Prickly heat or miliaria is a small red rash that stands out, feels itchy, and causes a stinging or stinging sensation in skin. This disorder, also known as heat rash, does not only occur in infants, but also in adults.
Prickly heat is more common in babies. This is because the temperature regulation in babies is not perfect and the baby's sweat glands are not yet fully developed so they are not able to sweat properly. Prickly heat in babies most often appears on the face, neck, and groin.
Symptoms and types of prickly heat
Prickly heat is a harmless and non-infectious condition. This condition generally occurs when a person is in hot weather or a humid environment. Prickly heat is often characterized by symptoms such as:
- Small red bumps, especially where sweat accumulates.
- Itching or stinging and sharp feeling in the rash.
These symptoms can appear in all parts of the body and can occur at any age range, but are most common in infants and children. Sometimes prickly heat can also look similar to gritty pimples.
According to the depth of skin damage that occurs, prickly heat is divided into several types, namely:
Miliaria crystallina
Miliaria crystallina is the mildest type of prickly heat and affects only the top layer of the skin. This condition is characterized by the appearance of red nodules filled with clear fluid that breaks easily. This type of prickly heat is usually not itchy and painless.
Miliaria rubra
Miliaria rubra occurs in the deeper layers of the skin. This condition is more common in adults than children. Symptoms of miliaria rubra include red nodules accompanied by itching and stinging.
Miliaria pustulose
Miliaria pustulose is a continuation of miliaria rubra. Prickly heat occurs when miliaria rubra becomes inflamed. Signs of miliaria pustola are red nodules filled with pus (pustules) that turn white or yellow in color. The presence of these pustules indicates the onset of a skin infection.
Miliaria deep
Miliaria deep is the rarest type. This type of miliaria occurs in the deeper layers (dermis). This retention of sweat will cause the appearance of red nodules that are bigger and harder. Although less common, this type of miliaria is chronic and recurs frequently.
When to go to the doctor
Basically, prickly heat will heal on its own if you can keep the ambient temperature and skin cool. However, you are advised to consult a doctor if prickly heat is getting annoying and accompanied by symptoms of a secondary infection of the skin. Some of the symptoms of secondary infection include:
- The red nodules swell, and are painful.
- The nodules ooze pus.
- Fever and chills.
Causes of prickly heat
Prickly heat is caused by clogged sweat glands, which triggers a rash and inflammation. The exact cause of blocked sweat glands is not known. However, the following factors and conditions can increase the risk of prickly heat:
- Tropical climateHot and humid climate and weather are the main triggers for prickly heat.
- hotHeat can also trigger clogged sweat glands that cause prickly heat. Some conditions that can cause overheating are wearing clothes that are too thick or sleeping with thick blankets when the temperature is hot.
- Certain physical activitiesCertain activities, such as sports that cause the body to sweat a lot, can trigger prickly heat.
- Sweat glands are not developedSweat glands in babies are not fully developed, so sweat is more easily trapped in the skin. That's why prickly heat is more likely to occur in babies.
- ObesitySomeone with excess weight (obesity) is also more at risk of prickly heat, especially in the folds such as the abdomen, neck, and groin.
- bed rest (bed rest) too longPatients who have to rest for a long time, especially those who have a fever, have a high risk of developing prickly heat.
Diagnosis of prickly heat
To diagnose prickly heat, the doctor asks questions and answers about the complaints and symptoms experienced, medical history, and conditions in the patient's environment. Next, the doctor will perform a physical examination by looking at the rash directly. No tests or investigations are needed to confirm the diagnosis of prickly heat.
Prickly Heat Treatment
Prickly heat is generally harmless and does not require special medical attention. This condition can be treated at home with simple steps, such as:
- Compress the affected area with a damp cloth or ice for no more than 20 minutes every hour.
- Clean the affected area with running water and a mild soap.
- Sprinkle talcum powder on the affected area to reduce skin discomfort.
- Keeping the skin cool, for example by bathing and showering.
- Avoid hot weather and humid places, such as staying longer in a cool room, or using a fan.
- Drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Wear loose clothing so as not to inhibit sweating.
If the prickly heat experienced is quite severe and bothersome, the doctor can perform treatment in the form of:
- Administration of antihistamine class of drugs, to relieve itching and redness on the surface of the skin.
- Administration of corticosteroid ointment, to relieve itching and inflammation of the rash.
- Giving lotion calamine, to relieve itching, burning, or irritation.
- Giving antibiotics, to treat if there is a secondary infection in prickly heat.
- Giving anhydrous lanolin, to prevent blockage of sweat glands and stop the emergence of new rashes.
Prickly heat rarely causes complications. however, secondary infection of the rash may occur from scratching.
Prickly Heat Prevention
The best way to prevent prickly heat is to avoid risk factors that can trigger blockages in the sweat glands. There are several steps that can be taken to prevent the blockage, including:
- Keeps body skin cool and cool.
- Use a soap that is gentle and does not contain perfume.
- Avoid wearing tight and too thick clothes when the weather is hot.
- Always wipe the sweat that has accumulated after exercise or activity.