Summers are enjoyable for many, but the scorching heat often brings in an unwanted visitor- the heat rash. Also called prickly heat, it is quite a common skin irritation that causes itchy and prickly sensation on the tiny red bumps or blisters appearing on the skin’s surface.
Such skin irritation occurs when sweat glands get trapped under your skin and block the pores. Although heat rash isn’t a serious issue and is usually harmless, the discomfort it causes is something that no one enjoys. Well, the good news is that it clears up within a few days, but if it doesn’t always ensure to consult a dermatologist to rule out any underlying issues.
Thankfully you don’t have to bear the suffering anymore! This article brings to you some of the best home remedies on how to get rid of heat rash quickly and effectively.
What is heat rash?
Heat rash, also known as prickly heat or sweat rash, is a painful skin condition typically triggered by hot weather.
Symptoms include clusters of small, raised bumps on irritated, discolored skin, often accompanied by a prickly, burning, or itchy sensation.
Common areas affected include
- neck
- scalp
- chest
- back
- groin, and
- underarms.
Excessive sweating clogs sweat pores, leading to heat rash, more prevalent in hot, humid climates. Babies, especially if overdressed, are particularly susceptible.
While generally not serious, heat rash can be uncomfortable and worsen with continued sweating. Relief often comes with cooler temperatures, but preventive measures are crucial to avoid recurrence.
What causes a heat rash?
Heat rash occurs when the ducts beneath your skin, responsible for transporting sweat, become obstructed. This blockage prevents sweat from passing through the pores in your skin, leading to skin irritation and subsequent rash formation.
This is most often caused by
- Tiny fragments of dead skin cells becoming ensnared within your pores
- Accumulation of sweat amidst your skin and attire
- Obstruction of sweat glands by hair follicles
- Fluctuations in hormones, such as menstruation
- Inadequate ventilation between your skin and garments
Home remedies for quick heat rash relief
1. Cool it down
As we know, heat and humidity are the main culprits behind prickly heat. Therefore, keeping your skin cool and dry is the first way of getting rid of heat rash. Here‘s how:
- Seek for a cool spot: escape the heat and take refuge in an air conditioned room or a cool and shady spot outdoors. Let cool air circulate around your skin so that any sweat on it evaporates.
- Take a cool shower: a hot shower will definitely irritate your affected skin even more. So it is always better to take a shower with cold or lukewarm water. And after that, instead of vigorously rubbing the towel on your body, gently pat dry it especially over the affected area.
- Cool compresses: cool compresses soothe when you frequently apply cool compresses on the affected area of your skin, it does wonders. Simply soak a clean washcloth in cool water, wring it and put it on the rash for about 20 minutes. Ensure to repeat it several times a day for a quick relief.
2. Use breathable clothing
Trapped sweat is what a heat rash thrives upon. And wearing tight fitting clothes made up of fabric like nylon during the summers doesn’t allow the sweat to evaporate. This results in a heat rash! Therefore, you must avoid putting on those tight-fitting clothes.
Opt for loose garments made of breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Such loose fitting, natural fabric clothing boosts air circulation, prevents sweat from accumulating on skin and hence reduces the risk of blocked pores. So, allow your skin to breathe by swapping your skinny denims to breezy cotton pants and airy shirts.
3. Avoid excessive sweating and also stay hydrated
You will definitely be tempted to exercise during the summers, but working out in the scorching heat will lead to excessive sweating. One of the best ways to prevent too much sweating is to avoid pushing yourself too hard.
You should do light exercises like swimming and walking in air conditioned areas. Secondly, you must opt to workout during cooler mornings, or in the evenings, and avoid strenuous activities.
Thirdly, you must always stay hydrated to regulate body temperature and avoid sweating excessively. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
In place of sugary drinks and colas, you must opt for fresh fruit juices and vegetables with high water content. These include melon, watermelon, cucumber and radish. Not only will these natural drinks provide sufficient hydration, but also essential vitamins and fibre.
You may like: Fruits Rich in water content
4. Take soothing bath for quick relief
One of the classic home remedies to quickly get rid of heat rash is to soak your skin in an oatmeal bath. Colloidal oatmeal (finely ground oatmeal) is known for having anti-inflammatory and anti-itching properties. Therefore you must make use of it and make your own soothing soak. Here’s how:
- Take around 2 cups of oatmeal and grind it thoroughly into fine powder.
- Take some lukewarm water and add the ground oatmeal to it.
- Soak your irritated skin in this soothing bath for about half an hour.
- Use cool water to rinse it off and pat dry the skin.
5. Heal your skin naturally
The best way of getting rid of a heat rash quickly is to make use of some natural ingredients. These include:
- Aloe Vera: aloe vera is also known as a wonder plant because of its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. You can easily get it from the store or even grow it in your backyard. You can directly apply fresh aloe vera gel on the rash to soothe the irritation.
- Baking Soda: another magical ingredient present in almost every kitchen is baking soda. Simply mix 2-3 spoons of baking soda powder with water to make a paste. Apply a thick layer on the affected skin and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off. This paste of baking soda absorbs the sweat, provides a cooling sensation and hence reduces itching.
- Sandalwood Paste: another natural ingredient known for its cooling properties. Mix sandalwood powder with rose water or simple water to make a paste. Apply it on the skin and wash when dry. The cooling effect of sandalwood calms down the itchy skin.
Chill Out and get rid of that heat rash: Extra Tips
Here are some extra remedies to heal your heat rash, soothe the irritation it causes and also prevent it from getting worse:
- Resist scratching: although scratching is quite tempting, it can worsen the heat rash and increase the infection risk. Therefore you must keep your hands off the rash and let it heal.
- Ditch the friction: since a mid rub against the rash can irritate it further, you must therefore avoid activities that cause friction on the rash. Also, choose to wear loose fitting, airy clothes light preventing any further irritation.
How long does heat rash last?
Typically, heat rash lasts for approximately 2 to 3 days. However, if it persists beyond 3 or 4 days or appears to worsen, it is advisable to consult your doctor.
Always check with a doctor if:
- The redness on the rash increases and pus-filled blisters appear on it.
- You have large areas of rash with fever.
- The above given remedies don’t help
takeaway
The tips mentioned in this article will soothe your prickly heat for sure. However, always remember that prevention is better than cure! So drink plenty of water, wear comfy clothes and avoid sweaty workouts
