7 Quick Ways to Treat Prickly Heat
Don’t let prickly heat cast a shadow over your summer! If all those barbeques in the garden and solo sunbathing sessions have left you with an itchy red rash all over your limbs, you don’t need to stay indoors for the rest of summer.
Prickly heat, also known as heat rash or miliaria, is a common skin problem in the summer. It occurs when sweat becomes trapped in areas where your skin folds over such as the armpits, groin, and breasts often due to excessive sweating.
“When there’s too much heat and humidity the sweat glands can clog up,” says Danny Del Campo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and member of the American Academy of Dermatology. “You’re sweating so much, and your skin can’t breathe.” This often results in an itchy red skin rash. It most commonly occurs during humid weather or after hardcore workouts.
Fortunately, you can easily alleviate prickly heat rash. Ahead, seven quick ways to treat heat bumps on your skin.
#1: Pop an Antihistamine
As soon as you see the symptoms of heat rash (small, itchy red bumps and blotches), take an antihistamine to quickly relieve symptoms. You’ll find many over-the-counter options such as Cetirizine, loratadine and fexofenadine. All of these can be effective at alleviating your itchy heat rash.
If your symptoms of prickly heat include sores and small blisters, see a dermatologist or health care professional straight away for the appropriate treatment.
#2: Spritz On a Cooling Mist
A quick and easy way to treat heat rash is by spritzing the affected area with a skin cooling mist like Truly’s Volcanic Rosewater Body Mist. Its main ingredient — rose — boasts powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate irritated skin and regenerate skin tissues. Aloe, witch hazel, and tea tree oil also lend their healing properties to relieve symptoms associated with this skin condition.
Keep a bottle in your bag and spritz it on whenever hot weather strikes. It can also relieve symptoms of sunburn while diminishing dry skin.
#3: Try Slathering On a Steroid Cream
One of the best prickly heat rash treatments is steroid cream. It can help relieve discomfort and itchy skin without causing any unpleasant side effects.
According to the NHS, topical steroids come in many forms including lotions, gels, and ointments. Most of these can be bought over the counter, but if you need something stronger, you’ll need to visit your dermatologist for a prescription.
#4: Hydrate with a Soothing Body Butter
“Avoid putting anything on the skin that may irritate it further, such as perfume or heavily fragranced skincare products,” says dermatologist Dr. Justine Kluk. “Instead, apply a soothing moisturiser containing menthol or aloe vera to calm the skin.” She also recommends popping it in the fridge for half an hour before using for an intensive cooling treatment.
We recommend Truly’s Best Buddies Whipped Body Butter. It’s formulated with a high moisturizing blend of pineapple, algae, aloe, and hyaluronic acid to deliver hydrated, super chill skin. It also works wonders to protect and revitalize a dry or inflamed complexion. Chill before using for best results!
#5: Take a Cool Bath
Cool showers and baths can be extremely helpful when it comes to relieving prickly heat-related discomfort. Run yourself a cold bath this evening, and pour in some of Truly’s CBD-infused Mary Jane Bubble Bath for instant relief.
CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can quickly bring down redness, itching, and irritation. In this formula, you’ll also find a range of soothing botanicals to nourish, heal, and repair your skin.
If you don’t have time to take a bath, trying a cold compress instead. You can either use an icepack or soak a washcloth in cold water, wring it out, and drape it over the affected area.
#6: Turn on the Air Conditioning
When you’re dealing with heat rash, it’s important to keep your body cool. In addition to taking cool baths and showers, make sure you stay in an air-conditioned room to soothe and cool your skin. Since prickly heat is caused by a blockage of the sweat ducts caused by excessive sweating or a humid climate, keeping your body cool can quickly relieve your symptoms.
#7: Wear Loose Cotton Clothing
It’s not really a fix but wearing loose-fitting clothing can help keep your body cool while preventing friction and irritation. When dealing with prickly heat, the experts stress the importance of keeping skin dry. By wearing loose clothing, you prevent your body from producing too much sweat, thus keeping your skin cool and dry.
HOW TO PREVENT PRICKLY HEAT
While it might be too late for you now, it’s always good to know how you can prevent prickly heat from occurring in the first place. Here are some quick tips for swerving heat rash this summer!
Cover Up
With SPF and a cute bucket hat! Wearing sunscreen will help keep your skin protected from harmful UV rays while reducing the risks of breaking out in red bumps. You can increase your protection by popping up one of Truly’s limited edition Bucket Hats. And don’t forget your sunglasses!
Avoid Sweating
To prevent heat or sweat rash, you’ll want to avoid sweating as much as possible. To do that, avoid over-dressing, tight-fitting clothing, rich, greasy moisturizers, and heavy sunscreens. Try to stay in a cool, air-conditioned environment and frequently take cool showers to keep your skin sweat-free.
There are so many tips and home remedies when it comes to treating prickly heat. We’ve found the most effective tips above! If you want to enjoy your summer and not have to worry about itchy red rashes ruining your vibes, follow our preventative tips to stay heat rash-free this summer! Too late? Try one or more of the tips above to quickly quell irritation and restore your skin to its smoothest, chillest version.
If your symptoms don’t sound like prickly heat, you could be dealing with another skin condition like eczema or acne. Visit a dermatologist for their professional opinion.
