Home Remedy Tips Of Prickly Heat
March 12, 2009
Recognizing Prickly Heat
When you skin becomes red and begins to burn and or itch, you probably have what is commonly known as Prickly Heat. The medical term for prickly heat is Miliaria. Usually when you sweat a lot in humid and hot conditions, you will experience this condition which is actually skin cells that have died and are blocking your sweat glands.
The neck usually shows signs of the breakout of prickly heat in the form of a spotty rash that can blister. This can spread down the body or end up around the face in adults.
No cures are necessary for most types of prickly heat. The effects will disappear in time. If on a rare occasion an infant suffers from prickly heat it is best to keep the child cooled off by whatever means is necessary.
The duration of prickly heat may be a few days before it goes away but if the conditions remain hot and humid it may last longer.
Understanding the signs of Prickly Heat
Look for red bumps on the skin that are small, itchy patches. There may be a stinging or burning sensation in the patch of the skin that is affected and in the more severe conditions; actual crystals of salt can form in the sweat-gland ducks which are producing little blister-like abrasions on the skin.
What Makes Prickly Heat
When the sweat glands are blocked in weather that is really hot and humid, bacteria forms and blocks the sweat glands thereby, preventing them from proper functioning and causing a sweat to build up on the skin. This is the cause of the inflammation that in turn results in the Prickly Heat skin rash.
Tips on How to Treat Prickly Heat at Home
Cool compresses help the most. Dip a washcloth in a mixture of baking soda (1 tsp.) to one cup of cool water. Use on the affected area 5 to 10 minutes for 4 to 5 times daily.
Use a soft gauze and lukewarm water in a mixture of 3 parts boiled water that has been cooled and one part alcohol.
Dust lightly with Talcum powder afterward.
Using creams (anti-histamine) to relieve the itch will help.
Calamine lotion BP and natural oatmeal based creams can relieve burning.
Soaking in an oatmeal bath is a good way to alleviate itching.
How to Avoid Prick Heat Issues
Try not to overdress in hot and humid weather, but rather wear loose fitting cotton clothes. Also, keep your baths or showers cool. In general, avoid overheated and humid conditions. Especially with children, use a light, water-based lotion instead of the heavy, oil-based creams.
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