Pay attention to heatstroke in hot weather.

In these days when the summer heat is clearly felt, experts have issued a warning about ‘prickly heat’. Dr. Ayşegül Yalçınkaya İyidal stated that with the warming of the weather, the frequency of prickly heat especially in babies and young children has increased, and issued warnings. Emphasizing the need to protect oneself from the sun and heat in these days that should be enjoyed in the summer season, Dr. İyidal said, ‘Prickly heat complaints have started to increase. Prickly heat, which is a skin condition that can occur at any age, is more commonly observed in babies and young children.’ Providing information about the disease, Dr. İyidal continued, ‘Prickly heat, called miliaria in medical terms, is a skin rash that occurs as a result of blockage of sweat glands. It is commonly seen in the community in the summer months when the temperature and humidity are high. In addition to this, factors such as not taking showers frequently, excessive exercise, high fever, wearing tight and non-breathable clothing, dressing babies in thick clothes, and using diapers that do not have a cotton texture can create a ground for the formation of prickly heat. Depending on the level of blockage of sweat glands, prickly heat can be observed in different appearances. In the most superficial type, small vesicles filled with clear fluid, resembling dew drops with a diameter of 1-2 mm, are observed on the skin surface. There is no redness on the skin, and the patient does not have any significant complaints. The lifespan of these vesicles is short; they burst even with minor traumas. It can be seen after exposure to heat and humidity in the summer months, as well as in intense sweating accompanying febrile illnesses. It usually resolves on its own. In blockage occurring in deeper layers of the skin, red solid elevations and vesicles are observed. Symptoms such as burning, stinging, and itching accompany this type. In deeper blockage of sweat glands, solid elevations with a diameter of 1-3 mm in light or skin color are observed. In this type as well, there are no additional complaints such as burning, stinging, or itching. Prickly heat is mostly seen on the abdomen, back, chest, neck, arms, and legs. It can also be commonly observed in the folded and flexural areas of the body.’ İyidal underlined the precautions to be taken to prevent prickly heat, especially in babies and children, and said, ‘To prevent prickly heat; take regular showers with lukewarm water. Prefer underwear and clothes made of cotton and similar yarns. Wear loose and comfortable clothes instead of tight and non-breathable clothes. Use pillow and mattress covers made of cotton. Do not overdress babies in the summer, change their diapers frequently. Remove sweaty clothes immediately. Do not use skin care products and makeup that clog skin pores’.