Do children get itchy from heat rash?

Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
Updated on February 18, 2025
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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 Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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The fastest way to get rid of prickly heat

Prickly heat is a common dermatological condition caused mainly by excessively hot weather and high temperatures, which lead to excessive sweat production that cannot be properly released from the body. It often appears in individuals who are bedridden for long periods or in infants and young children. The quickest methods to eliminate prickly heat include: First, keep the skin dry and clean. It is best to ventilate the room well and avoid overheating the indoor environment. Second, wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing to reduce the occurrence of prickly heat. Third, use talcum powder or some astringent medications, applying them to the affected areas to treat the prickly heat.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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How to relieve itching from prickly heat in children

Heat rash in children is primarily caused by blockages in the sweat ducts, due to the poor development of neonatal sweat ducts, a humid and hot external environment, and prolonged bed rest. Based on the appearance of the heat rash, it can be categorized into white heat rash, red heat rash, pustular heat rash, and deep heat rash. Red heat rash can feel itchy and burning; pustular heat rash can cause burning, itching, and pain; white and deep heat rash do not typically present noticeable symptoms. When a child's heat rash feels itchy, topical medications can be applied for relief. Local cold compresses or ice packs can also be used to alleviate itchiness and pain. Naturally, providing a cooler environment for the child is beneficial, including frequent baths to help clear the sweat ducts.

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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 Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What medicine is used for prickly heat?

Prickly heat is a common skin disease that often occurs in summer. For the treatment of prickly heat, we divide it into systemic treatment and topical treatment. Systemic treatment mainly involves taking antihistamines orally, such as loratadine tablets, when itching is severe. If there is a pus infection, it is recommended to use antibiotics for treatment. Another method is the topical treatment of prickly heat, which involves the use of cooling powders locally, such as prickly heat powder or cooling and itching-relieving washes, such as calamine lotion or menthol tincture. In cases of pustular prickly heat, calamine or berberine powder can be used topically.

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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.