How to Avoid Prickly Heat

When you overheat, sweat glands create perspiration on skin's surface. With proper dress and environment, the sweat evaporates, cooling your body and drying your skin. Prickly heat occurs when the sweat glands become blocked, trapping perspiration under the skin and creating a bumpy rash. Babies are especially vulnerable to prickly heat, because their sweat ducts are not yet fully developed. Babies might be at higher risk, but prickly heat affects individuals of all ages, particularly in warm, humid climates.

Things You'll Need

• Breathable fiber clothing
• Air conditioner

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Instructions

• 1

  Dress in lightweight natural fibers, such as cotton or linen for everyday clothing, and wicking fabrics while exercising. During periods of exercise or other strenuous activity, wear clothes made from tight-fitting, wicking fabrics that draw sweat away from your skin's surface. Loose fitting natural fiber clothing encourages air circulation and sweat evaporation.

• 2

  Stop using heavy creams, ointments or salves. The thick gelatinous consistency that makes petroleum jelly and diaper rash cream so therapeutic in the dry cold of winter, block pores and sweat glands in warm weather. Give your skin breathing room during hot and humid environments by choosing oil-free, non-greasy products with a lightweight feel.

• 3

  Take breaks in the air conditioning. Taking a few 10 minute breaks throughout the day dries and cools your skin from sweating. Have small children come inside or rest in the shade for 10 minutes while re-hydrating with replenishing sports drinks.

• 4

  Trade in the heavy blankets for thin sheets at night time. Heavy materials limit air circulation around your skin and can cause you to overheat during the night. Install an AC in your bedroom for maximum comfort and dryness.