The difference between prickly heat and heat rash

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on September 07, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

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

How to eliminate prickly heat?

To eliminate prickly heat, it is necessary to pay attention to the following points: First, it is recommended to use air conditioning to cool down during summer, maintain indoor ventilation, and ensure smooth airflow. Second, it is advisable to add some medicinal ointments or solutions that help treat prickly heat to the bath water. Third, you can apply prickly heat powder or talcum powder on the affected areas to help keep the skin dry and clean. Of course, you can also apply a mild astringent ointment to the affected areas to achieve a therapeutic effect.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
1min 15sec home-news-image

Are heat rash and prickly heat the same?

Heat rash, also known as miliaria, is actually what is referred to in medicine as herpes simplex. It is different from prickly heat. Herpes simplex is caused by a viral infection, specifically the herpes simplex virus. It is characterized by clusters of small blisters and often occurs at the junctions of skin and mucous membranes. It is self-limiting but tends to recur, especially when the immune system is weakened. On the other hand, prickly heat occurs in the hot summer months when high temperatures and humidity make sweat evacuation difficult, leading to narrow and blocked sweat ducts, which results in prickly heat. It is usually intensely itchy. Thus, it is advisable to avoid rapid changes in skin temperature, such as moving from sweating heavily to suddenly entering an air-conditioned environment. This can cause sweat glands to close while sweat is still being produced heavily, leading to prickly heat. Treatment for herpes simplex involves antiviral therapy, whereas treatment for prickly heat primarily involves cooling, inducing sweat, and astringent measures.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
49sec home-news-image

Can children eat eggs when they have prickly heat?

When children develop prickly heat, it is best not to feed them eggs. Prickly heat in children primarily occurs because the sweat glands in the skin become blocked, leading to a type of skin disease. When children develop prickly heat, we need to cool and dry their skin, which will improve and relieve the condition. In terms of diet, we should also avoid spicy and irritating foods, greasy foods, and foods that are likely to cause allergies. Eggs, being rich in proteins, can easily trigger allergies. Therefore, when a child has prickly heat, it is best to avoid giving them eggs. If the child's prickly heat is severe, we can also apply topical medications to the affected area. The principle for using medications should be based on cooling, astringent, and anti-itch properties.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
28sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
47sec home-news-image

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.