Summer is a pleasant time of the year for some people, but it becomes a dreadful time for other people suffering from prickly heat which is also called heat rash. Always bear in mind that prickly heat can affect adults, children and infants.
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVwPjVGQ_pM”]Prickly heat happens in people living in hot and humid climates and cause excessive sweating that causes blockage of the sweat glands. When they burst and open, it will cause irritation on the skin and result to prickly heat. Prickly heat can also be caused by bacterial infection and not fully developed sweat glands, those who are overweight and living a sedentary routine increases the risk of developing this condition.
Prickly heat happens in any part of the part of the body but usually common in the feet, back, groin, armpits, hands, neck, hands, upper chest and the abdomen.
Symptoms
- A stinging or prickling sensation can be felt
- Mild inflammation
Prickly heat happens in any part of the part of the body but usually common in the feet, back, groin, armpits, hands, neck, hands, upper chest and the abdomen. - Small red round bumps or rashes that causes itching develops on the skin.
Treatment
- Apply cold compress on the affected skin to lessen the prickling sensations, inflammation and itching. Wrap ice cubes in a towel and then place it on the affected areas for at least 5-10 minutes at a time, every 4-6 hours for t2-3 days. Cold compress helps minimize rashes from becoming worse and spreads to other areas in the body. Soak a cotton cloth in cold water, wring out excess water and then place it on the affected skin for at least 5-10 minutes for 3-4 times every day for a week. Take a cold shower or bath can also help lessen the severity of the prickly heat symptoms.
- Oatmeal has anti-irritating, anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties that gives relief from inflammation and itching due to prickly heat. In a bathtub filled with cool water, mix it with one cup of finely ground oatmeal powder, mix them well until oatmeal is fully dissolved. Soak in the solution for at least 20-30 minutes, and then pat dry the skin using a soft towel. Take a bath using this solution at least 2 times every day for a week to achieve the best result.
- Baking soda is also beneficial for prickly heat. Baking soda is an exfoliating agent that helps unclog pores by eliminating dead skin cells, dirt and impurities and also minimizes the inflammation and itching caused by prickly heat. In a cup of cold water, add a teaspoon of baking soda, mix them well until completely dissolved. Soak a clean cloth in the mixture and wring out excess water and place over the affected skin for at least 5-10 minutes for 4-5 times every day for a week.
Tips
- Drink plenty of water during hot weather and take cool baths at least 2-3 times every day.
- Avoid using creams or oil that cause blockage of pores in the skin.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing that irritates the skin
- Sleep in cool and properly ventilated areas.
- Avoid exposure to excessive heat and humidity