What is the difference between eczema and prickly heat?

The differences between eczema and prickly heat are mainly reflected in the following aspects: 1. **Etiology**: Eczema results from the combined effects of internal and external factors. External factors include diet, contact substances, sun exposure, etc., while internal factors may involve chronic lesions, immune disorders, and other conditions. Prickly heat, however, primarily develops due to hot weather, excessive sweating, and impaired perspiration, which cause sweat gland ducts to rupture and allow sweat to infiltrate surrounding tissues. 2. **Clinical manifestations**: During the acute phase, eczema mainly presents with papulovesicles, vesicles, erosion, and exudation, accompanied by intense itching, and it tends to recur easily. During the chronic phase, it presents with lichenification, also accompanied by itching. Prickly heat mainly manifests as papulovesicles and vesicles. Depending on the location of sweat duct rupture, it can be classified into four types: crystalline (clear), red, pustular, and deep prickly heat. Prickly heat usually improves spontaneously when the weather becomes cooler. 3. **Treatment**: Treating eczema requires antiallergic and anti-itch approaches, along with special attention to diet and skin care. Prickly heat can be treated with topical medications such as calamine lotion and talcum powder; oral antipruritic medications may be necessary in some cases.