I can’t remember a longer sunny spell – or more cases of heat rash

That big strange light in the sky has really made itself at home. We’ve not had this much prolonged warmth in this part of the world since the storied summer of 1976.

During the current heatwave, I have seen a definite upsurge in the number of folk with a problem we don’t tend to experience here.

In fact, people usually talk about getting it on their holidays to hot countries.

I’m talking about heat rash, which is also known as prickly heat.

The prickly bit comes from that uncomfortable feeling it gives you when it appears.

Some people are more prone to it than others but generally it’s hot conditions, of the type we’ve been experiencing, which sees more cases.

Sweat glands located just under the skin become blocked due to all the perspiring we’re doing to cool us down.

The sweat produced is thought to combine with dead skin cells and a substance produced by Staphylococcus epidermidis, which is harmless bacteria that lives on the skin, that’s usually quite benevolent.

It is thought this then blocks the skin cells.

In the most common type of heat rash, crops of tiny red bumps appear which look a bit like blisters.

These crops appear in different parts of the body, and can be quite itchy, or prickly as described. It sometimes pops up a couple of days after being in a hot environment, but it can take weeks or perhaps even months – hence why we’re seeing more cases in the surgery this past couple of weeks.

Because it’s caused by sweat glands becoming blocked, the area isn’t as sweaty as others.

Those with areas of heat rash then need to be careful in hot conditions. If the body can’t produce sweat, which evoparates and cools us, then it’s at risk of overheating.

People with prickly heat then are at risk of a fever or heat exhaustion.

It’s important then to avoid the heat, ideally in an air-conditioned room.

Loose cotton or linen clothing is a good idea, as is taking regular cooling showers.

Creams like calamine lotion or something like E45 can help.

There haven’t been any studies which back this up, but it is thought anti-bacterial soap helps reduce the bacteria on the skin which contributes to the problem.