Obesity: A Growing Health Concern Globally

The obesity epidemic is real.

If one walks down the street, particularly in the western world, it immediately becomes apparent that the problem of obesity is a growing, health concern. This is not merely attributable to hype or media hype, personal or mass opinion, or merely a figment of someone’s vivid imagination. There are a large percentage of people, who are overweight or even grossly overweight, all around the globe.

One might argue that because of the media, there is increased awareness of the growing obesity epidemic. There are also medical records documenting evidence that shows the problem of obesity is reaching epidemic proportions, in many different parts of the world.

In order to understand the obesity epidemic, it is important to know what obesity is. It is also necessary to understand how this is determined, as well as what a concern of epidemic proportion signifies for humankind.

One might ask how it is possible to determine if there really is an obesity epidemic. Is it identifiable from a medical, scientific perspective?

To explain this more fully, there are three words that must be understood, namely obesity, epidemic and 

body mass index. 

What is obesity?

“Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or health problems. (1) 

When one argues that obesity is of epidemic proportion globally, it is important to understand how an epidemic is determined and why it becomes an area of medical concern. 

What is an epidemic?

Normally, one would of an epidemic in terms of being the spread of a disease process or an infection. Thus, since obesity is not an infection, there are people who prefer not to refer to the problem of obesity, as an epidemic. At no point in time, has it ever been determined that obesity has any relationship to infection. At the same time, the obesity problem continues to expand its global horizons, rapidly.

Allegorically speaking, one might suggest that the problem of obesity is growing, in a manner similar to the spread of a disease or an infection. In other words, as it spreads, it touches, changes and endangers the lives of many people in certain areas, at the same time. It also affects their health in an adverse manner.

Within this context and under the following definition of epidemic, one might suggest that obesity is a real epidemic or at the very least, a global health concern of epidemic proportion: “A rapid spread, growth or development.” (2)

To assert that an obesity epidemic is real, it is important to understand how body mass index is determined from a scientific, medical and health care perspective. 

What is body mass index?

“Body mass index (BMI), a measurement which compares weight and height, defines people as overweight (pre-obese) if their BMI is between 25 kg/m2 and 30 kg/m2, and obese when it is greater than 30 kg/m2."  (3)

Globally, medical and health care professionals, determine body mass index for their patients. This often includes large numbers of people living in different areas, sometimes in remote areas of the world. This information researched further, determines the numbers of people whose lives are ultimately affected. That is when the reality of obesity as an epidemic or a global health concern of epidemic proportion, becomes evident.

On this basis, the obesity epidemic is real and yes, people everywhere, should be concerned and seek medical guidance and directives with regard to obesity. The good news is that the problem of obesity can be resolved.

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obesity

2. http://www.answers.com/topic/epidemic

3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obesity

Human Rights: Privacy, Trust and Confidentiality

"Should patient information be published on the Internet?":

This question should be answered with a firm no, by patients and other family members, as well as by medical and health care professionals, in order to protect them.

Three major areas of concern should be addressed in this question, namely human rights (and more specifically, the right to privacy), trust and confidentiality.

Human rights

Each person has basic human rights and these include the right to personal privacy.

Note the following quotation:

“Privacy is a fundamental human right recognized in the UN Declaration of Human Rights, the International Convenant on Civil and Political Rights and in many other international and regional treaties. Privacy underpins human dignity and other key values such as freedom of association and freedom of speech. It has become one of the most important human rights issues of the modern age. The publication of this report reflects the growing importance, diversity and complexity of this fundamental right.” (1)

One might ask, is it a violation of human rights (and more specifically a person’s privacy), when patient information is posted on the Internet? One must argue that it is.

Does it make a difference who releases the information?

Should a patient post his or her own patient information on the Internet, in conjunction with his or her own family members? Doing so may affect the lives of others and impinge upon their human rights.

Can a patient or a patient’s family violate his or her own human rights? Perhaps unknowingly or even knowingly, this is possible. In turn, this might reflect further, on the human rights of others.

Should patient information be posted on the Internet, by medical or other health care professionals?

Medical and health care professionals do not post any patient information on the Internet, particularly when a consent in writing, has not been obtained from the patient and/or the patient’s family.  

