Dr Tony Bewley on heat rash
'Prickly heat [or Polymorphic Light Eruption] tends to be made worse by a part of the sun's rays called UVA. UVA can get through glass and clouds, so you can get a sun-related rash even on cloudy days. Try using a high-factor sun block with an SPF over 25, but together with a UVA block. The UVA block has a different numbering system, and "posh" is not always best.
Five-star sun block is the one to go for. Better than that, sit in the shade or wear a nice wide-brimmed hat and lots of trendy clothes. I'm all for people having a lovely time in the sunshine. We just need to protect our skin.'
Dr Tony Bewley, Consultant Dermatologist at Barts Hospital, London
More help and advice
- More facts and help on skin conditions
- Get the facts about prickly heat/heat rash
- What you need in your medicine cabinet
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Louise Collins, 11 months
I have suffered from prickly heat for most of my adult life, it has worsened significantly in recent years. It got so bad that I actually stopped holidaying in hot or sunny countries altogether, as my last holiday to Florida was absolutley ruined by the condition. I was in complete agony and it seemed to be completely out of control. The worst areas being across my chest and the tops of my feet. I spent the last week of the holiday inside ALL THE TIME as the pain was so unbearable. It was the lousiest holiday I have ever had, and one of the lousiest times in my life actually. Coming a close third after having a brain tumour and having my appendix out!! I swear! Having suffered from prickly heat for many years and having never found any suitable solutions or remedies, I find it so very frustrating that the only advice from health professionals and the doctors I have sought help from Is to just stay out of the sun and wear a wide brimmed hat!!! This does not work at all! It doesn't make any difference and is no consolation when even having tried this - and every other advice you can think of!-, I still suffer very badly. I've tried wearing factor 50 suncream, anti allergy sun cream, suncream for babies Factor 80 (!!!) taking antihistamines, Not going in the sun at all, exfoliating, blah blah blah, you name it I have tried it. All to no avail whatsoever. I am at my wits end as, even though its been five years since my last holiday in the sun -because of how badly I suffer from this condition- I have a family wedding to attend in Florida this autumn. And, instead of looking forward to i/such a joyous occasion and ii/ such a lovely holiday opportunity, I am absolutely dreading it because of how much I suffer from this excrutiating pain and discomfort of this condition. I have spoken to many different GPs about my problem with this and none of them have been able to offer me any constructive advice or support -other than to wear a hat and stay out of the sun. This is so disheartening, as when I was being treated for a brain tumour and had to take a course of steroids, I didn't suffer from prickly heat at all. And it in 2003, the year we had that amazing summer in the UK. I basked in the garden every day like a lobster!! It was magical!! When asking a Pharmacist why this might be so, It was explained to me that steroids can indeed alleviate the causes and symptoms of prickly heat but when I have asked my various health care professionals if it would be possible for me to have some kind of steroid remedy in order to not have a lousy time at my family wedding this autumn, the answer has been a catagorical no. FYI prickly heat and polymorphic light eruption are TOTALLY NOT THE SAME THING.
Report this commentJoanna, about 1 year
After I'd read prickly heat was caused by blocked pores, I started exfoliating much more regularly, and it's really helped. If I feel it starting when I'm exercising and getting hot, I just make sure I give myself a thorough scrub in the shower after.
Report this commentSarah, over 2 years
I find taking anti-histamines really help when i get prickly heat.
Report this commentChloe, over 2 years
Prickly heat and ploymorphic light eruption are not the same thing.
Report this commentMargaret Scott, over 2 years
I just want to say that people who suffer from prickly heat must be aware that they should avoid going into the sea to try and cool there skin down, as the salt water irritates the rash even more.
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Demi Riley, 10 months
I am only 14 but have suffered from heat rash all my life, i recently got it in England and spoke to ne of my teachers about it because she suffers to and apparently piez brunn alergie suncream is meant to help to open the pores and prevent the rash from occuring. And there is also some sort of powder- a bit like talk - that is a yellowy colour and it also helps to reduce the itching and open the pores. It can be found on the internet. I myself also use pure aloe jelly, or any form of pure aloe does help to cool down the skin and also magicool spray for heatrash helps to cool it down.
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