Heat Rash Cure

Summer, indeed, is a great time to get out of our homes and enjoy the warm sunshine. However, with summer, come a lot of skin problems which can ruin your vacation. Heat rash and sunburn top this list. Heat rash, commonly called prickly heat, makes the skin itchy and irritable.

Its main cause is excessive heating of the skin during hot and humid weather. The skin tries to cool itself by sweating, which in turn can damage the skin cells. The sweat is trapped inside the surface of the skin, which eventually results in the formation of small, red bumps. Often, heat rashes occur on the clothed areas of the skin, due to lack of proper aeration.

Heat rash treatment is not all that difficult. Simple remedies at home can help you get rid of it quickly. Following are some remedies that are highly effective in curing heat rash.

Baking Soda
Baking soda has several uses in treating heat rash. Mix 1 tsp baking soda in water to form a paste. Apply this paste on all the heat rash affected areas. Alternatively, you can also add baking soda to your bathing water or in the bathtub. This is a great cure for diaper rashes that irk babies, as well as for heat rash in adults.

Cold Press
Cold press is effective in soothing the inflammation caused due to heat rash. Dip some strips of muslin cloth in ice-cold water and place them over heat rash affected areas. Dispose off the strip every time after using it, to avoid infection.

Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is the ultimate remedy for all sorts of skin problems. It has amazing healing and soothing properties. Apply a generous amount of aloe vera gel on the heat rash to get an instant relief from the resulting heat rash symptoms such as itching and inflammation. Aloe vera heals the skin and mends the damage caused due to scratching.

Over the Counter Drugs
Over the counter medications such as hydrocortisone cream or calamine are also effective cures for heat rash. Apply 1% hydrocortisone cream on the heat rash for about a week or until the rash vanishes. Lotions with dimethicone, such as Moisturel or Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion are also effective in curing heat rash.

» Always keep the affected area clean and dry.
» Do not use hot water for bathing; always use lukewarm water. Shower at least 2 - 3 times a day, if you indulge in a lot of physical activity.

» Expose the heat rash under the fan or in an air conditioned room to cool the rash.
» Dusting with prickly heat powder is a good idea, but avoid applying creams or ointments on the rash. This makes the skin warm and moist and worsens the heat rash.

» Avoid wearing long sleeved, synthetic clothes while going out in the sun. Loose, cotton clothes are a better option, as they absorb sweat and provide proper aeration to the skin.
» Use an antiseptic soap to avoid infection.

» Do not use a deodorizing soap or any perfuming agent, as it can worsen the heat rash.
» In case of infection, do not take antibiotics without consulting a doctor, for they may cause severe side effects, especially in children.

Although, heat rash cures quickly and easily, it is better to prevent it in the first place. Follow all the tips given in this article to keep it at bay. Preventive measures can definitely help you enjoy your vacation without having to worry about heat rash. Take care and have a happy warm spell!

Disclaimer: This story is intended for information purpose only. Do not use the information presented herein as a substitute for medical practitioner's advice.