25 Home Remedies For Heat Rash On Face, Neck, Arms And Legs

updated: 11/27/2019

Heat rash is a skin problem that is also as famous as sweat rash or prickly heat. Medically known as miliaria, heat rash is common at all age groups, from adults to babies, in summer because of the heat and humidity. Particularly, children and babies tend to suffer from this condition due to their soft skin. Heat rash may occur when the sweat glands are clogged or blocked due to the sweat. Before getting to know natural and effective remedies for heat rash, you should learn some basics about this condition.

• 17 Natural Tips On How To Get Rid Of Rash Under Breasts Fast

What Is Heat Rash?

In fact, there are several types of skin rashes, and the most common type is heat rash. It makes the patient uncomfortable and painful. This condition usually happens in humid weather conditions. When the sweat cannot escape from your pores, heat rash occurs.

Adults often suffer from heat rash in the rubbing body parts together, such as under the arms or between inner thighs. Babies tend to develop heat rash on neck and skin folds such as elbows, armpits, and thighs.

What Are Causes Of Heat Rash?

This condition tends to happen in warm months and after intense, prolonged workouts. Heat rash happens when the sweat is trapped in the pores. Instead of evaporating, perspiration is trapped beneath your skin, which causes inflammation and rash. Certain types of clothing also trap your sweat, which may result in heat rash. Or, in some cases, using thick creams and lotions could also trigger heat rash. Babies are more likely to get heat rash due to their immature sweat ducts.

Some other causes of heat rash are:

• Prolonged bed rest: This condition may also occur in those who are confined to rest for long periods, particularly when they have a fever.
• Overheating: Sleeping under your electric blanket or dressing too warmly may result in heat rash.

Food allergy: Babies might be allergic to some foods, powdered milk, milk, breast milk, or the mothers’ food reactions and allergies.  In that case, you should consult a physician immediately for other suitable alternatives.

What Are Heat Rash Symptoms?

Symptoms are small red bumps, also called papules, which cause itching and prickling sensation^[1]. They may appear in various body parts at the same time.

The most common body parts for heat rash to develop are the neck, face, under the scrotum, and under the breasts. It may also occur in skin folds and in areas of the body parts rubbing against clothing, such as the chest, back, and stomach. These places tend to sweat more frequently.

Folliculitis, a related condition, may occur at the same time. This happens when hair follicles are clogged with foreign matter, like sebum and dead skin cells. Then, it may be infected, causing inflammation.

How Is Heat Rash Diagnosed And When To See A Doctor?

Doctors often use the physical examination to diagnose heat rash. Knowing that the heat rash appears during heat or sweating, appreciating the position on the body (where clothing fits tightly or in skin folds) and seeing what the heat rash looks like may be enough to diagnose. As with many types of rash, a healthcare professional may take a look at the affected skin and immediately make the diagnosis thanks to previous experience. However, if the rash does not disappear after 3-4 days, or if it gets worse, or if your baby has a fever, contact your doctor instantly.

When babies develop a rash, make sure that you watch for the signs and symptoms of infection, such as:

• Increased swelling, pain, redness, or warmth around the infected areas
• Red streaks that extend from the affected areas
• Pus drainage from the affected areas
• Swollen, red lymph nodes in the armpit, neck, and groins
• Fever of 38°C or higher, or chills without apparent reasons.

Top 25 Home remedies For Heat Rash On Face, Neck, Arms And Legs

If you or your loved ones are suffering from heat rash, luckily you should not have to suffer from it for too long. Here on TrueRemedies, we introduce top 25 home remedies for heat rash on face, neck, arms, and legs. These methods use natural ingredients which are simple and easy to find in most kitchens. Some are great for adults, and some are safe for babies and young children. Check them out below!

1. Cold Compress

This is one of the simplest home remedies for heat rash in adults. A heat rash is often associated with skin inflammation and a prickly sensation because of heat exposure and itching. The coolness of ice cubes will soothe your skin and reduce the irritation and redness^[2]. Thus, you can minimize the red bumps while eradicating rashes by applying some ice cubes to the affected skin areas.