Trust  

“The typical definition of trust follows the general intuition about trust and contains such elements as: the willingness of one party (trustor) to be vulnerable to the actions of another party (trustee); reasonable expectation (confidence) of the trustor that the trustee will behave in a way beneficial to the trustor; risk of harm to the trustor if the trustee will not behave accordingly; and the absence of trustor's enforcement or control over actions performed by the trustee. Trust can be naturally attributed to relationships between people. It can be demonstrated that humans have a natural disposition to trust and to judge trustworthiness that can be traced to the neurobiological structure and activity of a human brain…” (2) 

Patients and their families establish an element of trust, based upon personal integrity, in their relationship with others.

Should that trust ever be broken?

Ideally, this kind of a trust relationship should never be broken through the posting of patient information on the Internet.

There is the element of trust established between a doctor and his or her patients, another trust that should not be broken. To post patient information on the Internet, without the consent of a patient and his or her family, would be a violation of that trust.

Confidentiality

Many people are not aware of what is involved in terms of confidentiality issues and concerns, when patient information is posted on the Internet.

Consider the following three definitions of confidentiality:

“…the principle in medical ethics that the information a patient reveals to a health care provider is private and has limits on how and when it can be disclosed to a third party.” (3)

“The ethical principle or legal right that a physician or other health professional will hold secret all information relating to a patient, unless the patient gives consent permitting disclosure.” (4)

“…secrecy relating to information. All clinical data have a degree of confidentiality, the level varying with the information and the circumstances.” (5)

Confidentiality, where it concerns a patient and his or her family members, is something that becomes an individual or a family matter, but the importance of it should never be underestimated.

Confidentiality is always a major concern for all medical and health care professionals. This is a basic tenet of their training, practice and professional conduct.

Thus, being aware that human rights, (specifically those of personal privacy), trust and confidentiality are vital in terms of a person’s medical and health status, patient information should not be posted on the Internet by a patient, or his or her family members.

It is even more important when it comes to medical and health care professionals.

1. http://gilc.org/privacy/survey/intro.html

2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trust_(social_sciences)

3. http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/confidentiality

4. Ibid.

5. Ibid.

Understanding the Difference Between Legal, Moral and Ethical Issues: Ongoing Research in Evaluation and Reassessment

To understand the difference between legal, moral and ethical issues, particularly as they concern the practice of medicine, it is important to distinguish between these three realms of inquiry.

While it is possible to simplify this to some extent, at the same time, one must be aware that each of these realms is broad in scope. In other words, there is on-going research, re-evaluation and re-assessment in each of these areas, during every era and thus, their horizons are continually expanding.    

Legal issues pertain to the law.

We each have a basic understanding of the law, as well as how it concerns us as individuals, couples, families, communities and countries. At times, we look at this from an international perspective. Established laws should not be broken. If or when, they are broken, there may be repercussions, which may include severe punishment. Of course, the interpretation of the law and the enforcement thereof, always presents a certain degree of difficulty, in every part of the world and in every realm of inquiry, including that related to the medical world.

Moral issues involve the concept of right and wrong in terms of a person’s conscience and behavior.

From a western perspective, Christians understand the divine Law or the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament of the Bible, to be the foundation of the moral system. In the New Testament, “the love of God and one another”, sets a broader, moral standard for humankind, based upon the concept of divine love and forgiveness.  

Of course, there are different standards of morality all around the world. These are generally in conjunction with various religious systems and beliefs. Most countries have moral teachings, as well as moral leaders, who instruct and guide their people. Moral issues can be of an individual or collective nature, even in the medical realm of inquiry.

Ethical issues relate to the basic principles that govern individuals or groups. 

In terms of medical ethics, this is the basis for the establishment of guidelines regarding principles and practice, in the realm of medicine. At times, there can be a fine line between legal, moral and ethical issues. This is also true when it comes to medical practice. One must accept the reality that the horizons of legal, moral and ethical issues are continually expanding their horizons in every part of the world.

That also means what the western world regards as legal, moral and ethical may come under severe scrutiny and criticism from people who live in different parts of the world. At the same time, their principles and practice may come under our scrutiny and criticism. This holds true in the realm of medicine.

Global standardization of legal, moral and ethical issues is often difficult to achieve. It becomes even more complex, as the medical realm continues to expand its scientific horizons.   

One must suggest that legal, moral and ethical issues in medical practice are always in process, to some degree. In other words, because these areas are continually subject to new research, ongoing re-evaluation or re-assessment, this results in on-going expansion of their horizons, individually and collectively.

