Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed — Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic & Laser
Prickly Heat (Miliaria) Advice
A patient advice sheet — 7 practical points. Reviewed and updated by Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed, July 2026.
Last reviewed: July 2026
The advice
- Prickly heat is a temporary blockage of sweat ducts in heat and humidity — very common in Kuwait summers in infants, athletes and outdoor workers; it is not an infection and not a food allergy.
- Cooling is the real treatment: AC and fans, light loose cotton clothing, and fewer layers on infants (dress the baby like yourself plus one light layer at most).
- Lukewarm-to-cool showers with pat-drying, and leave the skin open to air whenever possible.
- Do not apply heavy creams, oils or Vaseline on affected areas in the heat — they block the ducts further; a light lotion only, and avoid powders for infants.
- Calamine soothes the itch, and a suitable mild cream is prescribed if clearly inflamed.
- It usually clears within a few days once the skin is kept cool and sweat-free.
- Contact us for: pus-filled spots, fever, general unwellness, or a rash that persists despite cooling (to rule out infection or another diagnosis).
See also the full treatment page: Heat rash treatment — options, evidence and expected timelines.
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