EVERYONE LOVES THE SUMMER. You have three months of absolute peace, no school, no homework, no worries. However, as much we all love summer, it does come with little side effects. One of the most common side effects of summer is the ‘Prickly Heat’, or simply the heat rash. Since ancient times, people have been using natural home remedies to treat heat rash. Home treatment may include natural ointments, cooling environment, and topical creams.
In order to know how to treat something, it is important to understand what causes it. Heat rash is a skin condition that occurs when the sweat pores get blocked. This can happen due to excessive sweating. This is particularly common in hot and humid areas. Since the sweat glands of babies are still under development, that is why they are more prone to heat rash. Intense exercise or long-lasting bed rest are common causes. Furthermore, wearing tight and synthetic clothes can induce excessive sweating and heat rash.
Common symptoms of heat rash include red and irritated skin, a small cluster of tiny raised bumps, and burning or itchy sensation. Heat rash is particularly common in areas where the skin folds. This includes the neck, underarms, and near the groin. Heat rash is not normally a serious condition. However, it can be extremely irritating and cause discomfort. But worry not folks. I’ve compiled a complete list of easy and natural home remedies to give your heat rash a quick fix.
Natural Home Remedies for Heat Rash
Here is a list of natural remedies and home treatment techniques to fix your heat rash in no time. You can use two or more remedies at the same time for quick healing.
1. Ice Cubes or Ice Pack
You only need common sense to understand this one. Heat rash is a result of excessive heat and sweating. In this regard, cooling down your skin can help to relieve its symptoms. Take some ice cubes and wrap them in a soft towel. Place this on the affected area to reduce the irritation. The ice path can soothe the irritation and reduce the rash. Try doing this 2-3 times a day for quick results.
2. Take a Cold Shower
Cooling down the skin can ease the symptoms of heat rash. For this purpose, a cold shower is an ideal answer. This can help unclog the blocked pores and reduce irritation. After bathing, dry yourself properly. Wet skin can increase the rash.
3. Sit in Front of a Fan or Air Conditioner
It is important to keep your skin cool as the rash heals. For this reason, avoid going to humid or warm spaces. This will increase your sweating and make the rash worsen. Try sitting in front of a fan or an air conditioner.
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4. Change your Clothes
Wearing tight clothes does not allow your body to breathe properly. This can result in excessive sweating, especially in hot and humid conditions. Try shifting to loose and moisture-wicking clothes. Avoid synthetic clothing. Wear light and breathable clothes, such as cotton.
5. An Oatmeal Bath
This is one of the oldest remedies to treat heat rash. Fill your bathtub with cold water. Add 2-3 cups of raw oatmeal. Gently rub the affected area with oatmeal. You might need to repeat this every 2-3 days. Oatmeal is a great exfoliator and can unclog the blocked sweat ducts. This will quickly relieve the symptoms of heat rash.
6. Aloe Vera Gel
For any kind of skin rash, Aloe Vera is your ultimate savior. This is because Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It can reduce the irritation and ease the redness. Furthermore, it also keeps your skin hydrated in the process. Take an Aloe Vera leaf and slice it in half. Scoop out the natural gel and gently apply it to the affected area. Massage it into the skin. Repeat this process twice a day for quick relief.
7. Fuller’s Earth
Heat rash is a common condition in desert areas due to intense temperatures. In such regions, using fuller’s earth (Multani Matti) is a common remedy to treat heat rash. For this purpose, you need 2-3 tablespoons of Fuller’s Earth along with some rosewater. Mix these two ingredients and make a paste. Apply this to the affected area for 20 minutes. Rinse it off with cold water. Try this once a day until the rash is completely gone.
8. Baking Soda
Baking soda has anti-bacterial properties. This is a natural ingredient, which prevents infections and soothes the skin. Mix 2 tablespoon of baking soda in a bowl of cold water. Take a washcloth and dip it into the mixture. Gently rub this on the affected area to heal your heat rash. Leave this for a little while before washing it off with cold water. For a quick and easy recovery, repeat this for 2-3 times a day.
9. Raw Potato
Potatoes are also famous for their anti-inflammatory properties. To treat your heat rash, cut a medium-sized potato into thin slices. Place these on the affected area and gently massage for 10-15 minutes. Rinse it with cold water afterward. Try this every day until the rash clears.
10. Neem Leaves
Neem is an excellent astringent agent. Furthermore, it also exhibits anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Annamalai University conducted a research study to investigate this. The study showed that neem has antimicrobial and medicinal characteristics.
Take some dried neem leaves from your garden. Crush them to make a paste. Add water if needed. Apply the prepared paste on the affected area. Leave it for almost 15-20 minutes. Afterwards, wash it off with cold water. You can boil some Neem leaves in water and use it for bathing to reduce heat rash.
11. Talcum Powder
Talcum powder can keep your skin dry by soaking up precipitation. This can reduce sweating and make sure the pores don’t get clogged. Take a cold shower and dry yourself completely with a soft towel. Take some talcum powder and sprinkle it on the affected area. Repeat every day in the morning and at night. Make sure you use herbal talcum powder rather than a scented one. Scents might cause the skin to get more irritated.
12. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt gets rid of toxins from the body. Furthermore, it also exfoliates the skin and removes dead cells. This can unblock the clogged sweat glands and heal heat rash. Draw a bath of lukewarm water. Add 2-3 tablespoon of Epsom salt. Soak your body in this for 15 minutes. Repeat every alternative day for quick recovery.
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13. Coriander Leaves and Sandalwood Powder
Coriander leaves have anti-bacterial properties. On the other hand, sandalwood gives a cooling effect and gives relief from irritation. Take a handful of dried coriander leaves and crush them into a fine powder. Mix it with 1 tablespoon of sandalwood powder. Add a few drops of rosewater to make a paste. Apply this paste on the affected area every day for quick relief.
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14. Stay Hydrated
During the summer, it is very important to keep your body cool at all times. This is necessary to avoid heat rash, heatstroke, or similar problems. For this purpose, keep a water bottle with you at all times. For flavor, you can add pieces of fruits or cucumber. You can also replace it with fresh juices, lemonade, and natural drinks. This can prevent the risk of prickly heat and hinder it from developing in the first place.
Caution
Heat rash is not a serious skin condition. If treated properly, it can disappear after a few days or a week. However, if it lasts longer than a week, you should consult a doctor immediately. Sometimes heat rash is also a result of an allergic reaction. This usually follows difficulty in breathing and fever. In that case, it is best to consult a doctor or a physician. It is best to consult a doctor if you notice increased pain, intense swelling, bleeding, fever, and yellow or green fluid.Rash produces yellow or green fluid.
Conclusion
Heat rash might be a discomfort, but it should not be a cause of worry. Following these simple and easy home remedies can treat your rash in no time. Heat rash is mainly due to the clogging of sweat pores. This happens in case of excessive sweating or heat.
Natural ingredients with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can provide immediate relief. Furthermore, cooling down your skin with different methods can also ease heat rash. So next time, don’t let a simple heat rash stop you from enjoying your perfect summer.
