Prickly heat rash strikes most of us at some point in our lives, usually when we're infants. Odds are that most of us have experienced the small, red, pus filled blisters which characterize this irritating ailment and the nagging itching which accompanies them. The good news is that prickly heat is easy to treat and to avoid, so we shouldn't have to live with it indefinitely.

Prickly heat, or miliaria rubra, is a skin condition caused by obstruction of the sweat glands. It occurs most often in infants, but adult heat rash is not an uncommon occurrence, particularly during the warm summer months. Prickly heat can occur anytime the body is exposed to sunlight or very warm temperatures and not properly ventilated. When the sweat glands are blocked, excess moisture is retained and results in irritation of the delicate skin. Infant heat rash occurs most often in the diaper area, which is particularly predisposed to warmth and moisture.

Though most directly linked to over activity during hot weather and anything else which causes excessive sweating, there are some other causes of prickly heat rash, including obesity and genetics. The tendency to develop heat rash can also be exacerbated by poor hygiene, the use of certain deodorants or anti-perspirants which can cause allergic reaction, and in infants, the failure to change diapers frequently.

While it can be irritating and frustrating, prickly heat is not usually a serious condition. Adult heat rash can be easily treated and usually clears up within a matter of days. As soon as you begin to notice clusters of small blisters which come and go with exposure to warm weather and sunlight, you should take some immediate self help measures. The primary step to take is to avoid wearing tight clothing, particularly when exercising. The more air that can get to the skin, the better off you'll be as that acts as a natural healing agent. In cases of infant heat rash, it is recommended that you allow the baby to go without a diaper whenever possible.

To ease the itching of prickly heat rash, you can use steroid creams and topical medications containing hydrocortisone. These should usually be applied up to three times a day to provide relief. Taking cool showers and baths can help to sooth the skin. Never under any circumstances take hot showers as this will only make the irritation worse. Relief can also be achieved with oatmeal baths, as oatmeal acts a natural drying agent, speeding the healing process.

Ointments which are designed to draw out moisture can be used to dry out the blisters associated with adult heat rash. And over the counter anti-itch medications such as Benadryl can be taken, as directed, to ease symptoms. Aloe Vera and aloe vera based lotions also offer a gentle, natural source of itch relief.

While prickly heat rash is a common ailment, it can be prevented. Besides avoiding tight clothing and excess activity in hot weather, you can apply moisturizing lotions to the skin each day to keep it in good health. Powders containing cornstarch can be used to absorb excess moisture and taking a daily multi-vitamin each day can help to build up the immune system and fight off the bacteria which causes heat rash.

With infants, it is extremely important to always change their diapers as soon as they are wet to avoid unnecessary exposure to excess moisture.

The skin is the largest human organ, and in many ways it is also the most delicate. Keeping your skin healthy is a key to overall health and with just a few easy steps, you can assure that your skin stays soft, smooth and properly moisturized. Prickly heat doesn't have to be a prickly problem for you...keep the itch at bay and you're entire body will thank you for it!

Scott LeRoy has been researching and analyzing dermatological applications and treatments for many years. He is a regular contributor to Skin Ailments, a section of http://www.skinsite.com dedicated to conventional and alternative treatments of various conditions.

Source: www.isnare.com