Avoiding prickly heat

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Have just booked summer holiday and would like not to spend the whole of it suffering from the lumps and bumps and itching that is my version of prickly heat.
Last summer, after I was already suffering, there was a thread that suggested antihistamines for 2 weeks before and during the holiday; some specific body wash (antibacterial, maybe?) to get rid of trapped cream, sweat etc; and a recommended sun cream (Avon?)
Does anyone remember any of the details or have any other tips? Would love to enjoy the sun properly for once.
Thank you in advance.

I've suffered for years so feel your itch!

I now take antihistamines all summer ( pollen, bites, rashes!) and it definitely helps.

When you're there take lots of cool showers throughout the day to rinse Sun cream and sweat off and avoid the sun at the hottest part of the day - not by covering up ( you'll just get hot ) but sit in as few a clothes as possible in the shade.

If you do get it ( hope you don't) apply flannel soaked in cold water to the area ASAP.

I have a course of sunbeds. Not enough to get a tan but it acclimatises my skin to the sun and stops it breaking out. I do take antihistamines too if I'm likely to be outsde all day or in the sea

I started using dettol bar soap last year when on holiday and it seemed to prevent it. I had tried everything before and nothing worked but this actually seemed to stop it. I was amazed. I’d read about it online but was pretty sceptical. Definitely worth a try for you as it’s so cheap. You need the original soap in the green box. £1 for a two pack on Amazon!

Dettol Anti Bacterial Original Soap, 2x100 g www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06W2PN2SL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Eq6BAbW7GQSFT?tag=mumsnetforum-21

There is a sunceeam that made a huge difference for me. Soltan from Boots, white bottle, for sensitive skin. I think it even says something about prickly heat on it. Also, antihistamines every day, just in case. Most important not to use those once a day suncreams. They are buggers.

Thank you all very much.
Antihistamine, Dettol soap (memories of childhood), Soltan white bottle, flannels, showers and avoiding the heat all sound very do-able.
Itch-free holidays here I come, hopefully 😎

Ooh and course of sunbeds too!

Yes antihistamine, totally avoid all-day sunscreen, plus calamine lotion to soothe in the evenings.

Check it's not PMLE ( polymorphic light eruption) I thought I had prickly heat for years, before reading the symptoms of PMLE and realising that's what I have. For anyone suffering from this particularly I really really recommend Heliocare capsules. I can now enjoy holidays like a normal person 😁

Sorry to derail slightly but what’s the symptoms of PMLE? I’ve suffered since a child with what I thought was prickly heat but literally nothing works to stop or ease it. I’ve tried every suncream going and even prescribed antihistamines but still end up with nasty blisters over most of my body.

Only thing that keeps mine at bay is Piz Bun allergy suncream - stops my sun allergy/prickly heat

I’ve just googled and PMLE sounds so much more like my reaction. I was diagnosed as a child with prickly heat and just accepted it but it definitely sounds more like this.

I've been through every anti histamine and sensitive sun cream for my PMLE, my GP even prescribed steroids and nothing at all worked. The Heliocare tablets are a revelation! I do have to take them every morning when I'm on holiday, or the dreaded rash starts, but that's do able! I got the ones with vitamin D added.

I just came on to say Dettol soap too!
I suffered with horrendous prickly heat for years, I can't even tell you how many holidays I spent in tears because of my disgusting itchy rash.

I tried antihistamines, multiple soothing creams and sprays, every sun cream going, even hydrocortisone on the rash, which actually helped a bit but isn't really advisable.

I Google searched and found an old discussion on a random forum online where a man was saying that the only thing that worked for his wife was a shower with Dettol soap every morning and evening, and if possible, after she got out of the pool. (I don't know why, but swimming pools really aggravate my prickly heat too)

I bought the Dettol soap for my next holiday, and it has changed my life! I haven't had prickly heat since, and I can wear any suntan lotion I like now.

The only negative thing I'll say is that it really dries your skin out, so you'll need a decent moisturiser to put on at night!

Hiya
I’ve suffered with polymorphic light eruption for 18 years now, it ruins every holiday. I even get it on my hands when skiing!
Happy to hear of any top tips. I’ve tried most things, sunbeds, vitamin D, lots of different sun creams etc etc although this year I’m trying the detol soap (but I bought the sensitive one so not sure if that’ll work the same?)
Always end up having to use steroid cream to help clear it up once I’m home. Fingers crossed the soap works!

Ultrasun sensitive suncream works for me