Prickly Heat

• Prickly heat also called as Miliaria or eccrine miliaria, is a frequently

observed skin condition caused by blocked eccrine sweat glands and ducts,
causing a backflow of eccrine sweat into the dermis or epidermis.
• This backflow results in a rash involving the formation of a sweat-filled
vesicle under the skin.
• Other names for it include “heat rash” or a “sweat rash.
• It is most common in warm, humid climates during the summer months.
 Types
1. Miliaria crystallina, or sudamina, commonly affects neonates with the incidence at 2
weeks of age or less. It affects 4.5% to 9% of neonates. It can also be seen in adults who
have recently relocated to a warmer climate.
2. Miliaria rubra, the most common form of miliaria, is frequently seen in neonates
between 1 and 3 weeks of age and can affect up to 30% of adults living in hot and humid
conditions.
3. Miliaria pustulosa is the rarest form of miliaria and is most commonly seen in people
who have recurrent episodes of miliaria rubra or individuals exposed to new warm
climates such as military persons deployed in tropical climates.
 TREATMENT FOR PRICKLY HEAT
•Effective heat treatment is to cool the patient to avoid more sweating, using air conditioning, fans, cold water
bandages, etc. The topical application of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents will help to reduce intense
irritation and burning of the skin. Dusting powder containing active ingredients in the affected region can
provide relief from the prickly heat.

•Specific modalities for treatment of miliaria are unique depending on the type. Miliaria crystallina is usually
not treated as it is self-limited and usually resolves within 24 hours. Miliaria rubra treatment is geared towards
decreasing inflammation, and therefore mild to mid-potency corticosteroids like triamcinolone 0.1% cream
may be applied for one to two weeks. If miliaria pustulosa develops, topical antibiotics such as clindamycin
are indicated.
 TREATMENT FOR PRICKLY HEAT

•Requirement of Prickly heat powder

•Talcum powder containing triclosan or triclocarban is used for treating prickly heat. Titanium
dioxide, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, kaolin is used to enhance the covering power of talcum
powder. Zinc oxide, when used, also imparts soothing properties, being a mild astringent unlike
titanium dioxide. Zinc oxide also has a slightly better sunscreen property and helps in reducing
minor skin irritations.

•The next important requirement of a prickly heat body powder is its ability to absorb perspiration
and the greasy sebaceous secretions to eliminate the unwanted oily shine on the skin to prevent
aggravation of irritation and burn. The absorbing capacity of a talcum powder is increased by use of
colloidal kaolin, precipitated chalk, magnesium carbonate, etc
How to avoid prickly heat