Heat rash is a condition that also goes by the name prickly heat. It's caused when sweat glands get plugged due to being exposed to warm, humid air, resulting in sweat going inward instead of outward. This causes little red bumps that form on the skin and cause a prickly, burning feeling. These bumps generally appear on areas of the body where there are creases, such as the inside of the elbows, the back of the knees and the back of the neck. Once prickly heat develops, there are several ways to treat it naturally.
Stay Cool
Staying cool is one of the most important things to do when you have heat rash. According to Norman Levine, M.D., chief of dermatology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine Health Sciences Center in Tuscon, one way to treat heat rash is to stand in an air conditioned building a day or two and avoid sweating as much as possible.
Soap
Various soaps contain perfumes that can exacerbate symptoms. To avoid this, use a soap that's mild and is an antibacterial. Rodney Basler, a dermatologist at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, recommends using Lever 2000 or Dial.
Clothing
When heat rash develops, the skin should be dry and free of moisture. The symptoms can be worsened by wearing clothes that are tight fitting, or made out of nylon or polyester. One remedy is to wear loose-fitting clothes that are made out of cotton or polypropylene. These can keep the skin dry and wick away moisture.
Showers
Taking frequent baths and showers throughout the day is another treatment option. This keeps the skin cool and clean. When you take a shower, dry off well because wet skin irritates the heat rash. You can add baking soda to the bath water, which helps relieve the itching.
Powder
Applying absorbent powders to your body can help keep skin cool and dry. This should be done after taking a shower. Talcum powder and cornstarch are two types of powder that can be used. Calamine lotion is another topical solution that can be used to stop the itch and relieve irritation.
Tags: heat rash, clothes that, keep skin, prickly heat, skin cool, that used
