Evade Prickly Heat This Summer..!!

Summer ought to be about Vanilla ice creams, Cool shakes, and long lazy days. But with the heat waves comes  sweating which not only drains your energy but also causes a problem of the skin commonly known as, Prickly heat.

What is prickly heat?

• Prickly heat or Heat rashes are small red bumps on the skin that can cause general discomfort along with severe itching. 

• Though it is not considered a skin disease, yet it can be pretty annoying in daily life and therefore calls for attention.

• Prickly heat is likely to be found in the highest concentration in covered areas where there is a lot of friction and the sweat does not dry easily, such as the neck, chest, and body fold.

What causes prickly heat?

• Human sweat, due to its high salt content is an extremely potent skin irritant.

• Excessive sweating in summers causes accumulation of sweat on the pores of the skin in different parts of the body.

• And if the sweat is not rubbed off immediately it tends to clog the pores of the skin, which eventually results in prickly heat or heat rashes.

Tips to prevent prickly heat..!!

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes of cool natural fabrics, avoid polyesters and nylon.

• Use a hat or umbrella while going out.

• Apply Sun-screen before stepping out in the sun.

• Do not let perspiration accumulate on your skin for long.

• On hot and humid days, avoid wearing jewellery, especially artificial jewellery, as that can cause the skin to break out.

• Even when you are indoors, try to maintain a comfortable temperature with fans or air-conditioning.

• Drink water often and keep yourself hydrated.

Home remedies for prickly heat:

• Caladryl: is a soothing anti septic lotion for skin eruptions and itching.

• Sandalwood paste: has cooling and anti-inflammatory qualities. The pleasant smell makes it a refreshing emollient to heal skin eruptions.

• Aloe Vera: Cleopatra is known to have used it to keep her skin looking young.Aloe Vera is a wonder cure for all skin ailments like dryness, rash, prickly heat and even burns

• Lavender oil: is a fragrant oil used in aromatherapy. It has antiseptic and anti-fungal qualities and reduces skin irritations, swelling and redness.

• Talcum powders: especially those made to combat prickly heat, can be very effective in soothing the skin and preventing further eruptions.

So, go out and enjoy summer without worrying about any prickly prick :)