Patients, their families, as well as doctors and other health care professionals everywhere, deal with medical issues that have legal, moral and ethical aspects. It is important to understand how they are unique and yet inter-related, in the medical world.

Medical Ethics in Health Care and How They Apply: Medical Ethics, its Definition, Roots and Values

What do we mean when we say medical ethics?

Medical ethics encompasses a wide range of scientific inquiry, exploration and discovery. Thus, a definition of medical ethics is necessary, but it has to be broad in scope in order to cover the full extent of its possible aspects.

“Medical Ethics: A system of moral principles that apply values and judgments to the practice of medicine. As a scholarly discipline, medical ethics encompasses its practical application in clinical settings, as well as work on its history, philosophy, theology, and sociology. (1)

Medical ethics determines the guidelines of practice for medical and health care professionals. Medical standards of practice, as well as short and long-term goals in medicine must be determined, established and maintained. Without medical ethics, there would be no rules or regulations in the field of medicine.

Addressing the question of medical ethics in health care, suggests that one must be familiar with its basic, historical perspective, at least to some extent. Because of its complexity and vastness of scope, this article will only include a reference to the early beginnings of western-based medical ethics.  

“Historically, Western medical ethics may be traced to guidelines on the duty of physicians in antiquity, such as the Hippocratic Oath, early rabbinic and Christian teachings.” (2)

Note that since that time, the study of medical ethics has advanced far beyond that and has undergone further changes and development and will continue to develop in the future. Addressing the question of medical ethics in health care further, opens another realm of inquiry and concern. It is extremely broad in scope, but its importance cannot be underestimated.

Note that this is rooted in basic values determined in the medical world, by those in authority.    

“Six of the values that commonly apply to medical ethics discussions are:

Autonomy - the patient has the right to refuse or choose their treatment. (Voluntas aegroti suprema lex.)

Beneficence - a practitioner should act in the best interest of the patient. (Salus aegroti suprema lex.) 

Non-maleficence - "first, do no harm" (primum non nocere). Justice - concerns the distribution of scarce health resources, and the decision of who gets what treatment (fairness and equality). 

Dignity - the patient (and the person treating the patient) have the right to dignity. 

Truthfulness and honesty - the concept of informed consent has increased in importance since the historical events of the Doctors' Trial of the Nuremberg trials andTuskegee Syphilis Study.

Values such as these do not give answers as to how to handle a particular situation, but provide a useful framework for understanding conflicts.

When moral values are in conflict, the result may be an ethical dilemma or crisis” (3)

Every era brings about continual changes in the medical world. Thus, there are always new and different questions, concerns, issues, dilemmas and possible crises that must be resolved.

In any kind of a crisis, medical judgments are necessary. Medical professionals make decisions about appropriate medical care and treatment based upon their degree of expertise, experience and authority.

At times, there are no easy answers. Patient’s lives are at stake and thus, the decisions made are crucial.

This article touches upon the basics of medical ethics in health care and how they apply. Further inquiry into medical ethics will reveal an open door of inquiry, one that is challenging, exciting and intriguing in its vast potential.

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_ethics

2. Ibid.

3. Ibid.

How Excessive Doses of Radiation Can Affect People's Health: Acute Radiation Syndrome

The possibility of acute radiation syndrome, (radiation poisoning, radiation sickness or radiation toxicity), resulting from excessive radiation exposure, originating from damage sustained by the nuclear reactors in Japan, is raising serious health concerns for people all around the world.

The World Health Organization is currently assessing the situation, realizing that it may be far more serious than they thought.  

Because of the recent natural disaster, which involved an earthquake and tsunami in Japan, on March 11, 2011, there are major problems associated the release of high levels of ionizing radiation from the nuclear reactors, located in the region of the natural disaster. To date, the problems remain unresolved.  

It is becoming increasingly apparent that the health concern about excessive radiation exposure extends beyond the immediate disaster area, as well as the borders of Japan. It can potentially affect the lives and health of people in surrounding countries, including those living in the eastern and western world, as well those in northern and southern countries.

Should we be alarmed?

Everyone should be concerned about the adverse effects of excessive radiation exposure on their health.

Note that while it is important for people not to panic, at the same time, they should be aware of the serious nature of this problem. It is always better to be knowledgeable than to be non-knowledgeable, particularly when it affects people’s health.

