Heat rash is a skin condition which is caused by excessive sweating during hot and humid weather. It can occur at any age but is most common in young children. Heat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters. It is more likely to occur on the neck and upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases. Miliaria is the medical term used for this heat related skin condition.
Stages of miliaria:
- Miliaria crystalline (clear): This is the mildest form of heat rash. Usually, the blisters aren’t itchy or painful.
- Miliaria rubra (red): This occurs deeper in the outer skin layer. These are itchy with red bumps, prickly heat found in infants and adults.
- Miliaria profunda (Deep): This is the least common form. Usually occur, in adults after repeated events of heat rash. Flesh coloured lesions.
Treating heat rash at home:
- Wash it as much as possible – The first step of treating heat rash is to wash the affected area with an organic soap or mild soap (for example, Dove non-soap cleanser or something similar). Next, rinse the area with water and gently pat dry with a towel. It is recommended to wash several times a day, especially after heat exposure.
- Watch what you wear – Removing clothes may keep the body cooler but it does not avoid the problem of sweat buildup especially under the breasts, abdomen fold, between buttock folds, and places where skin overhangs. It is suggested to wear light, cotton, absorbent fabrics that separate out skin fold areas. Short sleeves tops and shorts are often helpful.
- Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water throughout the day for overall hydration. Water helps in maintaining cooler body temperatures. If you are dehydrated, it may lead to weakness and generalised malaise.
- Rubbing ice on affected area – Now this is what I always do in summers, rubbing ice cubes of heat rashes. The cold temperature of the ice cubes helps in getting better quickly.
- Applying fuller’s earth (multani mitti) – Multani mitti provides rigidity to the body. the So this can be a great idea. Just apply multani mitti with the help of a brush on affected areas and let it dry. Wash it with water and pat dry.
- Aloe Vera gel – This plant has many anti-bacterial qualities and is frigid in nature. So applying Aloe Vera pulp is a great idea.