The common summer irritant prickly heat is back as the temperature rises.
Prickly heat, or heat rash, can be a nightmare in summer. A heat rash occurs when excessive perspiration clogs the skin pores and the sweat cannot get to the skin’s surface, giving rise to bacterial infection resulting in blisters or small red round bumps that prick or sting the skin, causing irritation and inflammation.
Prickly heat rashes are seen along skin folds such as the neck, waist, armpits and groin. Heat rash is common in newborns because their sweat glands are still developing. Symptoms of heat rashes are inflamed skin or red rashes, small blisters, itching and irritation. A prickly, burning or itchy sensation may also accompany heat rash.
Heat rash can happen for various reasons, including being in a hot, humid environment, wearing tight, synthetic clothing, long-lasting bed rest and intense exercise. People who are overweight or obese and those who sweat easily are more likely to get prickly heat.
Home remedies for prickly heat:
Multani Mitti
Fuller’s Earth, popularly known as Multani Mitti, is an excellent home remedy to clear clogged pores, treat prickly heat and make the skin supple and fresh.
Make a paste of Multani Mitti with rose water/plain water and apply to the affected areas for 30 minutes and rinse well with cool water. It reduces inflammation and skin irritation. Apply this paste daily for effective results.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is renowned for its cooling and moisturising properties. Aloe vera has many medicinal, healing and soothing properties. Aloe vera is a natural moisturiser with potent anti-inflammatory and cooling properties.
Applying fresh aloe vera gel to the rash can help reduce itching and inflammation. Extract the aloe vera gel from a fresh leaf and apply it to the affected area. Let it absorb into the skin to soothe irritation and rinse it with cold water. This serves as an excellent home remedy for prickly heat. Repeat this process 2-3 times a day for optimal results. You can also apply it before bedtime and wash it off with cold water in the morning.
Neem Leaves
Neem leaves are natural solutions for prickly heat. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe itching caused by prickly heat.
To use neem leaves, boil a handful of fresh leaves in water for about 20 minutes. Allow the water to cool, then strain the leaves and use the neem-infused water to wash the affected area. Alternatively, you can make a neem leaf paste and apply it to the rash. Grind fresh green leaves with water, apply the paste, let it dry for 15 minutes and then rinse with cold water.
Cool Compresses
Applying a cool compress to the affected area can provide immediate relief from the itching and discomfort associated with prickly heat. Soak a clean cloth in cold water, wring out the excess and gently place it on the rash for 10-15 minutes.
Repeat this process several times a day to reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin. Rubbing ice cubes over the rashes 2-3 times daily has a great soothing effect. Do not leave packs on longer than 20 minutes per hour. Alternatively, a cold water bath would reduce the intensity of prickly heat.
Apply Sandalwood
Sandalwood paste/powder is an age-old remedy for reducing prickly heat, due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Make sandalwood paste in rose water/water and apply it on the heat rash-affected areas, let it dry and then rinse with cold water.
Never use sandalwood talc or any talcum powder to treat prickly heat, it is not advisable medically.
If your child is suffering from Prickly heat then put your child in a cool environment. Give your child cool baths and loosen your child’s diaper if it rubs against the rash area. Don’t put the steroid cream under the diaper. Dress your child in breathable clothing, such as cotton. Cover your child with as few layers of clothing as possible.
