Get rid of Prickly heat with Home Remedies

Here are a tips to get rid of prickly heat with home remedies. Prickly heat rash is also called miliaria or heat rash that can develop after a person sweats far more than usual and sweat glands become blocked. Prickly heat causes an itchy rash of small red raised red spots with a prickling or stinging sensation.

Prickly heat develops anywhere on the body, but most commonly occurs on the face, neck, back, chest and thighs. Mostly affecting parts of body covered with clothing.

Causes of prickly heat rashes:

Prickly heat begins with excessive perspiration, usually in a hot, humid environment. The perspiration makes it easier for dead skin cells and bacteria on the skin to block the sweat glands, forming a barrier and trapping sweat beneath the skin, where it builds up, causing the characteristic bumps. As the bumps burst and sweat is released, there may be a prickly, or stinging sensation that had lead this condition get its name.

Apart from the external heat and sweating, prickly heat has several other causes, such as overwork, intake of alcohol, smoking, unhealthy and stressful lifestyle, excessive consumption of junk food, untimely food eating habits, acidity, food poisoning and side effects of certain medicines.

Home remedies are based on the principles of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of healing, and are completely natural, non-invasive, and can be prepared at home. Consult your Medical practitioner if the symptoms continue. Follow mixing proportions and directions for use.

Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Prickly Heat

1. Margosa leaves (Neem leaves)

Take some neem leaves and mash them into a fine paste using water. Smear the paste over affected areas and leave it on the skin until completely dried. Margosa leaves has  antibacterial property and helps in killing the germs and providing immediate relief from other skin diseases as well.

2. Ice cubes

Ice is another great solution for reducing prickly heat caused due to hot and humid temperature. Rub small ice cubes over the rashes to reduce inflammation and ease prickly sensations. It gives a nice cooling effect. Ensure intervals of 5 mins after each rub.

3. Cold water

If ice cubes are not available you can use cold water stored in an earthern pot. Soak a cotton cloth in cold water, squeeze out some water and place the cloth over the affected area until all the water has been absorbed. Repeat 2 to 3 times a day. This will give you instant relief from inflammation and prickly heat.

4. Sandalwood powder

Take 2 tbsp each of sandalwood powder and coriander powder. Add 2-3 tbsp of rose water and stir to form a smooth paste. Smear the paste over the affected areas and leave it to dry. Rinse off with cold water thereafter.

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5. Cucumber or papaya pulp

Take some cucumber or papaya pulp and apply on the affected areas. Leave it for 25 to 30 mins. Wash off with cold water. This application will cool the affected area and relieve the itching.

6. Fuller’s earth

Fuller’s earth or multani mitti is yet another popular home remedy for treating prickly heat. Prepare the pack by mixing 5-6 tbsp of fuller’s earth, 3-4 tbsp of rose water , add water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste over prickly heat and allow it to dry for 2-3 hours. Thereafter, wash it off with cold water.

7. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is known as an universal skin protector. Apply the gel of the aloe vera leaves on the affected regions. Leave it on for 10 to 15 mins and go for a cold water bath.

8. Baking Soda

Prepare a cooling compress for your itchy and irritating prickly heat. Dilute 1 tsp of baking soda into 1 cup of cold water. Soak a clean washcloth into the solution and squeeze it out to remove excess water. Apply the cloth to the rashes. While the water will reduce inflammation, the baking soda will work towards easing itching and irritation. For best results repeat this process 4 to 5 times a day.

9. Cornstarch

Prepare a smooth paste by mixing cornstarch or 2 tspn corn flour with water. Smudge the paste over the affected areas and allow it to dry for about ½ hour. Thereafter, go for a cold water bath and wash off the paste.

10. Chickpea flour ( besan) paste

Take ½ cup of chick pea flour, add paste of 15-20 neem  leaves. Add required water to make a paste. Mix well and apply the paste on the affected areas. Leave it for 15 to 20 mins. Wash off with cold water. Combination of besan flour and  neem leaves provides relief from inflammation. Burning sensation is cooled off also relieves dead skin cells.

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11. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is an effective home treatment for prickly heat. Add ½ cup of oatmeal into the bath tub and stir it well. Step into the bath tub and lie in there for 15 minutes to ease the tenderness and soothe the skin. Repeat this twice a day. This is considered a luxury. You have the other simple home remedies to get instant relief.

Supplements to be taken internally to minimize the irritation of prickly heat. Avoid spicy food, junk food. Minimize on fried items as it gives heat to the body. Forego pickles till you get relief. Summer is the time when most households prepare pickles in bulk due to the availability of mango, and low prices for tomato etc.

• Lime Juice: Drinking lots of lime juice also works well in treating prickly heat. Consume 3 to 4 glasses of lime juice daily and you are sure to see the effects in one fortnight itself.

• To get relief from severe itching: Soak 1 tspn of Cumin Seed (Jeera) and 1 tspn of Coriander Seeds (Dhaniya) in water overnight. Strain this solution in the morning and drink. You will observe the difference within 30 to 45 mins.

Over the counter Medication to get rid of Prickly heat

Applying calamine lotion (Lacto calamine lotion available with different bases), it will soothe the affected area of skin. This layer will keep your affected area cool and the irritation will disappear in a day or two. Hydrocortisone cream is recommended if your skin is particularly sore and itchy.

How to Prevent Prickly Heat

To help protect yourself and your little ones from prickly heat, follow the following tips:

• Avoid tight clothing that can irritate the skin. Preferable use cotton and light colored cloths.They prevent sweat accumulation and dry off easily.
• Avoid hot and humid weather. When unavoidable stay in the shade. Use fan, cooler or air-conditioning at a safe distance with a soft air circulation.
• Keep your sleeping area cool and well ventilated.
• Frequent cool showers or cool baths with mild soap can help to prevent heat rash. Avoid using synthetic or perfumed soaps which dries the skin.
• Avoid using creams or oils – they block pores and do not aid sweat release.
• Opt for a short hair cut to avoid sweat remaining on the scalp for long. Women can place a hair band while working in the kitchen or into domestic chores. This will avoid hair contact to the neck.

Avoid prickly heat this summer .Take care of your family and dear ones. You can give your input in the comments section.

Further reading: How to overcome heat this summer