How does excessive radiation exposure affect people’s health?

Historically, scientific medical research has determined that excessive radiation exposure does affect the health of people, in an adverse manner. While most people have some basic knowledge about how excessive radiation affects human health, they are probably not familiar with its full implications. 

“Acute radiation syndrome (ARS) also known as radiation poisoning, radiation sickness or radiation toxicity, is a constellation of health effects which occur within several months of exposure to high amounts of ionizing radiation. The term generally refers to acute problems rather that ones that develop after a prolonged period of time.” (1)

There are different factors to take into consideration with regard to the acute effects of excessive radiation exposure on people’s health.

One of the most important factors is the actual level of exposure to ionizing radiation. In other words, is it a high level of exposure or a low level of exposure? The higher the level of exposure, the more danger it presents with respect to the health of people.

Another factor to consider is the length of time of the exposure to the ionizing radiation. Is it minutes, hours, days, weeks or months? The longer the time of exposure has been, is or will be in the future, the higher the likelihood of people having their health adversely affected.

What are the signs and symptoms of excessive radiation exposure and how quickly do these symptoms occur? How serious are the symptoms?

“The onset and type of symptoms that develop depends on the dose of radiation exposure. Relatively smaller doses result in gastrointestinal effects such as nausea and vomiting and symptoms related to falling blood counts such as infection and bleeding. Relatively larger doses can result in neurological effects and rapid death.” (2)  

Note that non-acute or “stochastic effects of radiation” (3) are different and “are not included in the term radiation sickness.” (4)

Excessive radiation exposure over a long time, leads to more serious health concerns.

“Radiation exposure can also increase the probability of developing some other diseases, mainly cancer, tumors, and genetic damage.” (5)

Addressing the topic of acute radiation syndrome (radiation poisoning, radiation sickness or radiation toxicity) is the first step towards enhanced public awareness, with respect to a potentially life threatening situation. 

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiation_poisoning

2. Ibid.

3. Ibid.

4. Ibid.

5. Ibid.

The Effects of Radiation Exposure: Understanding Radiation Exposure

What are the effects of radiation exposure on the human body? At this time, the effects of radiation exposure on the human body are a cause for concern, because of the radiation released from the nuclear plant in Japan, the direct result of the natural disaster that occurred on March 11, 2011.  

While most people have basic knowledge about radiation and are familiar with some of the effects of radiation exposure on the human body, they may not be aware of the long-term effects, the future implications or the effects of different levels of radiation exposure.    

What level of radiation exposure causes damage to the human body? 

Atomicarchive.com (1) gives a brief description of what happens to the human body when exposed to different levels of radiation.

What areas of the human body are adversely affected?

These include the hair, brain, thyroid, blood system, heart, gastrointestinal tract and reproductive tract.

The following information, offers a brief synopsis of what happens to the human body at different levels of radiation exposure.

Hair: 200 rems or higher radiation levels result in clumping and rapid hair loss. 

Brain: Brain damage occurs to brain cells at 5000 rems or greater. Note that radiation causes damage to nerve cells and small blood vessels, which results in seizures and immediate death.

Thyroid: Radioactive iodine can destroy all or part of the thyroid gland; but the effects diminish with potassium iodide.

Blood system: At 100 rems, the lymphocyte cell count drops rendering a person more prone to infection. This occurs in radiation sickness.      

Heart: 1000 to 5000 rems damages small blood vessels, leading to heart failure and death.

Gastrointestinal tract: 200 rems or more causes damage to the intestinal tract lining, which results in nausea, bloody vomiting and diarrhea. 

Reproductive tract: At 200 rems, rapidly dividing cells suffer damage. Over the long term, radiation sickness results in sterility.

DNA and RNA: 200 rems harm DNA and RNA. (2)

To understand this more fully, it is important to understand the meaning of the word rem. 

“The roentgen equivalent in man (or mammal) or rem (symbol rem ) is a unit of radiation dose equivalent. It is the product of the absorbed dose in rads and a weighting factor.” (3)

To simplify this statement, rem is a unit of radiation. The following information will help to put this in proper perspective.    

