Summers bring blazing temperatures, heavy sweating, and unbearable humidity. A day in the scorching sun can result in itchy and reddish rashes. Prickly heat is not a life-threatening condition, but it must be treated properly to prevent further complications. Some tried-and-true home treatments to regulate the symptoms of prickly heat are listed below. But before you check out these remedies, you need to know what prickly heat is and what causes it. This knowledge will assist you in better managing the situation and preparing you to take the required precautions to prevent it. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dig into it!
What Causes Prickly Heat?
While prickly heat is common in summers, they could lift their ugly head in winters too. The excessive sweat clogs the skin pores, which, in turn, trigger these rashes. This happens when your perspiration gets trapped under the skin, instead of evaporating. That is why prickly heat rashes are seen commonly along skin folds, such as neck, waist, armpits, and groin. Researchers have not found the exact reasons behind the clogging of sweat ducts, but there are several contributory factors involved. Common factors triggering prickly heat (miliaria) could be –
Wearing clothes made from synthetic fibers that prevent perspiration from evaporating Intensive exercising or physical activity that involves high levels of sweating Using oil-based cosmetics leading to clogged sweat glands Wearing excessively warm clothes in winter triggering perspiration Certain medications, such as those for ADHD or blood pressure
Babies are extremely prone to prickly heat. The sweat ducts of newborns remain under-developed for quite a long time, and hence are prone to quick blocking. Newborn babies can develop prickly heat if they are placed in incubators or wrapped up too snugly in blankets (1, 2, 3).
Symptoms Of Prickly Heat
Symptoms can include the following –
Red rashes or inflamed areas of skin Small blisters Itching and irritation (1, 2)
Sounds rather annoying, doesn’t it? Thankfully, there are numerous home remedies for prickly heat rashes that you can try your hand at. It is advisable to use two or three remedies simultaneously for quicker and more effective healing. Here are the remedies!
Simple Home Remedies For Prickly Heat
Bid Goodbye To Prickly Heat With These Remedies
1. Oatmeal Bath For Prickly Heat
1-2 cups oatmeal Lukewarm water A bathtub
Run an oatmeal bath and soak yourself in it for 15-20 minutes. You can also use the oatmeal to scrub the affected areas gently. Repeat this every 2-3 days. Oatmeal will help to exfoliate the skin and clear the blocked sweat ducts. This home remedy for prickly heat is excellent for getting relief from the itching and inflammation if any (4).
2. Aloe Vera Gel For Prickly Heat
An aloe leaf If you cannot lay your hands on an aloe plant, use an aloe-rich moisturizing lotion. Repeat this once or twice every day until you get relief from prickly heat. The antibacterial and antiseptic properties of aloe vera gel help reduce various types of skin rashes, including those caused by prickly heat. It will help alleviate the inflammation and also ease the redness. An amazing skin softening and hydrating agent, it also prevents skin from dehydration (5).
3. Chickpea Flour For Prickly Heat
2-3 tablespoons chickpea flour Water or rose water
Apply this pack every day. Also called as gram flour, chickpea flour pack acts a cleanser for the skin. It removes the impurities that are clogging the pores and also exfoliates the dead skin cells (6). This home remedy will provide relief from the itching and prickling sensation.
4. Fuller’s Earth For Prickly Heat
3-4 tablespoons fuller’s earth (multani mitti) Rose water
Apply this pack every day initially and then every alternate day until the prickly heat is completely gone. Fuller’s earth or multani mitti has long been used for treating prickly heat. It is excellent in unclogging pores and giving the skin a fresh feeling (7).
5. Baking Soda For Prickly Heat
2 tablespoons baking soda A bowl of water Washcloth
Do this 1-2 times every day. The antibacterial properties of baking or cooking soda help in preventing infections at the site, while soothing the skin (8).
6. Raw Potato For Prickly Heat
1 medium-sized potato You also can dab the areas with the slices. Do this every day. It will ease the itchy and prickly sensation as it is soothing for the skin. It is also an emollient (9).
7. Watermelon For Prickly Heat
Watermelon You can also gulp down a glass of crushed watermelon to heal from within by hydrating your skin. Repeat this once every day. The coolness of the fruit soothes and refreshes the irritated skin. Watermelon also contains antioxidants that exert anti-aging effects on the skin (10). Note: Excessive consumption of watermelon can worsen skin inflammation since it is a fire energy-promoting fruit. Hence, be mindful of the quantities.
