Stay Cool This Summer: Tips to Prevent and Treat Heat Rash

The heat & humidity of the tropics makes heat rash a common phenomenon. So, trust us, you aren’t the only one. For those unaware, heat rash is an irksome skin condition that occurs due to excessive sweating or high temperatures. It is characterized by a cluster of bumps, redness, irritation, and general discomfort on the skin – which can just as easily put a damper on your mood. 

As summer is almost here, scroll ahead for tips to prevent heat rash. Additionally, the article delves deeper into DIY recipes, topical treatments, and prescription medications to treat this skin condition. 

Causes Of Heat Rash 

To prevent heat rash or prickly heat, you ought to be well-versed in its different triggers -

1. Hot and humid weather: Sweltering heat and moist air trigger the sebaceous glands into overdrive mode – leading to more greasiness. When this oil along with dead cells clogs the skin pores, it leads to a heat rash.

2, Sweating profusely: Excessive perspiration can block the sweat glands, leading to prickly heat.

3. Tight and uncomfortable clothing: Wearing tight, body-hugging clothes prevents sweat from evaporating – resulting in a rash.

4. Physical activity: The absence of air flow between your skin and clothing, especially during physical activities, causes painful blisters. 

How To Prevent Heat Rash

Here are some surefire ways to keep heat rash at bay  

1. Stay cool And dry: Folks residing in hot and humid areas use fans and aircons to stay cool. If you sweat excessively, rely on cold showers at least twice daily.   

2. Wear breathable fabrics: Steer clear of synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester, especially in summer. These clothes trap sweat and increase friction, leading to prickly heat. Go for breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.  

3. Avoid heavy creams: Heavy, comedogenic creams can block sweat glands, resulting in skin irritation and rashes. Therefore, we recommend using light lotions, especially during hot and humid weather.  

4. Stay hydrated: Drinking 8 glasses of water every day regulates the body temperature and reduces sweating, preventing prickly heat. Additionally, load up your plate with watermelon, celery, oranges, cucumber, and tomatoes for healthy skin.  

5. Anti-chafing powder: Add an anti-chafing powder to your body care rituals. This talcum reduces friction between the skin and your clothes, preventing small bumps and inflammation. Moreover, the powder soaks up excess sweat, ensuring a healthy skin microbiome. 

How To Treat Heat Rash 

Treat your heat rash by keeping the skin dry, cool and calm. Here’s how you can do so -

1. Cool compresses: Dunk a clean cloth in cold water and apply it to the affected areas. Alternatively, you can use an ice pack to alleviate the related redness and inflammation.

2. Aloe Vera: Aloe possesses anti-inflammatory properties that calm redness while soothing the skin. The plant’s natural antiseptic properties prevent infections and alleviate the rash.

3. Avoid scratching: As appealing as it may seem, never scratch the rash area. This helps prevent further irritation or infection.

4. Over-the-counter creams: In case of a severe heat rash, use OTC creams like Hydrocortisone, Calamine, and Zinc Oxide. These topical treatments alleviate redness, soothe inflammation, and prevent further infections.

5. Keep the skin dry: To prevent the sweat glands from getting blocked, use talcum powder daily. This extra step in your routine also dwindles friction on the skin, minimizing episodes of rashes. 

Home Remedies For Heat Rash  

Heat rash is a painful and uncomfortable experience. But in most instances, the rash can be treated with home remedies or DIY recipes. Scroll ahead to learn more -

1. Aloe vera: Take aloe vera from the plant and apply it on the problem areas. The ingredient’s anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and curb inflammation. It also provides instant relief from itching and irritation.

2. Cucumber: To accelerate the healing process, slice up a refrigerated cucumber and place it on the heat rash. The fruit’s natural cooling properties soothe inflammation and control skin irritation.

3. Oatmeal: To deal with the unbearable itching, draw a bath using colloidal oatmeal.

4. Neem paste: In rare cases, when the rash gets infected, grind a few neem leaves and apply it to the affected areas. Neem’s innate antibacterial properties heal the skin, soothe inflammation, and reduce redness – almost instantly.   

When To See A Doctor For Heat Rash 

We recommend seeking medical attention for your heat rash when -

1. The rash becomes painful or infected.

2. You develop fever or chills.

3. The symptoms don’t abate despite home remedies (or OTC medication). 

Conclusion  

Extreme heat, humidity, and sweating can lead to heat rashes. The skin condition entails painful bumps, irritation, and redness – and is more common with athletes and kids. The good news is that a heat rash is treatable with home remedies like aloe vera gel, oatmeal, cucumber, and neem paste.