Treatment For Prickly Heat Rashes
A heat rash is a discomforting skin problem that usually occurs during summers when the weather becomes hot and humid. Also called miliaria and prickly heat, the problem occurs when dead skin cells or bacteria block the sweat pores because of which sweat and natural oils fail to be released out of the skin. As a result, they accumulate inside the skin and cause itching and uneasiness, which ultimately turns into rashes. Heat rash primarily affects the neck, chest, and breast in adults. During the summer, you can keep heat rashes from affecting you by following a few easy tips. To avoid prickly heat, ensure that you are in a cool environment without much humidity as far as possible. Stay away from the sun and wear light, comfortable cotton clothes that do not rub hard against your skin. Keep the body clean by taking a shower whenever it gets too hot. If you do get a heat rash, keep your skin cool to prevent the rash from spreading further.
Other than prevention, there are many treatments that can bring relief from heat rashes. Baking soda and oatmeal are substances that are most effective in relieving the body of heat rash. Draw a lukewarm bath with oatmeal powder added in it. Soak in the bath for about 15 minutes to get relief. When suffering from heat rashes, using a cool compress is also helpful. You can make a compress by taking a washcloth and dipping it in a mixture of one teaspoon of baking soda added to one cup of cold water. Move the washcloth over the rash for around ten minutes for relief. You can follow this procedure four or five times a day. You can also tie some ice cubes in a cloth and apply them over the affected area at regular intervals. But ensure that you do not do this for more than 5 minutes at a stretch because it may result in skin abrasion. A paste of sandalwood and rose water is also a good option to apply on heat rashes as it has a cooling effect. Take special care to keep the affected area dry and clean and try to keep it exposed to the open air. Talcum powder and even baby powder are known to be good remedies for relief from a heat rash. You can also apply Aloe Vera gel on the body for its soothing qualities. Also, drink lots of water to keep your body cool.
