Prickly heat is not a serious condition and rarely requires any specific treatment. Most rashes will disappear naturally after a few days.
However, there are a number of steps that may help to ease your symptoms:
- Avoid excessive heat and humidity where possible. Try to spend some time in the shade, or try taking a small fan out with you. Being exposed to heat will only make you sweat more, and could make your rash worse.
- Wear loose cotton clothing. Avoid wearing synthetic fibres, such as nylon and polyester, because they trap heat more easily than natural fibres.
- Keep your skin cool. Taking a cool bath or shower will help prevent sweating and will soothe your skin. If you can avoid sweating even for a few hours each day by staying in an air-conditioned room, you will get considerable relief.
- Calamine lotion can be used if your skin feels sore and irritated. It will help cool and soothe your skin. You can buy it at most pharmacies.
- Hydrocortisone cream can be used if your rash feels particularly itchy and irritated. You can buy low-strength hydrocortisone cream from your local pharmacy. However, avoid using this cream on your face and always follow the instructions on the packet.
