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DR HILARY'S DIAGNOSIS

Prickly heat affects about 15 per cent of people in the summer, with women suffering more than men.

Its medical name is polymorphic light eruption (PLE) and, contrary to popular belief, it’s not caused by heat itself or by the water-logging of sweaty skin, but by an allergic reaction to certain wavelengths of ultraviolet sunlight.

Within minutes of being in strong sunlight, a red, spotty, itchy rash with little blisters or lumps develops.

It can last for days, even weeks, before easing off again.

Sadly some people, like Carol, are genetically susceptible.

Symptoms ease over time or after specialist UV therapy, but to prevent the rash in future Carol should avoid direct sunlight, cover up with densely woven clothes and use a high SPF sunscreen with five-star UVA protection – even in the UK.

If the rash persists and a one per cent hydrocortisone cream doesn’t resolve it, a one-off cortisone injection or a course of tablets is usually successful.

'Prickly heat rash spoils my summer'

EVERY WEEK A CELEB ASKS OUR FABULOUS DOCTOR FOR DIAGNOSIS. THIS WEEK IT’S TV PRESENTER CAROL SMILLIE, 46

Whenever I have too much sun and get overheated, I come out in a heat rash.

Itchy red lumps appear on my skin, especially where my clothes rub me or in places that get sweaty.

It was much worse when I was younger and a sun-worshipper.

Although things have improved now I’m more careful about staying in the shade or wearing a high SPF, it still affects me sometimes.

I’ve never been to my doctor about it, or seen any products that would help.

Instead I usually just wear clothes that cover the rash and wait for it to heal naturally.

We bought a holiday home in the Algarve several years ago and, fortunately, since then the rash has improved.

I still love a beach holiday – we try to spend at least six weeks in Portugal over the summer and enjoy breaks over there several other times during the year.

I seem to be less sensitive to the heat there, which is strange because it’s humid and that’s meant to be the prime climate for causing prickly heat rash.

But what can I do to stop my rash coming back when we get a hot spell over here?

Carol Smillie is a supporter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Words: Sarah Ewing. Photography: Edinburgh Woollen Mill

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