Heat Rash/Prickly Heat

[Fae Oonagh]

Home Remedies For Heat Rash (Prickly Heat)
Prickly heat is a common condition in which areas of the skin itch intensely and often feel prickly, or sting, due to overheating. Also called heat rash prickly heat looks like tiny bumps surrounded by an area of red skin. It usually occurs on clothed parts of the body, such as the back, abdomen, neck, upper chest, groin or armpits and goes away on its own within a few days. In severe forms, however, prickly heat can interfere with the body's heat-regulating mechanism and cause fever, heat exhaustion and even death.

Prickly heat occurs most often in hot, humid conditions, but you may develop it in cool weather if you are overdressed. The condition usually appears a few days to a few months after exposure to a hot, humid environment. It's most common in infants. Newborns are particularly vulnerable to prickly heat because their sweat ducts are not mature, which makes it easier for the beads of moisture to be trapped.

Heat rash can develop anytime your body overheats-typically in very hot, humid conditions. Stay cool and don't let the heat get to you!

Natural Home remedies
Make a soothing powder by browning ½ cup of regular flour in the oven. Then apply to the rash.
Rub the prickly-heated area with the inside of watermelon rind.
Take a vitamin C supplement regularly. It helps relieve the itch.
Cornstarch prevents and relieves heat rash.
Prevention:

Avoid overdressing.
Allow Skin to breathe
Avoid heavy moisturizers. Tender newborn skin tends to be dry and in need of moisturizing. But heavy, oil-based creams can be a problem. 'Moisturize with a light, water-based lotion instead.