Treating prickly heat

Prickly heat isn't a serious condition and rarely requires any specific treatment. Therashusually disappears after afew days.

However, there are several things you can do to ease your symptoms:

• Avoid excessive heat and humidity if you need to go outside, spend time in the shade or take a small fan with you. Further exposure to the heat will cause you to sweat more and may make your rash worse. Drink plenty offluids to avoid dehydration , especially in hot weather.
• Wear loose cotton clothing avoid wearing synthetic fibres, such as polyester and nylon, which trap heat easier than natural fibres.
• Keep your skin cool a cool bath or shower will cool you down, soothe your skin and help prevent further sweating. Staying in an air-conditioned room for a few hours a day will also provide considerable relief. You can also use a cold compress, but don't leaveit on the skin for longer than 20 minutes.
• Use calamine lotion this is available at most pharmacies and will help soothe sore and irritated skin.
• Try hydrocortisone cream low-strength hydrocortisone cream is also available from pharmacies and is effective at treating very itchy and irritated areas of skin. However, avoid using it on your face and always follow the instructions.
• Antihistamine tablets may help control itchingbut consult your GPfirstas they're not always suitable

However, if you're concerned, your GP will be able to confirm the cause of your baby's rash and give appropriate treatment.

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