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Sweat Rash (Prickly Heat)

image 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 Sweat Rash 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

  • Balmonds Cooling Cream 100ml

    Balmonds Cooling Cream 100ml

    A cooling skin cream that can be used to soothe prickly heat rash.

    £17.65
    (incl VAT)
  • Hc45 Hydrocortisone Cream 15g

    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.

    £5.40
    (incl VAT)
  • Eurax Cream 100g

    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 and Eurax Hydrocortisone Cream 15g.

    £8.09
    (incl VAT)
  • Snake Brand Prickly Heat Cooling Powder 140g

    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.

    £5.50
    (incl VAT)

Antihistamines

Creams and Lotions

  • Hydrocortisone Creams


    Hydrocortisone Creams

    If the rash caused by sweat rash persists, a mild (1%) hydrocortisone cream may soothe the irritation.

  • Calamine Lotions


    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

  • Australian Tea Tree Cleansing Soap 90g

    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.

    £3.49
    (incl VAT)

Other Products

  • A. Vogel Urtica Tincture 50ml

    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.

    £9.99
    (incl VAT)
    Buy any 3 or more A. Vogel products and save 5%

Further Information

  • Infected Sweat Rash


    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.