red and itchy skin

Prickly heat is a reddish rash that causes itching and a stinging sensation.

Prickly heat or to give it its medical name miliaria rubra  can occur any where on the body but is commonly found on the legs and face areas. the rash is made up of spots that can look like little blisters.

It is possible to get prickly heat in winter but for the most time hot and  humid  conditions . It is caused by a person sweating and the sweat glands being blocked .

The trapped sweat causes skin irritation and the characteristic heat rash. The symptoms of prickly heat are usually worse in areas that are covered by clothing. This is because clothing can make you sweat and the clothing irritants the skin children and babies are likely to get the symptoms as their sweat glands are not fully developed. To avoid contracting prickly heat try following some simple rules :

• Wear cotton clothing as synthetic fibres as polyester and nylon, which trap heat easier than natural fibres.

• Avoid excessive heat if you are out then try and stay shaded and take a fan to try to keep cool also take water to make sure you do not dehydrate

In general try to keep cool at all times if you do have prickly heat soothe your skin with calamine lotion to help with the sore areas and antihistamine tablets may help control itching  apply  hypoallergenic sun lotion while in the sun will reduce  the itching because it is a sensitive lotion that does not block your skin glands.