Relief from prickly heat

Prickly heat is a form of skin irritation that usually appears as red itchy rashes on the body during summer and in hot and humid weather. It is caused when the dry dead skin along with certain bacteria block the sweat pores causing the skin to get inflamed with red irritable rashes that give a burning and itchy sensation. They commonly appear around the neck but if the problem aggravates then it may also spread on to the chest, hands, around the ears, on the face, legs and the back.

However it is a relatively harmless skin problem and as such requires no treatment. It lasts for a few days and then eventually disappears. Humid weather may only allow it to persist longer.

There are a number of home made remedies that are effective in healing prickly heat rashes. But it is even better to take steps to prevent them from appearing in the first place.

Since the problem is common to hot, humid weather it is advisable to wear loose, comfortable clothes, preferably made out of cotton to prevent intense sweating. Cotton absorbs sweat and dries up with ease. This prevents bacterial infections and body odor simultaneously. Avoid over-dressing.

Secondly, take cool baths and showers; one could also add a few drops of cologne or natural fragrances to the bathing water for a refreshing feel. It also helps to keep the skin fresh and sweat free, keeping skin rashes at bay.

Avoid using heavy moisturizers, especially oil-based ones as they tend to clog the pores of the skin causing skin infections and rashes. It is favorable to use light, water-based lotions.

Since babies are highly prone to developing prickly heat rashes and nappy rashes, try to keep the baby cool. It is perfectly alright to take off the baby’s clothes in hot weather. Also since babies have tender skin that requires moisturizing use light water based moisturizers.

For those who frequently suffer from these rashes, common home remedies include the use of anti-histamine creams or medications to soothe the itchy sensation. Calamine based lotions are equally effective in soothing the rashes.

Try a cool compress by dipping a wash cloth in a mixture of one teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of cool water. Repeat this several times a day for effective result.