Heat Rash is more commonly known as Prickly heat and is usually found in the upper back, around the armpit region and in some cases on the upper chest. Heat rashes develop when the minerals and salts in the sweat clog the skin pores.
Heat rash looks less like a rash and more like tiny pink pimples that cause bothersome itching. They usually appear in a large cluster and their spread is limited to the aforementioned regions. It is harmless skin condition and not contagious at all. Many people use powders specifically made for reducing heat rash. In this feature we will discuss some effective treatments to combat this condition so that you have a rash free summers!
Aloe Vera is a cooling herb that has numerous medicinal properties. It is anti-bacterial which protects the skin from contracting infection due to scratching which is a direct fall out of heat rash. The gel soothes inflammation and reduces the redness and tenderness of the skin. Apart from this cooling action, it also moisturizes the skin further reducing the itchiness and flakiness of the skin.
You can extract the gel from a sprig of the Aloe Vera plant. Cut it vertically and take out all the gel by shaving it from inside with a spatula. It is fairly odourless and you may add 1-2 drops of lavender oil to it for fragrance. Apply this gel every time you step out. You can store it for 2-3 days easily without refrigeration.
Tomato is known for its anti-tanning properties. Many people rub tomatoes to their faces and tanned skin during hot season to alleviate the dark patches known as sun burns. Tomatoes regulate the melanin production which determines our skin tone and soothes the skin. Tomatoes can effectively reduce the inflammation caused by heat rash.
Take a tomato and cut it from top just like a cap. Spread half a teaspoon of honey on the flesh part of the tomato top and apply it over the prickly heat. Let it rest for at least half an hour and wash off. The honey on tomato will keep infections at bay and moisturize the skin whereas tomato will calm the heat rash down.
Neem is a strong and very effective anti-microbial tree. Every part of it has medicinal property whether it is leaves, branches or bark. There are multiple ways in which neem can be used to fight the heat rash. You can obtain neem oil and spread it on the rashes in a thin layer. This will stop fungal and bacterial attack in the deep rashes. Another way of using this wonderful herb is to make a paste out of its leaves.
Add a tablespoon of honey to neem leaves and grind them to make a thick paste and apply on the rash. Let it dry and then wash with cool water. You may also boil a bunch of neem leaves in the water and strain it. Use this water for taking bath everyday until the rash fades away entirely. This remedy is especially prescribed for children as they are at a higher risk of developing skin infections in the rash.
Vinegar is a great cleanser and can provide relief from itching. Dilute half a bowl of vinegar in 2 bowls of cold water and mix them. Immerse a wash cloth in this solution and squeeze the excess water out. Now place this wash cloth on the heat rash. Avoid rubbing it but ensure that it covers and touches the rash completely. The vinegar will reduce irritation and itching though you may feel mild stinging on the affected area.
The cold water will cool down the rashes and reduce the inflammation. Practice this process for about half an hour twice in a day. However, do follow this procedure up by moisturizing the skin as both water and vinegar have drying properties. You may either apply Aloe Vera or a light water based moisturizer. Avoid heavy cream and oil based lotions as they block the skin pores and increase the warmth on the skin.
Oat meal not only makes for a very healthy breakfast but it also has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. Oat meal is recommended for application in cases of skin allergies. It soothes the skin and can reduce the heat rashes. If you are suffering from heat rashes then add a bowl of ground oatmeal in the water and take bath with it.
You may also prepare a paste of oatmeal by grinding oatmeal, honey and Aloe Vera gel. Apply this very potent mixture on the affected area and let it dry for about half an hour at least. Wash it off and you will find instant result. Apply this paste at least ones in a day for 3-4 days for treating heat rash.
During summers or hot season, it is important that you eat right. Inappropriate and poor diet can lead to many skin problems like wrinkling, acne, pimples and frequent occurrence of heat rash. It is important that the fluid intake is high in your diet. You may either drink plenty of water or alternate between water and natural home made juices. Portion of fruits and vegetables like water melons, cucumbers, tomatoes, oranges, lemons must be increased during summer as they cool the body from inside.
Yogurt is indispensable as part of meal if you are suffering from heat rashes. You may also prepare buttermilk and have it 2-3 times in a day especially with your meals. Adding some mint leaves in the buttermilk increases its potency to fight heat rashes. Gooseberry juice is another great remedy for heat rashes. Avoid eating dates, saturated butter, highly spicy food and increase the number of meals and reduce the portions of every meal.
Fuller’s earth is known for its cooling properties and is a base ingredient in many face packs. Take a 2 spoons of fuller’s earth, add a spoon of honey and rosewater in it until you get a paste like consistency.
Apply this mixture on your heat rash and let it dry for about half an hour. Wash off with rosewater. Rosewater also has cleansing and cooling properties. This water mixed with fuller’s earth can give you immense relief from heat rashes. Honey will limit the drying effect of fuller’s earth on the skin.
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