It appears as small red pimples and pink blotches on the skin, causing patients much pain and discomfort. Most often the rashes occur on the areas that receive lots of friction from clothing such as the neck, back, diaper areas, and skin folds. Prickly heat commonly occurs in hot, muggy areas such as Australia or New Zealand. It can also affect people in the United States during the warm summer months and even in the winter when the sweat ducts become obstructed by excessive clothing. People of any age can get prickly heat.
Babies are especially at risk of irritation from their diapers and excessive heavy clothing.
Care should be taken to prevent experiences of this condition when traveling to hot areas. Miliarias other than prickly heat can occur as the sweat ducts become occluded at different levels. To avoid a bout of these irritating rashes, a patient should avoid exposure to excessive hot, sticky environments. Staying inside an air-conditioned room will help prevent and treat the rashes. If a patient comes to you asking for advice, tell them to avoid excessive exercise as it could worsen the condition.