The symptoms of prickly heat tend to appear after a few days of being exposed to hot temperatures, although sometimes symptoms will not appear for several weeks or months.
The rash
Prickly heat causes a rash to form on your skin. The rash is normally made up of tiny spots or bumps surrounded by a patch of red skin. Sometimes, the spots look like tiny blisters. This rash may cause:
- mild swelling,
- itching, and
- a stinging or intense prickling sensation.
The rash can affect any part of your body, but most commonly appears on your:
- back,
- abdomen (tummy),
- neck,
- upper chest,
- groin,
- armpits,
- hands, or
- feet.
If you have prickly heat, your symptoms will usually be worse on the areas of your body that are covered by clothing. This is because your clothing can cause friction and will make you sweat more often.
