Prickly heat consists of extremely pruritic papulovesicles that are initially discrete but quickly become confluent, especially in skin-fold or sweaty areas. The rash usually subsides if a person avoids sweating for 1 or 2 days. Taking cool baths and applying topical antipruritics such as pramoxine and calamine lotion can also bring relief. Its discrete, red papulovesicles on the torso may resemble an ordinary heat rash, cutaneous candidiasis, or even folliculitis, but the histologic picture is distinct, localized acantholysis in the epidermis. The condition is called transient but frequently persists for months and can be difficult to treat.
Topical corticosteroids are often beneficial, but the condition can persist.
When routine therapy fails, dermatologic referral or biopsy should be considered. Preventive measures include wearing lightweight clothing and using mild soaps and moisturizers. Recalcitrant cases may require treatment with topical corticosteroids and evaluation for secondary infections. Sunburn Outdoor exercise can involve overexposure to sunlight, resulting in sunburns that are painful in their acute stages and itchy as they resolve. If exposure cannot be avoided, the risk of sunburn can be minimized by applying a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher 20 to 30 minutes before going outside.