So somehow I managed to get prickly heat on my upper body, and it means I can't workout till I get over it. For those who don't know, its when your body overheats and the sweat pores clog up, and so the sweat can't get to the surface of the skin. You get a whole bunch of itchy red bumps and it hurts like hell to sweat.
Anyone else had it, and if so, how long did it take to go away? Anything that helps? Its been 5 days of almost no training and its killing me!!!!
Brian
Never heard of it Brian. What causes it? Weird. I didn't know such a thing existed. What about swimming??
I always used to get prickly heat whenever I went to somewhere hot and humid.....not good for summer vacations. Generally it went after a few days sitting in the air-conditioned room and after that I was good to go. However, this is obviously not good from a vacation point of view. So I did some research and now instead of using various aloe creams which are suppose to soothe the skin, I use Gold Bond Body Powder and that does the trick. It is available from most Grocery Stores.
I have never got prickly heat from working out or anything like that though. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the advice Iain, I'll try that.
Not exactly sure how you get it. Its typically to do with hot/humid weather, but since it is like -10 here, I figure I must have gotten it from working out or something. I might try swimming today...see how that goes.
I had a terrible case of it when I went through basic training in the Army...all around my armpits and upper inner arms. Everthing was real swollen. I can't remember how long it took to go away...I just worked through it, but I do remember using the Gold Bond Powder that iainbanks talked about above, and it helped.
Brian, how is the Prickly Heat? Did it go after using the powder?
If I understood it correctly (English is not my first language), prickly heat is like that stuff that babies have a lot around their necks and armpits?
Cynthia Dennison Haines, MD
What Is Heat Rash?
Heat rash -- also called prickly heat or miliaria -- is a common condition in which areas of the skin itch intensely and often feel prickly, or sting, due to overheating. Heat rash looks like tiny bumps surrounded by a zone of red skin. It usually occurs on clothed parts of the body, such as the back, abdomen, neck, upper chest, groin or armpits and goes away on its own within a few days. In severe forms, however, heat rash can interfere with the body's heat-regulating mechanism and cause fever, heat exhaustion, and even death.
Heat rash occurs most often in hot, humid conditions, but you may develop it in cool weather if you are overdressed. It's most common in infants. Active people, newborns in incubators, and bedridden patients with fever also are more likely to get heat rash.
What Causes It?
Heat rash begins with excessive perspiration, usually in a hot, humid environment. The perspiration damages cells on the surface of the skin, forming a barrier and trapping sweat beneath the skin, where it builds up, causing the characteristic bumps. As the bumps burst and sweat is released, you may feel the prickly, or stinging, sensation that gives this condition its common name.
What Are the Treatments?
In most cases, heat rash will clear up on its own in a few days if the affected area is kept cool and dry. So cool your body in an air-conditioned room or with a fan, or take a cool shower or bath and let your skin air dry. If you can't cool down right away and you continue to sweat, don't add any antiperspirant, lotion, insect repellent, or powder to your skin -- these may trap more sweat, making your symptoms worse.
Once the skin is cool and dry again, apply calamine lotion or an over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching. Don't use any type of oil-based product, which might block your sweat glands.
If your prickly heat does not go away within a few days, or if you develop an infection where the bumps have burst, you may need medication, so call your doctor.
How Can I Prevent It?
To prevent heat rash, avoid situations that can lead to excessive sweating, such as hot, humid environments and strenuous physical activity. In hot weather, use air conditioning, fans, and cool showers and baths to stay cool; dry your skin thoroughly; and wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes.
Brian I got this when I treked through Spain. The problem is it will keep coming back, so make sure you have the proper diagnose. I was treated for prickly heat, but it turned out that I was allergic to a certain pesticide sprayed from plains at that time of year. It looked just like prickly heat. An anti allergic medication cleared it up within 24 hours, but I had to protect and cover my skin, which became easily irritated by the heat. Make sure your clothes are fresh with each training. Also check into a detergents and fabric softeners that are anti allergic.
I can imagine that this is really hard for you since you are such a tri-adic. I hope you get feeling better soon. I would try to train anyway fewer and shorter trainings. Sorry to hear about your troubles. Good luck and chin up!
Blitz
Heat rash occurs due to
Heat rash occurs due to miliary eruption in general condition appears especially in the warm season. Sometime you get prickly sensations, clear blisters or bumps, red bumps, intense itching and goose bump-like responses cause by excessive perspiration of skin.