• Take a few ice cubes and wrap them into a washcloth. Or, you can also use a frozen bag of veggies as a replacement.
• Apply it to the rash for 5 minutes every 4-6 hours for at least 2-3 days
• This will prevent the rash from spreading.

Or, you can also take a cold bath or shower to reduce the discomfort and pain due to heat rashes.

2. Baking Soda

You can use baking soda to exfoliate the skin, remove dead skin cells, unclog skin pores, etc. But, not many of you know that baking soda is also one of the effective home remedies for heat rash. This powerful substance may relieve itching and inflammation^[3]due to heat rash.

• Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 1 cup of cold water
• Soak a washcloth in the solution and squeeze out excess water before placing it onto your affected areas for 5-10 minutes
• Repeat this routine 4-5 times per day for at least 1 week.

3. Aloe Vera

This plant is commonly used to treat a variety of human skin diseases, such as skin irritation, sunburn, and heat rash. The potent cooling, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera^[4] may decrease itching and swelling sensations caused by heat rash.

• Take a few aloe vera leaves to extract its gel and rub on your affected areas
• Leave it there for 20 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water
• Repeat this routine 2 times per day for about 1 week to get good results

4. Oatmeal

When it comes to natural treatments for heat rash, this sounds like an odd treatment, but it may work well. Actually, oatmeal has been used for a long time to cure heat rash as it helps stop irritation and relieve inflammation^[5].

Besides, oatmeal is effective in soothing the skin, removing dead skin cells, and unclogging skin pores.

Directions:

• Add a cup of oatmeal powder to a bath of cool water
• Stir them well till it turns into a milky white color
• Soak yourself in the bath for 20 minutes and pat the body dry gently
• Repeat this process twice per day until the heat rash disappears.

5. Sandalwood Powder

This is not readily available ingredient in our kitchen, but it does work. Sandalwood has potent soothing properties which are perfect for getting rid of heat rash symptoms. It helps reduce inflammation and cool your body.

Method 1:

• Mix rose water and sandalwood powder together at a ratio of 1:1
• Apply the mixture to your skin
• Leave it there until it dries naturally and wash it thoroughly with cold water
• Apply this method twice per day for about 1 week

Method 2:

Coriander is famous for its antiseptic effects^[6], while sandalwood aids in reducing the prickling and burning sensation^[7]. Therefore, this combination is very effective in relieving heat rash.

• Grind several coriander leaves and add it to sandalwood powder
• Mix them with some rosewater to get a thick paste
• Spread it on your affected areas and let it dry
• After that, clean it with cool water 

6. Margosa Leaves

Also known as Multani mitti, Fuller’s earth is a substance which may heal infections and damaged skin. It also fades the skin scars, boosts the entire complexion and elasticity, and treats acne and dandruff^[8]. You can make use of fuller’s earth to create a good paste for a soothing sensation. It is cheap and safe to use without side effects. The oil-absorbent and antiseptic properties of fuller’s earth make it a good option to use on the baby skin.

• Mix multani mitti (fuller’s earth) and rose water at a ratio of 5:3 to create a thick paste
• Rub the paste on your skin as a cream and then rinse it off with cold water
• Do this once per day for 1 week

7. Gram Flour

In regard to effective home remedies for heat rash, this sounds a little odd, but similar to oatmeal, gram flour^[9] is an effective solution for heat rash. It may help exfoliate and remove dead skin cells, thereby helping to unclog skin pores. Also, it aids in removing inflammation and providing relief from the skin irritation. If you use gram flour, it will help soak up excess moisture from your body; thereby, treating heat rash effectively.

• Mix 2-3 tablespoons of gram flour with water to create a good paste
• Apply the paste to your impacted skin areas and wash it off with cold water after 15 minutes
• Repeat this routine daily for 1 week to see good results.

8. Cucumber

Cucumber is a common ingredient in many skin care products because of its hydrating and soothing properties^[10]. Although it cannot cure heat rash completely, it definitely gives you relief.

