Excessive sweating can occur because the summer and monsoon seasons are characterized by scorching heat and humidity. Sweating alone is not a problem. However, it could cause rashes, redness, or irritation. Scratching can provide some temporary comfort, but it can also irritate the skin and make itching worse. So if it’s too much sweating that’s causing the itch, here’s how to stop the itch and get instant relief.
Health Shots spoke with Dr. Rinky Kapoor, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist, and Dermatosurgeon at The Esthetic Clinics to find out what home remedies may be helpful in relieving itchiness.
What causes prickly heat?
Summer and monsoon are not very skin-friendly seasons and itchy skin makes it even more difficult. The most common causes of prickly heat, also known as heat rash, sweat rash, or heat rash, include high temperatures and humidity that cause people to sweat. Dr. Kapoor says: “Sweat that gets trapped shows up as little itchy blisters on the skin. Prickly heat can affect any part of the body, but can be commonly seen in the armpits, groin, armpits, back of the feet, back of the neck, hands, chest, and even the abdomen.” In addition to excessive sweating, being overweight, being physically active, and wearing tight or warm clothing can cause heat rash.
It is a common condition but at the same time it is easy to treat using some natural home ingredients and a little skin care.
Here are 5 effective home remedies to quickly relieve itching:
1. Multani mitti
This is an excellent product to open the pores and soften the skin. Mix some fuller’s earth with a few drops of rosewater and apply to affected areas. Wash after 15 minutes. Use this paste daily.
Also, read: How to stop itching down there? Keep these hygiene tips in mind
2. Chandan or sandalwood powder
Take some pure sandalwood powder or grind some fresh on your own and mix it with some rosewater. Apply on the rash and let dry. Wash with cold water once dry. Sandalwood powder is antibacterial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory and relieves burning and prickling.
3. Oatmeal
It is a traditional recipe to soothe skin inflammation caused by heat rash. Just add some finely ground oatmeal and add it to your bath water. Soak the affected area for about thirty minutes. Pat the area dry. This will take care of the dryness and itchiness. Do this two or three times a week.
4. cornstarch
Take some cornstarch paste and apply it on the sweat rash and let it dry. Once dry, wash with cold water. and let the area dry. Cornstarch is not harsh on the skin and calms irritated skin. Do this once a day.
5. potato
The simple slice of potato can bring instant relief to the skin. Put the potato slice in the fridge and let it cool down. Place the cold potato slice on the affected area and let it sit for 15 minutes. Wash with cold water. Do this two or three times a day.
Before using any home remedy, be sure to make sure the rash is not spreading. If so, see your doctor right away for treatment. Also do a patch test before using home remedies.
Along with these home remedies, here are some tips to reduce itchiness.
- Stay in cooler conditions
- take a cool shower
- Wear loose cotton clothing
- Use light bedding
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Apply a cold compress that you can make at home using a towel or plastic bag.
- Avoid body care or soaps with strong fragrances.
- Avoid using skin care products that contain mineral or petroleum oil.