“An acute whole-body dose of under 50 rem is typically subclinical and will produce nothing other than blood changes. 50 to 200 rem may cause illness but will rarely be fatal. Doses of 200 to 1,000 rem will probably cause serious illness with poor outlook at the upper end of the range. Doses of more than 1000 rems are almost invariably fatal.” (4)  

It is important to understand how the radiation used in the medical realm differs from the kind of exposure that people may have with respect to the potential nuclear disaster in Japan.

Are human beings at risk when treated with radiation?

Remember that there is always some degree of risk associated with any level of radiation exposure, but there is a marked difference in the radiation exposure levels. To understand radiation exposure in the medical realm more fully, let us look at what happens when a person undergoes medical x-rays or treatment with radiation.    

“A rem is a large dose of radiation, so the millirem (mrem), which is one thousandth of a rem, is often used for the dosages commonly encountered, such as the amount of radiation received from medical x-rays and background sources.” (5)

It is always important to keep things in proper perspective, particularly when talking about radiation. Again, being knowledgeable is preferable to being non-knowledgeable, particularly with respect to different aspects of the effects of radiation on the human body.

1. http://www.atomicarchive.com/Effects/radeffects.shtml

2. Ibid.

3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roentgen_equivalent_man

4. Ibid.

5. Ibid.

What is Earthquake Sickness: A Medical Phenomenon

Earthquake sickness appears to be a medical phenomenon occurring in Japan, following the March 11, 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear plant problems, in that area. Patients experiencing this illness are complaining of dizziness and nausea.

The Jakarta Globe reported this as motion sickness, relating it to the recurrent aftershocks in the area. (1) 

Inquirer.net suggested that it was motion sickness also, but at the same time, the Mejiro University Clinic referred to it as earthquake sickness, similar to motion sickness. (2) 

It seems there are three distinct possibilities, in other words, motion sickness, earthquake sickness or earthquake-sickness-similar-to-motion-sickness. One cannot discount the reality that there are many additional health-related factors in a tragedy of this proportion. These could present similar symptoms.

Other possible factors contributing to a medical problem of this nature could include fear, paranoia about radiation exposure, consumption of contaminated food and water, disorientation as a direct result from a shift in the world’s axis and disease entities like cholera or other health problems, like Meniere’s disease.   

Fear invariably puts people into a state of shock and can lead to panic attacks. Repeated aftershocks following a major earthquake could cause a state of mental confusion and emotional insecurity, which might be instrumental in triggering panic attacks.

Aftershocks cause people to live in fear of injury, death, the loss of loved ones or personal property and homelessness, particularly when they are frequent and severe in nature. The fear of an unknown future could spread like wildfire throughout the general population and result in mass panic attacks. This is inevitable following any natural disaster.

Radiation may be an important factor in this situation. Note that exposure to different levels of radiation vary depending upon one’s proximity to a nuclear accident. Radiation sickness could cause people to experience a number of different symptoms depending upon their degree of exposure. There is also the possibility of illness from the consumption of radiation contaminated food and water.

Contamination of food and water from other sources, may be the direct result of the disruption of essential services in a community affected by a natural disaster. Septic gases could affect populated areas. There is the possibility of unknown, toxic chemicals from the earthquake zone.

There is the scientific question as to whether a minor change in the earth’s axis can lead to a feeling of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual disorientation. It seems likely that continual motion from ongoing aftershocks following a major earthquake could lead to the symptoms of motion sickness and thus, be dubbed earthquake sickness. If there is continual shifting of the ground, it might trigger a motion sickness type of illness.       

Medical professionals are normally aware of the other inter-related factors in a scenario like this. From a medical perspective, it may be more than a diagnosis of earthquake sickness or motion sickness. One might argue that because of the possibility of the spread of disease processes like cholera in a country affected by this kind of a natural disaster, appropriate health precautions are vital to prevent the spread of diseases.

Motion sickness involves the inner ear, affecting a person’s balance and equilibrium. Meniere’s disease, which is an inner ear infection, causes dizziness, but does not necessarily result in nausea.    

Recommendations for the resolution of the phenomenon of earthquake sickness or motion sickness include relaxing and returning to normal schedules of daily activity and sleep. (3)

Will these treatments be sufficient? Perhaps only time will tell.

1. http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/asia/earthquake-sickness-hits-japan/434277

2. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20110408-330085/Earthquake-sickness-hits-Japan 

3. Ibid.

What is Insulin Resistance Syndrome: Understanding the Role of Insulin

Understanding the role of insulin in the human body is essential with regard to the prevention or insulin resistance syndrome.

