What causes prickly heat and how can it be avoided?

As the days warm up our desire to show a little more skin can dashed by a sudden eruption of little red spots known as heat rash or prickly heat. It can be itchy, sore and may even make us want to cover up.

Prickly heat is a condition called miliaria. It happens when sweat ducts get blocked and small bums or a rash appear as sweat can’t escape.  The rash can be exasperated by the overproduction of natural skin bacteria.

What are the dangers of prickly heat?

Prickly heat is an annoying condition rather than being harmful. Resist scratching or applying harsh lotions. Using the nails to scratch may cause tears and infections to the skin. Calm the areas as much as possible using the methods mentioned above, avoid using perfumed lotions and opt for products with minimal ingredients.

How to calm prickly heat

Wear cool, loose, breathable clothing to reduce perspiration. You might be reacting to your choice of spf as fragrances and chemicals can cause reactions. Use a fragrance free mineral spf and one that is non-comedogenic such as Ultrasun.

As a method of prevention, discuss taking an antihistamine with your doctor before you go on holiday.

Take a cool oatmeal bath and gently massage it over the affected areas, this will help to reduce skin congestion and soothe inflamed skin. Applying calamine lotion or cream such as Care Aqueous Calamine Cream helps to reduce irritation. Aloe vera is well known for its powerful antiseptic properties and it is helpful in easing the rashes caused by prickly heat. Apply 2-3 times daily for quick relief.

Eating fermented foods and using a skincare range containing prebiotics may help to reduce outbreaks.  Include foods such as sauerkraut, yogurt, kimchi, kombucha and kefir. Adding Skin Perfecting Complex to your regime can help to protect from the inside out as it contains a myriad of skin calming ingredients.