What should I do if a baby gets prickly heat?

Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
Updated on January 24, 2025
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If babies develop prickly heat, it should be considered that their sweat glands are underdeveloped, making them susceptible to changes in temperature which can lead to increased sweating. Their sweat can block the sweat glands and increase the occurrence of prickly heat. In terms of treatment, first of all, it's important to pay attention to the temperature of the baby's living environment, ensuring a certain level of humidity and temperature to reduce the stimulus of sweating. Additionally, care should be taken that the clothing is not too tightly wrapped; preferably choose cotton and loose clothing to keep the skin breathable. Furthermore, if prickly heat occurs, you can apply baby-specific prickly heat powder for topical application. Also, pay attention to any symptoms of skin infection, and if present, timely medication should be administered to avoid exacerbation of symptoms leading to infection.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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How to use prickly heat powder?

Use of prickly heat powder, with the following recommended methods: First, if it is used on babies, be careful not to let the baby get the prickly heat powder into their mouth or eyes. When applying the prickly heat powder, try to apply it to the buttocks, armpits, or the neck and back area. Second, when applying it to skin folds, try to spread it out evenly and not let it accumulate in one spot. Use only a small amount each time, just enough to cover with a thin layer. Third, after using the prickly heat powder, cover it properly to avoid getting it wet.

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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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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.

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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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Do prickly heat have blisters?

Prickly heat, this disease is divided into many types, including white prickly heat, red prickly heat, purulent prickly heat, etc. The type with blisters belongs to white prickly heat, while other types generally do not have blisters. White prickly heat tends to occur in people with low immunity or those who are bedridden for a long time, especially in areas prone to sweating, where blisters can easily develop. At this time, it is crucial to prevent infection, treat it promptly, and maintain a good prognosis.