Five Ways to Prevent Prickly Heat this Summer

Prickly heat or more commonly called Ghamoriyan is the most prevalent skin condition during summers. In medical terms it’s called Miliaria which means millet like grains according to its physical resemblance.

It is caused by disruption in temperature regulation which causes the sweat to accumulate underneath the skin due to obstruction of sweat ducts leading to the red raised itchy eruptions. It is usually experienced by us in the summer months. Hence since childhood we have been surrounded by precautionary tools and remedial measures to control and prevent prickly heat.

Precipitating factors:

Tropical climate: Excessive sweating and humidity contributes in preventing evaporation of sweat.
People who sweat a lot should be most concerned about it. It is best that the you keep a handkerchief at hand to wipe off the accumulating sweat to avoid any skin eruptions.

Who is prone to get prickly heat:

It can develop in anyone at any age but it is very common in infants (due to their underdeveloped sweat glands), children who play outdoor, obese persons, chefs and  labourers who are used to working in hot and humid climate.

Areas involved:

Adults: Skin folds especially in areas of friction from clothing,

Infants: Neck, groins, face and armpits

Types of Miliaria (Prickly heat):

• Miliariacrystallina is caused by obstruction of the sweat ducts close to the skin surface and appears as tiny superficial clear blisters that break easily.it resolves spontaneously.
• Miliariarubra occurs deeper in the epidermis superficial skin layer giving rise to itchy red eruptions
• Miliariaprofunda results from sweat leaking in middle layer of skin i.e. the dermis causing deep and raised eruptions
• Miliariapustulosa when its gets infected giving rise to pustules.

Though it is a self-limiting condition but sometimes the infection persists or the defective temperature regulation mechanism leads to heat exhaustion and needs medical intervention.

Five steps to prevent prickly heat this summer:

• Avoid excessive sweating preferably stay in an air-conditioned place or a well ventilated airy room.
• Wear loose cotton clothes and avoid synthetic clothing which prevents circulation of air.
• Cool water compresses or a nice cold frequent shower does wonders.
• Avoid exercising in hot humid conditions.
• Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.