• Cut a fresh cucumber into thin slices and then soak them in the mixture of lemon juice and cold water
• Place the cucumbers on your heat rashes for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water
• Do this several times per day for 1 week to hydrate your skin and promote the healing process naturally.

9. Jewelweed

Using the juice of jewelweed may help you alleviate the symptoms of heat rash effectively^[11]. In order to get the best results, you should use the bottom part of the stem of jewelweed to extract the juice. This is where the juice concentrates the most.

• Use this juice to rub on your affected skin.
• Repeat the process for 1 week to get relief from heat rash.

It may also give you a soothing and cold sensation.

10. Neem Leaves

Neem has antiseptic and antibacterial properties^[12] that may control the irritation and itchiness associated with heat rash.

• Grind a handful of neem leaves to have a good paste
• Apply the paste to your affected skin for 10 minutes and rinse it off with water
• Repeat the method daily for 1 week to get the best results.

11. Talcum Powder

Talcum powder^[13] has been proven an efficient treatment among home remedies for heat rash introduced in this list. Application of talcum powder will absorb excess moisture on your skin to protect your skin from heat rash.

• After having a bath, apply unscented, herbal talcum powder to your affected skin
• Do this routine 3-4 times per day to remove itchiness and irritation

12. Raw Potato

Raw potato is one of the simplest home remedies for heat rash. It may relieve the prickly, and itchy sensation thanks to its soothing properties. Also, it is a natural emollient, and it has cholesterol-lowering properties^[14].

You can take a fresh medium-sized potato to cut into slices and rub them on your affected skin.

13. Watermelon

Having lycopene and β-carotene, which are important carotenoids in the human tissues and blood, watermelon may have many skin-friendly properties^[15]. You can use it in the form of supplements or take it as a dietary product. According to studies, they could naturally protect the skin from heat rash and sunburn by preventing the damage of UV rays.

• Remove the seeds from watermelon and then make a pulp.
• Apply the pulp to your heat rash to get instant relief

Or, you could also drink a glass of watermelon juice to promote the healing process.

14. Lime Juice

Thanks to the powerful antioxidants, lime juice may speed up the healing process^[16]. That is why it is used in many effective remedies for heat rash.

• Squeeze the juice from lime to mix it with a little water
• Add 1 tablespoon of honey if you want to sweeten it
• Drink 3-4 glasses of this mixture daily.

15. Honey

This ingredient is well-known for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties^[17] that may promote the healing process. In the cosmetic industry, honey is used in sunscreen products.

Simply apply some drops of honey to the heat rash and wait for a few minutes.

16. Papaya

This fruit has been traditionally used to treat many skin issues, including heat rash. It unclogs skin pores and removes dull and dead skin cells^[18].

• Mash a ripe papaya and then apply the pulp to your affected skin
• Wait for 20 minutes and rinse it off with water

This will help relieve burning and itching sensations associated with heat rash.

17. Camphor

This ingredient is very efficient for those with burning and itching sensation. You will feel refreshed and cool when applying camphor to the heat rash^[19].

• Take camphor to crush into powder by using a mallet
• Apply the powder to your affected skin to relieve itching and burning and boost blood circulation.

18. Cornstarch

Having absorbent properties, cornstarch^[20] may aid in absorbing the sweat and preventing the development of heat rashes.

• Mix equal amounts of corn flour and cornstarch with water to get a good paste
• Apply the paste to your skin and wait for 30 minutes to rinse it off with cold water

19. Plum

Another solution in this list of remedies for heat rash is plum which may give instant relief from the itching and burning sensation associated with heat rash its health-promoting properties such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics^[21].

• Mash several leaves of plum and add a proper amount of baking soda to have a smooth paste
• Apply this paste to the affected skin areas.

20. Sugarcane Juice

This is another way to cure heat rash in summer. Consuming an adequate of sugarcane juice may cool down your body thanks to its cooling properties. Besides, the phytochemicals in sugarcane have antioxidant, cholesterol-lowering properties, and other potential health benefits^[22]. During moist, scorching weather conditions, you should also drink at least 1 glass of sugarcane juice to get relief.

