Prickly Heat 

Continuing from my previous discussion on  summertime skin problems, is this post on Prickly Heat. Excessive heat causes prickly heat, no surprises there. However, the rashes and pinkish-red patches of skin are actually caused by sweat blocking the pores of the skin. As a result the skin can’t breathe and demonstrates its annoyance by these outbreaks. Additionally, internal body heat can sometimes cause the rashes, so a fundamental preventive measure against them is to drink plenty of water to compensate for the loss of moisture.

Natural Remedies

There are a whole host of natural remedies to combat the misery of prickly heat: Some of them are infusions and tonics, where others are very much external treatments. There are also the general cautions that one should take in summertime in any case. 

Gooseberry Tonic 

Gooseberries (the big green ones) are great during the summer months. Soak a dozen or so of this fruit in some lukewarm water overnight. The next morning, mash up the fruit and mix with the water to make a refreshing drink. The taste may take a little getting used to, but the cooling effect more than compensates for it.

Margosa (Neem) Tree Extracts 

To soothe the itching which is caused by prickly heat, have a bath with a neem-based soap. It will soothe the rash considerably. (For online stores that supply neem based soaps, click here.)

Additionally, neem oil can be mixed with camphor oil and then applied to the affected area. Wash off after an hour for a refreshing feeling.

Sandalwood Paste 

Mix a few teaspoons of sandalwood powder with enough rose water to make a paste. Apply to the affected area for around half an hour and wash off with cool water. This paste has an instant cooling effect, apart from which, makes the skin soft and smooth, and smell absolutely divine.

Oatmeal soak 

Now oatmeal has a fairly rough texture, and that last thing anyone wants to apply on already sensitive skin is something rough. But oatmeal is great for ridding the body of rashes, so exactly how does one use it? Simply by putting a couple of heaped tablespoons of oatmeal in a warm bath and soaking in it. Doing this a few times a week will clear up all the rashes that plague the body.

Prevention is better than cure

All these are tried and tested remedies, which will work. However, the best way to prevent rashes is to stay cool. (And by cool, I mean temperature-wise, not being trendy.) 

Wear loose cotton or linen fabrics and drink lots of citrus fruit juices. Apart from that, talcum powder applied to sweaty areas will soak up the excess moisture and prevent it from clogging pores.

If you Enjoyed this post - Please Subscribe so you don't miss a post.
No time to comment, Nothing in particular to say?