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Home > Skin & Beauty > Skin Conditions > Get Rid of Prickly Heat: 6 Home Remedies and 8 Preventive Tips

Get Rid of Prickly Heat: 6 Home Remedies and 8 Preventive Tips

September 22, 2021 - Updated on September 30, 2021
6 min read
By Akanksha Shah Sanghvi, MD, Clinical Dermatology

In this article:

  • Home Remedies for Prickly Heat
  • Lifestyle Measures and Preventive Tips
  • Most-Asked Questions About Prickly Heat
  • Final Word

You may have noticed the appearance of numerous tiny and itchy blisters on your skin after being in intense heat or have experienced excessive sweating for long periods. The development of such a skin rash is called prickly heat, also called heat rash.

natural remedies for prickly heat
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Prickly heat occurs due to the clogging of pores with dead skin cells and bacteria, preventing the sweat from traveling to the body surface and evaporating. (1) It is medically known as miliaria and is characterized by a stinging sensation and red rash on the skin. (2)

Although prickly heat is a mild problem that rarely requires medical attention, it is vital to take good care of your skin to prevent the problem from escalating and spreading to other body parts.

Various home remedies to aid recovery from prickly heat are recommended in this article.

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Home Remedies for Prickly Heat

Prickly heat can be easily managed by keeping the skin cool, thus preventing sweating and irritation. The following simple at-home remedies can help treat a heat rash:

1. Apply a cold compress

use a cold compress to soothe prickly heat

The use of a cold compress can soothe the skin affected by prickly heat.

How to use:

  1. Dip a clean washcloth in cold water, and wring out the excess water. You can also wrap an ice pack in a towel.
  2. Apply the cold towel or ice pack to the affected area.
  3. Remove the ice pack every 5–10 minutes for a couple of minutes to prevent damaging your skin.

2. Use aloe vera gel

Aloe vera gel contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties (3) that can be highly useful in treating prickly heat.

Applying aloe vera gel to the affected area not only improves the redness and inflammation but also provides hydration and nourishment to prevent skin dehydration.

How to use:

  1. Apply fresh or medicated aloe vera gel to the affected area.
  2. Wash it off after 15–20 minutes or leave it on overnight. (4)

3. Take an oatmeal bath

try an oatmeal bath to manage prickly heat

Oatmeal is a natural mild exfoliator that can unclog the skin pores and therefore help manage and prevent prickly heat. Moreover, it soothes the skin, bringing down the inflammation and itching.

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How to use:

  1. Add oatmeal in lukewarm bathwater and allow it to mix for about 20 minutes. Avoid using hot water as it can aggravate the heat rash. (5)
  2. Soak your body in the oatmeal bath water for 10–15 minutes.
  3. Take a cold shower. 

4. Apply sandalwood paste

Sandalwood acts as a soothing and cooling agent on the skin, therefore helping improve prickly heat and its symptoms.

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How to use:

  1. Mix sandalwood paste with rose water.
  2. Apply the paste to the affected areas.
  3. Let the paste dry, and then rinse it off with cold water. (6)

5. Use neem leaves

neem can help soothe prickly heat

Neem is a highly potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent that is used to treat numerous skin conditions including heat rash.

How to use:

  1. Make a paste by mixing neem powder and water.
  2. Apply the paste to the affected area.
  3. Rinse it off after a few minutes of application. (7)

6. Take an Epsom salt bath

Epsom salt baths can help soothe the skin and relieve inflammation and itching.

How to use:

Add a cup of Epsom salt to your bathwater and soak in it.

