By Prickly Heat
In the summer, prickly heat may be a nightmare. Heat rash, also called as Miliaria in medical jargon, can occur in people who are heat intolerant. Excessive sweating causes bacterial infection, which results in blisters or little red circular lumps on the skin that prick or sting, causing irritation and inflammation. During the hot summer months, prickly heat is a relatively prevalent skin issue among both children and adults. Itchy rashes are more common in areas where sweat is trapped beneath the skin, such as the neck, face, back, chest, or thighs.
Causes of Prickly Heat
It is more common among those who live in hot, humid climates. Excessive sweating causes sweat gland pores to become blocked, and when they burst open, tiny blisters appear, producing skin irritation or prickly heat.
Home Remedies for Prickly Heat
Prickly heat usually goes away when the temperature drops, but when it happens in the middle of summer, it irritates everyone, especially the kids.
Keep it cool
The first step is to stay in a cool environment. Stay inside, preferably in a well-ventilated or air-conditioned environment. Avoid going out in the afternoons when it’s hot. To reduce the prickly sensation on the skin, take a cold shower. Ice can also be used to relieve skin irritation.
Ice or Cold Compress
Ice cubes or a cold compress can help with inflammation, itch, and the prickly sensation. Rubbing ice cubes on the rashes 2-3 times a day relieves the itching. A cold water bath, on the other hand, would diminish the intensity of the prickly heat.
Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal’s anti-inflammatory and calming properties provide immediate relief from inflammation and itching. In a cold water bath tub, grind one cup of oatmeal and mix it in. Immerse yourself in it for 20-30 minutes twice a day for immediate relief. On the skin, it produces a calming effect.
Sandalwood Paste/Powder
Due to its great cooling properties, sandalwood paste/powder is an old age cure for relieving prickly heat. It brings the body’s temperature down. Prepare a sandalwood paste with rose water and apply it to the problematic regions, allowing it to dry before rinsing with cold water.
Never use sandalwood talc or any talcum powder to treat prickly heat, it is not advisable medically.
Baking Soda
Baking soda works as an exfoliant, eliminating dead skin and grime while also cleansing the skin. This removes dead cells from the skin, which helps to unclog pores and reduce itching and inflammation. Soak a clean cloth in a solution of baking soda and cold water for 10-15 minutes, drain off the excess water, and apply to the affected region.
Fuller’s Earth
Fuller’s earth, commonly known as Multani mitti, is a popular beauty treatment that also works as a home remedy for prickly heat. Make a Multani mitti paste with rose water or plain water and apply for 15 minutes before rinsing with cold water. It soothes irritated skin and relieves inflammation.
Margosa Leaves
Margosa leaves, commonly known as Neem leaves, are a natural antibiotic with anti-inflammatory qualities that can help relieve prickly heat itching. Apply the paste made from fresh green Neem leaves and water, let it dry for 15 minutes, and then rinse with cold water.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera offers a wide range of healing and calming characteristics, making it a one-stop shop for all skin issues. It’s easy to use: simply extract the Aloe Vera gel from a fresh Aloe Vera leaf and apply it to the affected region for 15 minutes before rinsing with cold water. This works well as a home treatment for prickly heat.
Raw Mangoes
Mangoes, when eaten raw, help to lower body temperature. Boil raw chopped mangoes, then squeeze the pulp and combine it with water, rock salt, and sugar to produce a drink, or apply raw mango chunks on the affected region.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers, whether applied topically or eaten raw, are recognised to be natural coolants. Apply raw, thinly chopped cucumbers to the affected region for 15 minutes; the skin will be soothed by the cucumber’s tremendous cooling properties. Cucumber’s high water content keeps the body hydrated.
How to prevent Prickly Heat
- Avoid synthetic and tight clothing that can irritate the skin during hot weather.
- Avoid exposure to excessive heat by trying to remain in shade or take cool showers 2-3 times a day.
- Keep your living place cross ventilated.
- Avoid using oils or creams that would block the skin pores. Keep your body well hydrated.
- Wear loose cotton clothes, they prevent sweat accumulation and dry off easily.
Heat rashes are frequently treated with these simple natural remedies that can be made at home. It’s best to consult a doctor if they don’t heal quickly or if an infection develops.
