With Reflexologist Nuria Weaver
Home Remedies for Heat Rash
A common type of rash that usually occurs in summers is called the heat rash also known as prickly heat. Some people also refer this as miliaria. Although this can be a common problem for infants for their sensitive skin, it can occur in adults too. The main reason for which heat rash occurs is that when the sweat glands are blocked and the perspiration gets trapped under the skin, it results in heat rash. The common heat rash usually goes on its own. Nevertheless, you can try out some of the home remedies for heat rash to reduce the symptoms as early as possible.
Heat rash in infants can be found mainly around the neck, chest and shoulders. You can also observe this in the armpits, elbow and groin area as well. Whereas, in adults this can be seen in skin folds and in areas where clotting, which results from friction, is present. The other common places which it affects more are the back, near the waist area, armpits and chest.
Causes of Heat Rash
As said earlier, this heat rash is because of the perspiration trapped inside the skin which results in the burning sensation and skin rash. Other factors which may be also responsible of the rash are:
- When the sweat glands aren't matured enough and have the tendency to rapture easily. This causes the perspiration to trap inside and leads to heat rash formation. You can observe this when babies are dressed too warmly in hot weathers.
- Physical activity like that of an intense exercise can lead to heat rash formation.
- Tropical weather which is hot and humid is place where you are likely to get prickly heat more often.
- Clothes and the certain fabrics can be another reason for heat rash formation.
- Certain medications may have side-effects like that of heat rash.
- Overheating may also be reason for heat rashes.
- Ointments and creams in rare cases can block the sweat glands and result in prickly heat rash.
These tiny red dots may be an indication to the sweat glands being exposed to sweating and heat. These may be a reason of serious discomfort and irritation which can be however, treated at home with some effective and simple home remedies for heat rash.
Some of them are listed below:
The first and foremost you can do is to cool your body which works well in fighting any kind of heat rash.
- Aloe plant is one of the best medicinal plants that will help to get rid of the heat rash. You can easily grow one in the kitchen windowsill and use it whenever you have a cut or any kind of skin infection. This is extremely effective for any form of heat rash and can boost the healing process as well. Use this after you wash the affected area properly.
- After a cold bath and shower, to eliminate the extra moisture from the body, use a powder or dust with a cornstarch or baking soda. This will reduce the symptoms of heat rash.
- The only way to treat the heat rash is to cool yourself as much as you can. Ice cubes can also be used by sealing them in plastic bags and applying them on the skin. Use a dishcloth to wrap it and place it gently for at least five minutes and repeat this every few hours.
- In some cases as one of the causes for the heat rash are heavy creams and ointments. Therefore the best suggestion is to stay away as much as you can from them. This will only cause some pores to get blocked.
- Calamine lotion is a common suggestion given by doctors in any kind of minor skin irritation. This will soothe the skin and reduce the itchiness.
- After a shower instead of using the towel, allow the body to air dry. This is because the towel can cause irritation and make the rashes worse.
- Another very good remedy for heat rah is the oatmeal. You can either use for dusting the body or add some small amount in a bath tub. After stirring it well, soak yourself in the tub to get some instant relief and reduce the inflammation. This will also help to soothe the skin irritations.
- The natural way to get rid of the prickly heat is by using gram flour. Prepare a paste out of it and apply gently on the affected area. Allow this to dry before washing them off with some cold water. These are effective for removing the dead skins and reducing the inflammations too.
Prickly heat can become painful and may result to some severe itching. Other methods to reduce the irritations are:
- Sandalwood paste is also beneficial for prickly heat. Use some equal amounts of sandalwood powder and coriander and use some rose water to prepare a paste. This should be applied on the affected area and allow this to dry. Rinse this off with cold water.
- Fullers earth can also be used to prepare a pack in the same manner as sandalwood paste and use this on the affected area.
- Margosa leaves are also perfect for heat rash. Prepare a paste out of it and apply in the same manner like that of sandalwood paste.
- Another very simple thing you can do is use a cotton cloth or a sponge and dab it in some cold chill water and place it on the affected area for five minutes. Repeat this couple of times in a day to feel better and reduce the inflammation.
Try out one of these home remedies for heat rash, and you can see some very good positive results. If the condition persists consult a doctor as soon as possible.
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