8. Ginger For Prickly Heat
A small piece of ginger Water Washcloth
You can repeat this up to twice a day. Ginger has long been used in Asian culture for its medicinal properties. It also can help ease the itching and stinging sensation caused by prickly heat (11).
9. Ice Cubes For Prickly Heat
2-3 ice cubes A soft towel
You can also put the ice cubes in some water and let them melt. Use a soft cloth soaked in this chilled water to dab the affected skin. Repeat this as and when you feel irritation and itching. The coolness of the ice will soothe the skin and alleviate the redness and the irritation (12).
10. Camphor For Prickly Heat
1 camphor tablet Few drops of neem oil
Repeat this every alternate day. This grandmother’s home remedy for prickly heat is extremely effective in healing a burning sensation and itching. It will feel cool and refreshing when applied to the heat rash (13). Neem being antimicrobial in nature will prevent any infections from developing at the affected site (14).
11. Coriander Leaves And Sandalwood Powder For Prickly Heat
Handful of dried coriander leaves 1 tablespoon sandalwood powder Rose water
Apply this paste every day. Coriander is known for its antiseptic properties, while sandalwood helps to ease the burning and prickling sensation (15, 16).
12. Henna Powder For Prickly Heat
Few teaspoons henna powder Water
A single application of this remedy will have lasting results. Used in the Middle East and South East Asian countries for decorating the hands, this herb is known to treat skin ailments. It is a cooling agent and also an astringent while possessing antibacterial properties (17). If you do not mind a reddish tinge on your skin, you can use this home remedy for prickly heat rash.
13. Lime Juice For Prickly Heat
A lime A glass of water Honey (optional)
Drink three to four glasses every day. The potent antioxidants in lime juice can help hasten the healing process of your heat rashes (18). You will notice prickly heat disappearing in about 14 days.
14. Honey For Prickly Heat
Raw honey Repeat this 1-2 times every day. Asian cultures use honey for its antibacterial and humectant properties. It soothes the itchiness and irritation of your prickly heat while nourishing your skin (19). [ Read: Benefits And Uses Of Honey ]
15. Indian Gooseberries For Prickly Heat
Few Indian gooseberries Water Earthen vessel
Drink this concoction every day for a week to facilitate fast healing. Indian gooseberry or amla is filled with vitamins and vital nutrients. Eating them will strengthen your immune system to fight the prickly heat (20).
16. Cucumber For Prickly Heat
1/2 cucumber Apply cucumber slices every day on your prickly heat rashes. One of the biggest problems with prickly heat is the petrifying burning sensation. You can ease it by applying cucumber on your skin as it instantly soothes the skin and provides a cooling effect (21).
17. Papaya For Prickly Heat
A piece of ripe papaya Repeat this every alternate day or as and when required. The tropical fruit papaya will ease the burning sensation and also provide relief from itching. It unclogs pores and exfoliates the dull and damaged skin cells (22).
18. Talcum Powder For Prickly Heat
Talcum powder After taking a shower, pat your skin dry and sprinkle some talcum powder on the prickly heat rashes. Do this every morning and every night. Good old talcum powder can also be used to hasten the healing process. Opt for a herbal talcum powder. It will help to keep your skin dry in the hot, humid conditions and this, in turn, helps to heal the rashes quickly. Be sure not to use scented talcum powder, as it can irritate your skin even further.
19. Lavender Essential Oil For Prickly Heat
5 drops lavender oil 1 bucket lukewarm water
You can even apply lavender oil to affected area or just dip a cloth in cold water containing this essential oil and dab on affected area. Repeat this every day until you get relief from the rashes. Soothing and healing, lavender oil is also rich with antibiotic properties. It will ease the itchiness and irritation while preventing any harmful bacteria from settling in the rashes and causing infection (23).
20. Neem For Prickly Heat
Handful of dried neem leaves Water
Apply this once in every two days for quick relief from the rashes. Neem is well known for its astringent, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties (24). It is one of the most widely used home remedies for various skin disorders that involve itching sensation and infection, including prickly heat.
