Home Remedies for Heat Rash
Heat rash, sometimes called prickly heat, is common in the hot summer months, particularly when it is humid. Although not dangerous, heat rash is uncomfortable and home remedies for heat rash can soothe the itch quickly.
Heat rash is caused by clogged sweat glands and looks like tiny red dots scattered over the skin that are itchy. Many people get prickly heat after exercising in synthetic clothing, and babies often get it under their diapers in warmer months. To prevent heat rash, wear loose, natural fiber clothing so your skin can breathe and try not to get overheated. Air conditioning is great at keeping prickly heat at bay.
If you do end up with this irritating rash, one of the best home remedies for heat rash is a soothing, cool shower. It should be cool enough to bring soothing relief without being a shock to your system. Use a gentle, antibacterial soap to cleanse the area, then let yourself air dry. Rubbing with a towel will only aggravate the itch, so lay down or sit back on a towel and let the air cool you off and dry you at the same time.
Soaking Home Remedies for Heat Rash
If you prefer a bath to a shower, another great home remedy for heat rash is baking soda. Simply stir a tablespoon of baking soda into a warm or tepid bath and soak, making sure you sponge the water over the rash. When you get out, air dry completely before getting dressed in fresh, clean clothing made of cotton or some other breathable fiber.
If you can’t take a shower or bath, soothe your heat rash with ice compresses. These are effective home remedies for heat rash if you apply them every four or five hours. Just wrap some ice in a towel and apply to the rash for about five minutes, then repeat in four hours.
Aloe Vera gel is another very good home remedy for heat rash. You can either break open the leaf of an aloe Vera plant or use pure aloe gel from a bottle (found at most drugstores). Smear a thin layer of the aloe gel on the heat rash and leave in place. You can apply this four times daily, but be sure to wash and completely dry the area before each application.
Home Remedy for Heat Rash
Applying a past of cornstarch and water is another excellent home remedy for heat rash. It will cool the heat and alleviate the itching as it dries on your skin. When it is completely dry, gently brush the mixture off without rubbing. If you are prone to heat rash and know you’ll be sweating during the day, you can also try dusting your skin with pure cornstarch, which is absorbent and soothing.
Most home remedies for heat rash work just as well on babies as on adults, but it can be more difficult to prevent prickly heat in infants since they are in diapers most of the time, which trap moisture next to the skin. If your baby has prickly heat, let her run around for an hour or two without her diaper on when possible. This will let the air cool and heal the skin more quickly. When you put her back in a diaper, dust her skin with cornstarch to keep heat rash at bay.