Home remedies to prevent and treat prickly heat
Although prickly heat rash usually clears up on its own after a few days, some simple home remedies can help treat and prevent the condition in the first place.
1. Prickly heat is easily confused with which skin condition?
Prickly heat is commonly found in skin folds, such as the armpits, groin, elbows, and under the breasts. Aside from being uncomfortable and itchy, prickly heat is not a serious health concern.
However, if left untreated, the condition can cause pus-filled blisters (miliaria profunda) and lead to infection.
Prickly heat is common in people who live in hot, humid climates and in people who sweat a lot.
Newborns are more susceptible to heat rash because their sweat glands are not yet fully developed. Heat rash is also more common in people who are obese, over 65, or who are taking certain medications…
Some skin health conditions can resemble prickly heat such as eczema, folliculitis, acne, insect bites…
2. Treating prickly heat at home
Cool bath:Taking a cool bath can help cool the body. In addition, gently washing away dead skin and dirt can help unclog pores, thereby reducing prickly heat.
Wear loose clothing:When you have prickly heat, you should wear loose, breathable, sweat-absorbent clothing. When playing sports, you should also use moisture-wicking exercise clothes to prevent sweat from accumulating, which can aggravate the rash.
Use devices to cool the body:To prevent prickly heat, you should often stay in a cool environment such as sitting in an air-conditioned room, using a fan... to reduce heat.
In addition, avoid going out on hot afternoons and take cold showers to reduce the stinging sensation on the skin.
Cool compress:A cool compress can help cool and soothe your skin when you have prickly heat. You can use a wet washcloth or wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it. However, make sure you let the area dry completely afterward.
It is important to note that ice and ice gel should never be applied directly to the skin but should be covered with a suitable cloth to protect your skin.
Usealoe vera:Pure aloe vera gel can help soothe heat rash due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. However, use aloe vera sparingly to avoid clogging pores further.
Using neem leaves:Neem leaves are a natural antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the itchiness caused by prickly heat. Grind fresh green neem leaves with water, apply it on the skin, let it dry for 15 minutes and then wash it off with cold water.
Cucumber:Cucumbers are known to act as natural coolants due to their high water content. You can apply sliced raw cucumbers to the affected area for 15 minutes to cool, soothe the skin and reduce the itching caused by prickly heat.
