Solution for Prickly Heat

About Prickly Heat

Summer with is scorching heat and unbearable temperatures and excessive sweating lead to rashes on the body known as prickly heat.

Prickly heat rash is presented as small and itchy red eruptions which cause a stinging sensation. They generally occur in parts of the body covered with clothes such as back, neck, groin, chest, and armpits. It develops when because of profuse sweating the pores get blocked. Hot and humid weather is the time when generally this problem is faced.

Prickly heat rash most often clears on its own, but sometimes might require doctor’s advice to promote healing.

Causes of Prickly Heat

Excessive perspiration in hot and humid weather causes the dead skin and bacteria to block the sweat glands, trapping the sweat beneath the skin, which shows up as a bump. When this bump burst, it causes a stinging sensation giving this condition its name, ‘Prickly heat’.

The factors triggering prickly heat are,

  1. Wearing synthetic material clothing which prevents perspiration from evaporating.
  2. Excessive physical activity and intensive exercising which increases sweating.
  3. Oil-based cosmetic which clogs the sweat glands
  4. Certain medication such as those for ADHD and blood pressure.
  5. Hot and humid weather
  6. Stressful lifestyle

Newborns are prone to prickly heat, as their sweat glands remain under development for quite a long time and are prone to quick blocking.

Symptoms of Prickly Heat

Prickly heat presents itself as red bumps underneath the layers of the skin. They mostly occur in the neck, shoulder, and chest. It is also found occurring in the folds of the skin and in the areas where the cloth rubs on the skin. The symptoms of prickly heat are

  • Red rash
  • Itching and irritation
  • Burning when scratched
  • Red discoloration of the skin around

Solution for Prickly Heat

Solution for Prickly Heat

Generally prickly heat rash clears up taking its own time. But the itching and burning can be stopped using the following remedies. These also accelerate the healing process.

Keep the affected area cool and dry

Prickly heat causes excessive itching at the place of rash which also leads to burning. Hence, keeping the area cool and dry, by sitting under a fan or in an air-conditioned room, help in giving relief from the discomfort.

Cold shower

The itching is also relieved by taking a cold shower.

Calamine lotion

Calamine has a soothing effect, hence applying it above the rash helps it to clear off fast.

Talcum powders

Herbal talcum powders also help to sooth the rash and speed its recovery as it keeps the area it is applied on, dry and cool. Avoid using any scented talcum powders.

Oatmeal bath

Oatmeal has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Immerse yourself in an oatmeal bath for few minutes and scrub gently the affected area. This clears the blocked pores and also gives relief from itching.

Baking soda

Baking soda has antibacterial properties. Mix baking soda in cold water and apply it over the affected area. It helps in clearing off the rash fast.

Cucumber

To get relief from the burning sensation apply the peel of cucumber on the affected area. You can also crush the cucumber and apply the pulp on the skin. Leave it for some time and wash it off.

Aloe vera gel

Aloe vera is known for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It is an amazing skin softening and hydrating agent. Applying it on any type of skin rash gives relief. It is also very helpful in prickly heat rash.

Mint tea

  • Mint tea helps in lowering the body temperature and also speeds up the healing process.
  • Seek medical help if it does not clear up within a few days or gets infected.

How to Prevent Prickly Heat

How to Prevent Prickly Heat

  • The best way to prevent prickly heat is to stay away from the situation which can lead to excessive sweating. Also, wear breathable clothes if you feel the weather has become very hot and humid.
  • Take shower if you visit a hot and a humid place and while working out choose a gear which will take away the moisture from the skin.
  • There are simple ways in which certain health conditions and their associated discomforts can be avoided. Pay attention to even small problems to overcome the unnecessary complications.

Also Read:

Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:October 11, 2019

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