Prickly heat, or miliaria, happens when sweat ducts block in hot humid weather and sweat is trapped under the skin, causing an itchy prickly rash. These powders absorb moisture and cool the skin, which relieves the irritation and helps prevent it returning.

What You Will Find Here

Cooling and menthol based powders
Medicated powders with a mild antiseptic
Antifungal powders for skin folds
Baby safe formulations

Using Them Well

Dry the skin fully before applying, since powder on damp skin cakes and makes it worse
Loose cotton clothing and cool showers do most of the work
Apply lightly rather than heavily in folds

Precautions

Keep powder away from a babys face, as inhaling it is harmful. Do not use on broken, weeping or infected skin. If the rash becomes painful, spreads, produces pus, or comes with fever, that suggests infection and needs a doctor. A rash that does not settle in hot weather may be fungal rather than prickly heat and needs different treatment.

This page is general information only. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist, and it does not include dosage. Always follow the directions given to you and read the leaflet inside the pack.