Prickly heat in Benidorm

Prickly heat shows as small raised spots that itch or give a prickling feeling, often with mild swelling. It appears where you sweat most: the neck, chest, back, inner elbows, under the bust and in skin folds. On paler skin the spots look red; on darker skin they can be harder to see. This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice.

Benidorm summers are hot and humid, with average highs of about 28–31°C from June to September and warm nights. Long days on the beach, tight synthetic clothes, thick sun creams and dancing in busy bars all make it easier for sweat glands to block. Our Benidorm weather guide shows what to expect each month.

The main aim is to cool your skin and stop sweating so much. The NHS suggests:

Pharmacists in Benidorm see heat rash every summer and many speak English. Show them the rash and say how long you've had it. Useful words: sarpullido (rash), picor (itch), loción de calamina (calamine lotion), antihistamínico (antihistamine). At night and on Sundays, the duty pharmacy (farmacia de guardia) is shown on every pharmacy door. Our hospitals and pharmacies guide explains how it works.

A rash on skin exposed to the sun — arms, chest, the backs of the hands — that appears hours after sunbathing may be polymorphic light eruption, often called sun allergy, rather than prickly heat. It needs different care, mainly protection from the sun. A pharmacist can help tell them apart.

See a doctor if the rash doesn't improve after a few days, the spots fill with pus or become painful, you have a high temperature, or a baby or young child has a rash with a fever. Call 112 if someone has signs of heatstroke, such as confusion, a very high temperature or fainting. Our emergency numbers guide lists who to call.