What is insulin?

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas, when there is an increase of sugar in the blood stream. 

Attaching to cells in the human body, insulin removes blood sugar needed for energy.  When there is insulin resistance or insulin resistance syndrome, the human cells do not respond appropriately to the hormone’s action. The pancreas then produces higher levels of insulin, in order to deal with the increasingly elevated sugar levels, which results in an excess of insulin in the body.    

Patients who have insulin resistance syndrome demonstrate relatively high blood sugar levels and gradually tend towards diabetes, as the body is not able to compensate for the elevated blood sugar levels, even though it attempts to do so.

Developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help to prevent insulin resistance syndrome.

Prevention is important, as there are other diseases associated with insulin resistance syndrome such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, heart disease and poly-cystic ovarian syndrome.

Exercise, weight and dietary management are three crucial aspects in the prevention of insulin resistance syndrome.      

Globally, many people, including children, live relatively sedate lifestyles and thus, diabetes, as the result of insulin resistance syndrome, is on the rise. Decreasing the incidence of diabetes is possible. In order to do this, it is up to people everywhere to assume control of their own lifestyles.

Increasing physical activity on a daily basis is extremely important, as exercise requires energy and reduces blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels are lower, less insulin production is required.

Simply walking for a minimum of thirty minutes a day or several times a day, can help to reduce one’s blood sugar level to a satisfactory level. There are many other kinds of physical exercise that one can undertake, for instance swimming, skating, skiing, dancing and jogging. Becoming involved in a recreational program that involves physical activity, is often a good idea.   

Exercise is also an important aspect of long-term weight loss and management. Weight loss programs are most effective for those who are willing to learn, understand and adhere to the basic principles of weight loss and weight management.     

Healthy eating is a good starting place for anyone wanting to begin a weight loss program.

Listening to one’s body is a good rule of thumb with regard to dietary management. The human body will reveal its own needs and requirements in terms of food consumption. Most people instinctively know when they are comfortable with their weight and food consumption. A person tending towards obesity is not comfortable with his or her weight and may attempt to avoid the issue, but instinctively knows he or she would feel better at a lower weight. Taking action and thus, doing something about it, is an important step.  

Avoiding high caloric foods and drinks is important. Gradually reducing them over time, will gradually bring about a lowering of one’s blood sugar and a shift in one’s weight. Reducing portion size is another way to cut calories. Choice of food is another vital factor. Choose only healthy foods and drinks.  

Be aware that the prevention of insulin resistance syndrome and diabetes reduces the likelihood of other disease processes in the future. Remember that a regular physical assessment by a qualified, health care professional is important to rule out insulin resistance syndrome.

What is a Prickly, Heat Rash: Heat Rash Versus Prickly Heat Rash

In order to understand the nature of prickly heat rash, it is important to differentiate between heat rash and prickly heat rash.

Heat rash is a generic name for different kinds of skin problems that come from excessive heat exposure or overheating. These include prickly heat rash or miliaria, urticaria or hives and sweat retention. (1)

Prickly heat rash or miliaria affects infants, young children and adults of any age, particularly during the summer time or especially in areas where the climate tends to be relatively humid.

“Prickly heat rash is a common skin condition that consists of an intense itch and feels (sic) prickly or even stings (sic) due to overheating. It usually appears on parts of the body commonly covered by clothes, for instance the back, neck or abdominal area, chest and groin. The disease is commonly known as miliaria.” (2)

Usually, prickly heat rash is not a serious condition, but “…it can cause a malfunction in the normal heat regulation mechanism of the body, which may lead to fever and a deep sensation of illness.” (3)

Prickly heat rash is usually easy to diagnose. Most parents will recognize the symptoms, as it is relatively common in infants.    

When the hair follicles and sweat glands in the skin become occluded, blocked or plugged, tiny, pinpoint, pink to clear bumps form on the skin resulting in inflammation and itchiness.

For some, the itchiness from the body salt released through the sweat glands is relatively minor, while for others, it may take on the appearance of a more severe skin irritation with red or pink patches of skin, raised bumps, welts or hives.

