Does anyone suffer from a sun rash last summer I started getting a rash on my arms and chest, took piriton and it seemed to of eased off a little well this summer now I look like I have the plauge my arms are a mess they are like little water blisters got an appointment at docs but cant get in till next thursday And im hoping to head off to a higher climate my arms are about the best part of my body please sombody tell me what I have

I suffer from that also ,the doctor just said it was prickly heat

He just suggested taking antihistamine.

so what exactly do you take and does it work

is it only me and ozzie5 who suffer this

I have been taking hayfever tablets..containing antihistamine.
and it does work quite well,but you need to take them on a regular bases
and it helps if you apply a high factor sun cream.

Cheers ozzie5 jeepers and were heading off to a place in the sun if you dont mind me asking how long have you had it and did it just come on all at once

Yes it suddenly developed around for years ago

I used to get a rash when I went on holiday, I used an antihistamine tablet like Piriton for the first few days and then Id be ok after that.

Joex

It is prickly heat, caused by excess sweating that blocks pores leading to rash and itching. Treatment is antihitamines ie piriton or stuff taken for hay fever, you can use oatmeal based skin creams to ease symptoms or calamine lotion. If it persists a low dose steroid cream from your GP will sometimes help. Can be quite a problem esp in humid conditions, loose cotton clothing, no man made fibres try using a sun cream that's NOT water based and has aloe vera as well if poss, these can be hard to find in UK (don't know about OZ) and expensive but you can get them online. Some people swear by taking salt tablets, no proven evidence this works and could be old wives tale but whatever works as it's prickly heat is soooo annoying. Other solution sweared by greeks is natural yoghurt. Cover area in natural yoghurt and keep out of direct sunlight

This can also be caused by allergies to certain brands of sun cream - its a case of trial and error and yes it can come on overnight even if you have been using a particular brand for a long time.

I used to get it whilst on the annual 2 week holiday to Spain and sometimes in the UK if we had a long spell of hot days
I got some tablets from a chemist in Menorca, they had piriton and a small dose of prednisalone 2.5 mgs (steroid). Took one tablet three times a day and they worked wonders
After that I always took them a few days before travelling and for the duration of the holiday and have not had it since (the rash)
Not sure if you can get these combined tablets in the UK but try a chemist or ask your GP.
I don't get it over here in Oz because I don't sunbathe much (not like all day when on holiday).
Tracey

I use to suffer really badly with prickly heat on the annual 2 week holiday, Would get blisters and raw areas from scratching, once i went into the chemist and the pharmacist said "bet you use amber solair" which i did,
Gave me some cream and told to change sun creams. Started using boots own brand for sensitive skin and have never had a problem since.

Di

cheers for all the advice i will try the boots sun cream and a high does of piriton

We have been in Brisbane for 2 months now and I developed this bloody prickly heat after about a week, it's so annoying and I know I shouldnt scratch but it's so hard, my skin is horrible and rough (I feel so ugly), I have never suffered from this before, came out on holiday last year and was fine (using the same suncream), so mightilty p****d off to say the least. I need to buy different suncream, but have tried the piriton but hasnt helped so far. However, I shall suffer, I will not let Brisbane beat me, theres no way I'm going back to Scotland, Australia can taunt me with prickly heat and bad Indian food all they want but I am here to stay.
Clairex

My Little girl gets it quite badly in this country ( piriton and creams help a bit) but when we were in Aus earlier in the year there was no sign of it all and it was considerably hotter than we get here! Her eczema was much better over there too.