliaria is characterized by a burning and itching sensation. In areas with pustular miliaria lesions, there is also a burning, itching, and painful sensation, while the symptoms in areas affected by clear and deep miliaria are less noticeable.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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The difference between eczema and prickly heat

Eczema and heat rash have clear differences, distinguished by their causes, affected areas, and symptoms. The cause of heat rash is mainly due to blocked sweat pores, typically triggered by hot and humid environmental conditions; eczema, on the other hand, is usually caused by allergic factors such as food allergies, pollen, dust mites, animal fur, etc., and is also related to disorders of gastrointestinal function and indigestion. The seasonal occurrence of the two conditions also differs. Heat rash usually occurs in the summer, while eczema can occur in any season and at any age. The affected areas are also different. Heat rash typically appears on the chest, back, inside the elbows, neck, and forehead, whereas eczema can occur on any part of the body. The clinical manifestations of the two are also different; heat rash involves inflammation of the sweat glands, with the skin turning red and a dense distribution of papules. Eczema, on the other hand, primarily features symmetrically distributed erythema and papules, and may also include exudation.

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Written by Cui Lin Jing
Dermatology
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The difference between prickly heat and chickenpox

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 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.