Summers are synonymous with hot blazing sun, hot and humid temperature, and excess sweating. And along with this, many people tend to suffer from heat rashes. These are also known as sweat rashes or prickly heat rashes. In medical terms, this condition is known as miliaria. People of all ages get affected by this condition.
It mostly happens to people who live in hot, humid climates. Living in such conditions leads to excessive sweating that can cause the sweat glands to become blocked.
Other causes of prickly heat are bacterial infections and underdeveloped sweat glands. Being overweight and leading a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk for it.
Sandalwood Powder
Sandalwood has soothing properties that can effectively eliminate prickly heat symptoms. It can also help cool your body temperature, which is essential for fast recovery.
- Prepare a paste by mixing together equal amounts of sandalwood powder and rose water. Apply this paste on the affected skin, and leave it on until it dries. Rinse it off with cold water. Follow this remedy twice daily for a week.
- Alternatively, mix two tablespoons each of sandalwood powder and coriander powder with enough rose water to make a thick paste. Smear the paste on the affected area and let it dry on its own. Wash with cold water and pat dry your skin. Repeat twice daily for a week.
Chickpea Flour
Make a thick paste of chickpea flour using some water. Apply the paste onto the affected part and let it stand for about 15 minutes. Use cool water to wash off the paste. This home remedy will provide relief from the itching and prickling sensation.
Fuller’s Earth
Fuller’s earth or Multani mitti has long been used for treating prickly heat. Take four tablespoons of Fuller’s earth and mix a few drops of rose water to make a paste. Apply the paste on the affected areas and wash off with cold water after about three hours.
Aloe Vera
Owing to its anti-inflammatory, soothing and cooling properties, aloe vera is an excellent home remedy for prickly heat.
- Extract fresh aloe vera gel from an aloe leaf.
- Rub the gel over the affected skin.
- Leave it on for at least 20 minutes, and then take a cold bath.
- Do this at least two times a day for about a week.
Baking Soda
While bathing, soak yourself in warm water containing a little baking soda or finely ground oatmeal powder. This is a good remedy to ease the itchy prickly sensation of the heat rashes.
Oatmeal Bath
Run an oatmeal bath and soak yourself in it for 15 to 20 minutes. You also can use the oatmeal to scrub the affected areas gently. It will help to exfoliate the skin and clear the blocked sweat ducts. This home remedy for prickly heat is great for getting relief from the itching and inflammation, if any.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers have a cooling effect that soothes and helps cool the affected skin. It can also give relief from itching.
- Cut a cucumber into thin slices. Soak them for a few minutes in a bowl of cold water mixed with two tablespoons of lemon juice. Place the soaked cucumber slices on the affected areas for 10 minutes. Do this three times daily for a week.
- You can also rub cucumber pulp on the affected area. Leave it on for 30 minutes, and then wash it off with cool water. This will cool the area and lessen the itching. Do this several times a day for a week to promote healing.
- As cucumber has high water content, also eat it daily to keep the body hydrated.
Usually heat rash disappears within a week using these natural treatments. If you do not get relief within a week or if some kind of skin infection develops, seek medical help.
Ice Cubes
Take some ice cubes and put it in water. Once the water gets chilled, use a clean, soft washcloth to dab the water on your skin. Alternatively, you can also rub ice cubes on your skin to get relief from that prickling sensation.
Papaya
The tropical fruit papaya is also one of the great home remedies for prickly heat rash. Mash a ripe papaya and apply it on your skin. Let it stay for about 20 to 25 minutes before washing it off with tap water. This will ease the burning sensation and also provide relief from the itching.
Talcum Powder
After your bath, apply non-perfumed or herbal talcum powder on your skin about three to four times a day. The powder will help keep the body, sweat and moisture free.
Additional tips to prevent prickly heat
- Do not wear tight clothing that can irritate the skin.
- Sleep in a cool and well ventilated area.
- Avoid using creams or oil that can block the skin’s pores.
- Drink plenty of water during hot weather.
- When outside, try to stay in shaded areas.
- Take cool baths, if possible two or three times a day.
- Avoid exposure to excessive heat and humidity whenever possible.
