How to distinguish eczema from prickly heat

Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
Updated on January 16, 2025
00:00
00:00

Eczema and heat rash have clear differences, including different causes. Eczema is primarily caused by allergens, as well as excessive mental stress, anxiety, and hormonal imbalances. Heat rash, on the other hand, usually arises from overly humid and hot environments that affect normal sweating function, leading to blocked sweat ducts. Their clinical manifestations also differ. Eczema typically presents as polymorphic and symmetrically distributed lesions, usually manifesting as papules and vesicular papules, and in severe cases, erosion, exudation, and significant itching are observed. Heat rash clinically appears as tiny, pin-sized blisters that emerge in clusters and merge into patches, typically found at skin folds without symmetry. White heat rash generally has less noticeable itching, whereas red heat rash is itchy and can also feel burning.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
46sec home-news-image

How to treat infant eczema

Eczema is an intensely itchy skin inflammation reaction caused by a variety of factors, including both external and internal causes. External factors include environmental climate changes, sunlight exposure, animal fur, cosmetics, etc. Internal factors mainly involve food, endocrine disorders, stress, and more. Treatment primarily targets these causes. If caused by external factors, efforts should be made to avoid them. If related to food allergies, such as milk or eggs, these allergenic foods should be avoided. Treatment can also include the use of anti-allergic ointments, commonly corticosteroid ointments, as well as oral anti-allergy medications to assist in treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
2min 27sec home-news-image

How to treat baby eczema?

Infant eczema is a common type of skin allergic inflammation in children, with a higher incidence in infants and young children. General care for infant eczema primarily involves skin care, focusing on moisturizing the skin. Children who are allergic in nature are more susceptible to eczema triggered by allergens, hence it is crucial to avoid allergens. It is advisable to wear cotton clothing, preferably in light colors, which are soft and comfortable. It is best to avoid synthetic fibers or animal fur clothing, as these can easily cause allergies. Additionally, skin moisturizing is important; it is recommended to keep bath times under ten minutes and the water not too hot. Avoid using alkaline bath products, which can scrub the baby's skin and potentially damage the skin barrier, worsening the eczema. The recommended water temperature is around 38 degrees Celsius, and bathing time should not exceed ten minutes. Room temperature should not be too warm. The room's air humidity should be maintained between 50% to 70%. It is advisable for infants not to be overly full when feeding, as excessive food intake can burden their digestive system and potentially exacerbate eczema. Mothers should be cautious with their diet, avoiding spicy, stimulating foods or allergenic foods like seafood. For baby rashes, moisturizers, predominantly those with a simple composition like mineral oil and free of dyes and fragrances, are recommended. Avoid using diluted lotions with a high water content. Applying moisturizer within about 3 minutes after bathing can optimize moisture retention. If the eczema is extensive with noticeable exudation or redness, and the baby is noticeably distressed, further medical consultation should be sought at a hospital. Dermatologists can prescribe appropriate medication based on the baby’s condition. It is generally not recommended for parents to use corticosteroid ointments on their own due to potential side effects and risks of improper use.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
56sec home-news-image

How to treat eczema with broken skin in children?

In cases of eczema in children, if there is broken skin, it is necessary to enhance skin care to prevent infection. Disinfectant solutions can be used to clean the skin, followed by the application of anti-inflammatory ointments to prevent infection of the wound. Additionally, attention should be paid to the fact that the skin in areas affected by eczema is sensitive and has lower self-immune capabilities, which can lead to worsening of the condition after infection, causing symptoms such as fever and sepsis. Therefore, once there is broken skin in the area affected by eczema, it is important to clean the wound promptly. If there are signs of pus formation, a specialist should examine and clean the wound, and oral anti-inflammatory medications may be necessary to prevent worsening of the infection. Also, dietary considerations should include avoiding spicy foods and those likely to cause allergies.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
54sec home-news-image

Can eczema spread?

Generally, based on the distribution characteristics of eczema rashes, we can divide it into localized eczema and generalized eczema. Localized eczema occurs in specific areas, such as the hands, ears, vulva, perianal area, breasts, elbow pits, popliteal fossae, and lower legs. These eczema cases generally do not spread but are relatively fixed. Generalized eczema, however, can be locally scattered or spread throughout the body. When care is improper, due to excessive scratching, scalding with hot water, failure to treat promptly or incorrectly, excessive use of steroids, or if it is accompanied by other internal diseases (such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, etc.) that are not well controlled, then the range of the eczema rashes might spread throughout the body.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
53sec home-news-image

Is infantile eczema contagious?

Pediatric eczema is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin condition that typically presents during infancy and early childhood. Some children may continue to experience symptoms into childhood and even adulthood. It is characterized by skin damage but is not infectious; thus, pediatric eczema is not contagious, which should reassure parents. The causes of pediatric eczema are complex and relate to immune dysfunction or deficiency, and nutritional disorders. External factors also play a role, such as allergies to milk, fish, shrimp, or eggs, as well as mechanical irritation or improper care, all of which can lead to eczema. However, it is not contagious. Poor care can lead to local bacterial infections of the skin, which parents must be careful to avoid.