Heat rash is also referred to as prickly heat. It occurs due to intense heat and is characterized by itching in certain areas of the skin. It generally develops on areas of the body that are covered such as the chest, abdomen and groin region. In cases of severe heat rash, the body is unable to regulate the heat and exhaustion and fever may result. Heat rash interferes with the body’s cooling system and evaporation of the sweat stops occurring. This leads to overheating of the body. Most cases of heat rash do not require medical treatment. There are many heat rash home remedies that help in providing relief from itching and discomfort.
Cause of Heat Rash
The primary cause of heat rash is excessive sweating due to heat and humidity. When the body begins to perspire profusely, the accumulated sweat begins to affect the skin cells. In an attempt to protect the deeper layers of the skin, the cells create a barrier and some amount of sweat becomes trapped beneath. This leads to tiny sweat-filled bumps on the skin. When these bumps rupture, the sweat is released and itching and pricking is experienced. Heat rash commonly occurs in babies that are wrapped up in too many clothes. Individuals that are bedridden may also develop heat rash due to sweating and friction of the body parts that are constantly touching the bed. In case there is pus formation in the rash, a proper diagnosis may become necessary as it may be indicative of a skin condition such as eczema. In other cases, natural remedies for heat rash are quite sufficient for treating the condition.
Home Remedies for Heat Rash
The best heat rash cure is to cool the body down. Taking a cold shower or staying inside an air-conditioned room will help to achieve that. An ice pack is also an effective for treating heat rash. Place an ice pack over the affected areas for about 10 minutes. Do this 3 to 4 times a day. Heat rash is also alleviated by dusting the body with cornstarch or baking soda as this helps to absorb the sweat form the skin.One of the most popular heat rash home remedies is a bath of oatmeal powder. Add some ground oatmeal to a bath of warm water and soak the body in it for a little while.In addition to home remedies for heat rash, one must also wear loose clothing made from absorbent fabrics such as cotton. Overweight people may be more vulnerable to heat rash as sweat accumulates easily within the skin folds.