21. Lavender Essential Oil

Due to antibiotic properties^[23], lavender essential oil may heal and soothe skin lesions. This oil also aids in reducing body temperature and curing heat rash. It reduces the itchiness and irritation and kills harmful bacteria causing infection.

• Add 5 drops of lavender oil to lukewarm water
• Use this water to take a bath, or dip a cloth into the solution and wipe the affected areas
• Or, you could also apply lavender oil to your rashes directly.

22. Lawsonia Inermis Powder

Lawsonia inermis with cooling and antibacterial effect^[24] has been widely used for treating a lot of human skin problems, including heat rash. Using this will give you instant relief from prickly heat.

• Add water to a small amount of Lawsonia inermis powder to have a thick paste
• Then, apply the paste to your affected skin areas and wait for 15 minutes or more
• Wash it off with water

Warning: This method gives you a reddish tinge on the skin.

23. Indian Gooseberries

Indian gooseberry, one of the highly recommended remedies for heat rash, has a large number of vitamins and nutrients. Its high content of vitamin C may strengthen the immune system and fight off prickly heat.  Also, amla is reported to contain chemo-modulatory, radio modulatory, chemopreventive effects, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, free radical scavenging, and antimutagenic properties, which makes it ideal in treating and preventing cancer^[25].

• Cut some Indian gooseberries into two parts and keep them in the earthen vessel
• Then, add a small amount of water to it and cover it up.
• Leave it overnight
• The next morning, you take the same water to squash gooseberries.
• Strain this solution before adding honey
• Drink the solution daily for 1 week

24. Nettle Leaves

Nettle leaves are well-known for its anti-histamine effect in the masthead receptor cells of the human body, which may help reduce the reactivity against allergens^[26].

Preparing a nettle tea from their leaves will give you a great treatment for prickly heat rash.

• Add 2-3 teaspoons of dried nettle leaves to 1 cup of hot water
• Let it steep for 10 minutes
• Drink at least 1 cup of this tea thrice per day

Or, you can take 1-2 ounces of the juice from nettle leaves 3 times per day or use capsule forms.

25. Avoid Tight Clothing

Remember that prevention is always better than treatment. Thus, it is crucial to avoid tight clothing when it is warm to avoid skin rashes^[27].

No matter if it is sunny outside or raining, it does not matter. You can be exposed to dry heat, or it could be humid, all of which may lead to a variety of skin issues. Wear looser clothing or natural, breathable fabrics, particularly if you are living in a hot country.

Extra Tips When Treating Heat Rash

• Stay in an air-conditioned room when it’s too hot outside
• Do not scratch because it might cause an infection
• Keep your bedroom ventilated well
• Wear comfy and light cotton clothes in summers
• Choose loose clothes while sleeping
• Take a shower after working out to avoid perspiration. Have a bath with cold water, keep your skin clean. Let your skin dry naturally without using towels

• Drink plenty of water, vegetables, and fruit juices, especially of carrots, cucumber, lettuce, apple, and beetroot to help maintain hydration.
• Drink coconut water on the empty stomach
• Avoid direct sunlight
• Change diaper of the infants frequently (for baby heat rash)
• Keep your affected skin areas dry
• Use a good-quality, mild skin lotions
• Avoid heavy skin oil/cream because they might block your skin pores. Instead, use natural oatmeal-based creams or calamine-based lotions
• Avoid using harsh soaps during the hot weather
• Avoid oil-based cosmetics
• Cut down the consumption of red wine, spicy foods, or coffee because they might worsen your condition.

There, we have introduced the top 25 out of the best home remedies for heat rash. With some simple remedies, you will soon be able to get rid of prickly heat rash and get healthy and smooth skin in no time! If you have any ideas about our article, do not hesitate to leave your comments in the box below. We will respond as soon as possible. For other solutions for beauty and health issues, go our Home Remedies page.

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