Sweat Rash (Prickly Heat)
Sweat rash, also known as prickly heat, heat rash or miliaria, is a very itchy and unpleasant condition that commonly occurs when we sweat a lot in hot and humid conditions. Excessive sweating can cause the sweat glands to become blocked with bacteria and dead skin cells, which stops them from emptying properly. This causes the sweat to get trapped under the skin, creating a spotty red, prickly rash.
The condition is common amongst athletes, the physically active and anyone sweating more than they usually do. Bad cases can lead to an imbalance of natural fungi on the skin, leading to candidal intertrigo (infected sweat rash). Prickly heat is also widespread in babies and young children because their sweat glands are less developed and more prone to blocking.
As heat rash is, in essence, an allergic reaction, taking an antihistamine can help reduce the chances of an outbreak. Antihistamines work by blocking the action of histamine, a substance released by the body as a reaction to allergens. The release of histamine begins a chain reaction that leads to the release of other chemicals that add to the allergic response, a typical result of which is itching.
An itch-reducing preparation, such as calamine lotion, can help calm the maddening urge to scratch. When the skin is sore and inflamed, a mild (1%) hydrocortisone cream will help soothe the irritation.
If you are prone to outbreaks of heat rash, using an antibacterial soap when you bath or shower is a good idea. It may help clear the pores and prevent the blockage that can lead to the sore, prickly skin associated with the condition.
If you would like further information on sweat rash, please visit our Sweat Rash Information page.
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- Popular Products
- Antihistamines
- Creams and Lotions
- Antibacterial Soaps
- Other Products
- Further Information
Best Sellers
Popular Products
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Lanacane Cream 60ml
Lanacane anaesthetic cooling cream brings relief from the symptoms of minor pain, itching and irritation in localised skin conditions, such as insect bites, nettle stings and heat rash. The Lanacane range also has Lancane Cream 30g, Lanacane Anti-Chafing Gel 30g and Lanacane Medicated Body Powder 100g.
£6.40(incl VAT)Out of stock -
Eurax Cream 100g
The Eurax range contains crotamiton, which helps soothe and relieve the soreness and irritation caused by heat rash and sunburn. The Eurax range also includes Eurax Cream 30g, Eurax Lotion 100g and Eurax Hydrocortisone Cream 15g.
£6.10(incl VAT) -
Magicool Plus 150ml
Magicool Plus instantly stops and clears skin itching and irritation due to prickly heat. It is suitable for all ages, including infants.
£8.60(incl VAT) -
Hc45 Hydrocortisone Cream 15g
Hc45 is a mild cream containing Hydrocortisone acetate 1% w/w that will help calm sore and inflamed skin. It works by altering the body's response to inflammation and helps to promote healing for up to 12 hours.
£5.20(incl VAT) -
Snake Brand Prickly Heat Cooling Powder 140g
A refreshing and absorbent body dusting powder with skin cooling properties, which leaves you feeling dry and cool during warm conditions.
£4.55(incl VAT)
Antihistamines
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Non-Sedating Antihistamines
As the name suggests, Non-Sedating Antihistamines provide non-drowsy relief of the symptoms of allergic reactions, such as bites, stings and prickly heat. Benadryl, Clarityn, Piriteze and Zirtek are just some of the well-known brands that we stock.
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Sedating Antihistamines
Sedating Antihistamines help to relive the symptoms of bites, stings and allergic reactions, but can cause drowsiness, which for some individuals can be undesirable. Popular brands include Avomine, Haymine and Piriton Allergy.
Creams and Lotions
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Hydrocortisone Creams
If the rash caused by sweat rash persists, a mild (1%) hydrocortisone cream may soothe the irritation.
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Calamine Lotions
Calamine (a mixture of zinc oxide and iron oxide) has a cooling and soothing effect on the skin and is used to provide symptomatic relief from itching of the skin caused by sunburn, prickly heat and inflammation. Calamine also acts as a mild antiseptic and can help prevent infections caused by scratching.
Antibacterial Soaps
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Valderma Antibacterial Soap 100g
Valderma Antibacterial Soap is specially formulated to help keep the skin clean and clear.
£2.10(incl VAT) -
Australian Tea Tree Cleansing Soap 90g
Australian Tea Tree Cleansing Soap 90g is an all-purpose antibacterial soap containing natural tea tree oil to help kill germs and control the spread of infection.
£3.10(incl VAT)
Other Products
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A. Vogel Echinacea Cream 35g
Containing both extracts of Echinacea purpurea and Viola tricolor, A. Vogel Echinacea Cream stimulates the natural immunity of the skin and acts as a disinfectant. It is also an anti-inflammatory that soothes and nourishes the skin.
£5.55(incl VAT) -
A. Vogel Urtica Tincture 50ml
A. Vogel Urtica Tincture captures the benefits of the Stinging Nettle, a common herb believed to be an excellent blood tonic and natural antihistamine. The antihistamine action in Urtica can benefit those with allergic conditions such as hayfever and prickly heat.
£8.10(incl VAT)
Further Information
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Sweat Rash Information
If you would like some more information on sweat rash, please visit our sweat rash advice page, where we cover topics such as the causes, symptoms and treatment of sweat rash.
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Infected Sweat Rash
Excessive sweating can lead to an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a fungus naturally present on the skin. This can lead to a fungal skin infection commonly referred to as infected sweat rash (candidal intertrigo). Common sweat rash can often lead to such a condition.