“In a hot and humid environment, the excess of perspiration damages the cells on the surface of the skin. These damaged cells form a barrier that traps sweat beneath the skin in small bumps or blisters. Eventually, these bumps or blisters will burst and release the sweat. When this happens, there is a stinging or prickly sensation. Additionally, the sweat glands can also be plugged with bacterium from the staphylococcus family, which are commonly present in the skin.” (4)     

While a prickly heat rash can affect any part of the body, it also tends to occur where there are folds in the skin. This can include areas under the chin, arms or breasts, skin creases in the groin or buttocks, as well as the inner aspect of elbows or knees. These areas are especially vulnerable because moisture accumulates here.

There are four different kinds of prickly heat rash or miliaria, namely, clear or miliaria crystalline, white/yellow or miliaria pustulosa, red or miliaria rubra and deep or miliaria profunda. (5)

Most prickly heat rashes will resolve within a few days. If this does not happen, seeking professional medical advice may be necessary to rule out other factors including possible bacterial infection, allergens, eczema or other, more serious, medical conditions.

Understanding the nature of prickly heat rash is important with respect to its correct diagnosis and treatment.

Because prickly heat rash usually involves an elevated body temperature, the symptoms presented may be resolved by remaining in a cool environment of approximately 21-22 degrees Celsius. Air conditioning is often helpful for those who are prone to prickly heat rash in the summer. The use of fans may help to lower and stabilize the room temperature.

Maintaining good hydration of the body at all times, is important because increasing fluids reduces the body temperature and flushes out excess salt or other infections. Increasing one’s water consumption, particularly when it is hot, is often helpful.  

Showering or bathing regularly, especially when it is hot and humid is important, particularly when there is excessive heat exposure or after engaging in sweat-producing activities like cycling, exercising, jogging or walking long distances. Avoiding excessive exposure to the sun will help to reduce the symptoms that appear in prickly heat rash.  

Washing the affected areas with a gentle soap and water, several times per day, often proves beneficial, but one should avoid rubbing or scratching the affected areas, as that will only increase the circulation in the affected area, as well as the intensity of the itchiness. Hot tubs or saunas tend to bring out prickly heat rash symptoms also. 

Wearing clothing that is made of cotton instead of other fabrics like polyesters and nylon, will reduce the symptoms of prickly heat rash because the skin is able to breathe. Clothing that is light in weight is preferable to heavy clothing, particularly in the summer time. Loose fitting clothing is preferable to tight fitting clothing. Prickly heat rash frequently occurs in parts of the body where there is tight fitting clothing being worn.

Avoiding over-dressing in the summer is a good rule of thumb, particularly with respect to infants and small children, as this tends to increase the body temperature, as well as the activity of the sweat glands.

With respect to topical applications, heavy ointments and creams may further occlude the sweat glands. Baby oil or light lotions are preferable. Avoiding perfumed creams, lotions and oils will reduce the degree of association with possible allergens. The use of cortisone creams or anti-histamines should be under the guidance of a health care professional.   

Ice packs are preferable to heat packs, in terms of resolving prickly heat rash.  

Keeping infants cool, clean and dry at all times, is important. They are particularly vulnerable to prickly heat rash from drooling, as well as the excess moisture retention associated with wet, plastic diapers or overheating from excessive clothing and blankets. Wearing cloth diapers instead of plastic ones may relieve some of the irritation. Placing infants or young children on cotton sheets or blankets, instead of those made out of polyester, nylon or plastic, may help to reduce the incidence of prickly heat rash.

In hospitals or nursing homes, patients confined to bed or wheelchairs for long periods of time, may need to be re-positioned every few hours and their pressure areas kept dry to prevent the build-up of excessive moisture, particularly when it is hot and humid. Talcum powder may prove to be beneficial, although an excessive build-up could create further problems.         

Obese patients, who have large folds of skin, tend to get prickly heat rash in those areas. Washing the affected folded areas of skin frequently and keeping them dry, is important. It may be possible to place cotton dressings between the folds of skin to separate them, if a breakdown of the skin tissue in these areas appears imminent.

For those affected by prickly heat rash, while it can be uncomfortable, it may not be as serious as it appears initially and it is treatable. What works for one person, may not be the best treatment for another, but there are many possible treatment options.    

1. http://www.emedicinehealth.com/heat_rash/article_em.htm

2. http://www.skindiseasearchive.com/prickly-heat-rash

3. Ibid.

4. Ibid.