21. Apple Cider Vinegar For Prickly Heat
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons water Cotton
Repeat this once every day. ACV balances the skin’s pH while reducing the itching and irritation with its anti-inflammatory compounds (25).
22. Cornstarch For Prickly Heat
Cornstarch powder Sprinkle some cornstarch powder on the rashes and leave it on. Reapply as and when required during the day. Like talcum powder, cornstarch absorbs the excess sweat and sebum which prevents the pores from getting clogged and forming more rashes.
23. Coconut Oil For Prickly Heat
Extra virgin coconut oil Melt the oil in between your fingers and apply on the rashes directly. Apply this every night before going to bed. Coconut oil is nourishing and hydrating for the skin. It heals the rashes and significantly reduces the itching sensation. It is also antibacterial in nature (26).
24. Epsom Salt For Prickly Heat
1 cup Epsom salt A bathtub Warm water
You can also apply a soft cloth soaked Epsom salt water on the rashes, in case you do not have the facility to draw a bath. Soak in Epsom salt water every alternate day. Epsom salt draws out toxins from the body and also exfoliates dead cells. This unclogs the pores and helps heal the prickly heat rashes (27).
25. Greek Yogurt For Prickly Heat
Plain Greek yogurt Repeat this once every day. Yogurt is cooling for the irritated and inflamed skin. It also unclogs the pores and helps to heal the rashes quickly (28).
26. Olive Oil For Prickly Heat
Extra virgin olive oil Do this every night before going to bed. Olive oil is an emollient and a skin conditioner. It soothes the itchiness and also keeps the skin nourished and supple (29).
27. Rose Water For Prickly Heat
Rose water Cotton pad
Dab some cool rose water onto a cotton pad and apply on the rashes. Repeat this 2-3 times in a day. Rose water is an astringent that soothes and refreshes the skin (30). How To Prevent Prickly Heat? Check out the infographic to get more insight into the four different types of heat rash. Prevention is certainly better than cure for prickly heat. While there is no dearth of natural remedies for prickly heat, preventing its occurrence is ideal. Here is how you can thwart off the itchy rashes:
Choose to wear light and comfortable cotton clothing during the scorching summers. Avoid tight fitting clothing, as it prevents air circulation. When it is too hot, cool off your body by taking a shower or staying indoors under a fan or in an air-conditioned room. Do not use harsh soaps and moisturizers during the hot season. Avoid slathering on creams and lotions during summers, as they can block your pores and cause prickly heat Wear loose clothing while sleeping and ensure your bedroom is well-ventilated. During the hot months, always bathe in cool water and wash well to remove all traces of perspiration, especially from the folds of the skin. After working out, take a shower to get rid of the perspiration.
Can Prickly Heat Be Painful? Under normal circumstances, prickly heat is not painful. It is an annoying rash that tends to cause a lot of itching along with stinging or prickling sensation. The itching can result in secondary infection. It is not life-threatening, but at times the blisters can be tender to touch. How Long Does Prickly Heat Rash Last? Under most mild and moderate cases of prickly heat, the rashes last up to 4-7 days. Does Prickly Heat Itch? Yes! Itching is one of the main symptoms of prickly heat. Can Heat Rash Spread To Other Parts Of Body? Yes, heat rash can quickly spread to other regions if not taken care of with home remedies or other solutions. What vitamin is good for prickly heat? Vitamin C has been demonstrated to be helpful in the treatment of prickly heat (31). Can prickly heat cause anxiety? Although an individual’s anxiety symptoms may vary, it is not unusual for someone to experience itching, stinging, or skin irritation when they feel anxious. Is turmeric good for prickly heat? It has been found that turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-neoplastic qualities (32). These properties have the ability to relieve itching and rashes, among other skin ailments (33). Simply mix a tablespoon of coconut oil with half a teaspoon of turmeric powder and apply the paste to your skin to relieve the itching instantly. Prickly heat is, unarguably, an annoying skin rash. That is why you should be looking at home remedies in this article to provide you relief and speed up the healing process. Use these simple, easy-to-use home remedies for prickly heat to your advantage and enjoy quick relief from itching and that burning sensation. In case you notice a secondary infection, or you experience pain and swelling, consult a doctor. An infection should never be ignored, especially if you have painful and swollen lymph nodes. Hope you found this article helpful. Do share your views with us in the comments section below.