Note: Avoid using hot water for the bath. Make sure that you do not ingest the bathwater as Epsom salts can act as laxatives and cause diarrhea. (8)

Lifestyle Measures and Preventive Tips

lifestyle measures to prevent prickly heat

Preventing prickly heat and avoiding its associated discomfort is quite easy when you follow these tips:

  • Use a mild cleanser to wash your skin daily. In addition, exfoliate your skin at least once a week; doing so helps prevent the skin pores from clogging and trapping the sweat.
  • Limit your physical exercise in hot, humid conditions. (9)
  • Maintain optimum body weight to prevent skin folds and therefore friction.
  • Wear clothes made of breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics. Use loose clothing instead of body-fitting ones. (10)
  • Stay in a cool environment, such as in air-conditioned rooms, if you are prone to developing a prickly rash. (11)
  • Consume plenty of water to avoid skin dehydration.
  • Avoid scratching or touching your rash. If the itching is intense, tap it instead. (12)
  • Refrain from using shower gels or creams containing artificial fragrances as they can cause skin irritation.

Most-Asked Questions About Prickly Heat

general queries about prickly heat

Who can develop prickly heat?

Prickly heat is common in people of all ages and genders. However, it frequently affects newborns, infants, elders, and people who are obese. Additionally, the risk of developing prickly heat increases in tropical climates.

How long does it take for prickly heat to clear?

Prickly heat generally improves on its own within a week, provided that the rashes are not exposed to further heat and the skin is protected from irritants. If the rash persists, consult your doctor.

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Final Word

Prickly heat is a common skin problem encountered in hot weather. However, when taken proper care of, it can clear up in a few days. Also, several at-home self-care remedies can help aid in providing relief and hastening recovery.

Additionally, a few lifestyle changes can help prevent a heat rash from developing. These measures include keeping your skin pores clear, avoiding excessive heat, and limiting sweat-causing activities. If the rash persists despite proper care, consult your doctor.

Continue Reading Continue ReadingPrickly Heat: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
References
  1. Guerra KC. Miliaria. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537176/. Published August 13, 2021.
  2. Stern EB; Callinan N; Hank M; Lewis EJ; Schousboe JT; Ytterberg SR; Neoprene splinting: Dermatological issues. The American journal of occupational therapy: official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9693703/.
  3. Surjushe A, Vasani R, Saple DG. Aloe vera: A short review. Indian journal of dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/
  4. Tabassum N, Hamdani M. Plants used to treat skin diseases. Pharmacognosy reviews. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3931201/. Published January 2014.
  5. Reynertson KA; Garay M; Nebus J; Chon S; Kaur S; Mahmood K; Kizoulis M; Southall MD; Anti-inflammatory activities of colloidal Oatmeal (Avena sativa) contribute to the effectiveness of oats in treatment of ITCH associated with dry, irritated skin. Journal of drugs in dermatology: JDD. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25607907/.
  6. Moy RL, Levenson C. Sandalwood album oil as a Botanical therapeutic in Dermatology. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5749697/. Published October 2017.
  7. S; SRN. Medicinal properties of neem leaves: A review. Current medicinal chemistry. Anti-cancer agents. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15777222/.
  8. C; PENHPBMU. Bathing in a magnesium-rich dead sea salt solution improves skin barrier function, enhances skin hydration, and reduces inflammation in atopic dry skin. International journal of dermatology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15689218/.
  9. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Military Nutrition Research. Physiological responses to exercise in the heat. Nutritional Needs in Hot Environments: Applications for Military Personnel in Field Operations. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK236240/. Published January 1, 1993.
  10. Carter R, Garcia AM, Souhan BE. Patients presenting with miliaria while wearing flame resistant clothing in high ambient temperatures: A case series. Journal of medical case reports. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3195105/. Published September 22, 2011.
  11. Cardoza JE, Gronlund CJ, Schott J, Ziegler T, Stone B, O’Neill MS. Heat-related illness is associated with lack of air conditioning and pre-existing health problems in Detroit, Michigan, USA: A community-based participatory co-analysis of survey data. International journal of environmental research and public health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7460407/. Published August 7, 2020.
  12. Rinaldi G. The itch-scratch cycle: A review of the mechanisms. Dermatology practical & conceptual. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6502296/. Published April 30, 2019.
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