Prickly heat is frequently brought about by warm temperatures, especially during the summer season. It appears as small, red spots that bring about itchiness, pain and a tingling sensation. Prickly heat usually affects the neck, the shoulders, the chest, and even the face. Though it will usually clear up on its own after a few days, its symptoms can cause discomfort, especially in children.
Here are some effective remedies for prickly heat that you can try out yourself. If prickly heat signs and symptoms persist after a week, visit your doctor.
1. Wear loose and cotton clothing
Wear loose cotton clothing to keep your skin cool all throughout the day. Cotton is the best material that you can wear since it easily absorbs moisture. You can likewise use lightweight cotton bedsheets when you sleep.
2. Keep cool
Use a cold compress to minimize heat. A cold compress can relieve swelling and inflammation and can also soothe your skin. You can wrap some ice cubes on a piece of cloth and apply it to your rash every 10 minutes for a few hours.
You can also take cool showers daily and drink lots of fluids to moisturize your skin. For babies, you can keep them in an air-conditioned room, or in a room with fans that can adequately circulate air.
3. Cornstarch
Cornstarch works as an antiperspirant and can help absorb sweat, the main cause of prickly heat. You can use it as a powder to replace your usual talcum powder. However, be careful, as some people are also allergic to cornstarch and corn. Make sure that you are not allergic to it before using it.
4. Oatmeal
Oatmeal can help relieve inflammation and itching, so it is a useful remedy for prickly heat and other inflammatory skin conditions. To use, place one to two cups of oatmeal in warm water and soak the area for at least 20 minutes. Make sure that the solution is not too hot for your skin. You can also create an oatmeal paste with water by mixing one part of oatmeal to one part of water until a paste is created.
5. Calamine lotion
Calamine lotion is a popular remedy for prickly heat. It can soothe itchiness and skin inflammation because it contains zinc oxide. Apply some calamine lotion to your prickly heat rashes using a cotton pad.