Itchy Skin
Due to the intense heat in summer some people may develop rashes or reddish blisters on the skin, this condition is known as prickly heat or Miliaria in medical term. This is quite common and is not a serious condition but it can spread all over the body if not treated on time.
Sweat gets trapped under the skin and when there's no way of it to evaporate, it clogs the pores in the skin. This causes an outbreak of rashes. It can be seen along skin folds like waist, groin. Armpits and neck.
Natural Home Remedies for Itchy Skin
Itchy skin allergies can be frustrating and annoying, regardless of the cause. Although scratching an itch may temporarily improve the situation, continuous scratching will only make it worse. To manage it, you need to know the causes of itchy skin allergy and find an appropriate remedy.
Here are some of the natural home remedies for itchy skin:
1. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is known for it anti-inflammatory properties and it also reduces itchiness. This means that oatmeal can be used for heat rash and other skin issues. One can either prepare an oatmeal bath or apply oatmeal paste on the skin.
2. Light and breathable clothes
It is advisable to avoid thick or unbreathable clothes during the summer as it doesn’t absorb sweat and it irritates the skin. Loose-fitting clothes and breathable clothes that can absorb the sweat is apt for the summer. Polyesters and other synthetic fabrics are to be avoided.
3. Cool Baths
When the cause of the rash is heat, it usually settles down after the skin cools down. Washing the skin lightly or taking a shower in cold water might help with unclogging the pores in the skin and eases the itchiness.
This is important as clogged pores are the main reason for heat rashes and itchiness. Make sure to dry the skin properly, as wet skin can also cause irritation.
4. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt has a number of health benefits. Itchiness can be improved by taking an Epsom salt water bath. Add one or two cups of salt in lukewarm water and gently take a bath with it.
5. Ice packs
Irritated skin can be soothed using a cold compress or a face cloth soaked in cold water; this will reduce the itchiness and the pain that comes with it.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera on skin can prevent infections and cools down as it is an antiseptic and an anti-inflammatory. When used on a heat rash, it can relieve swelling symptoms and pain.
7. Sandalwood
The health benefits of sandalwood are extraordinary and may be used to reduce pain as its an analgesic and anti-inflammatory. Mix sandalwood and water and make it a paste. Apply this paste to the heat rash for a cooling effect.
8. Air conditioners and Fans
When there is rashes on the skin, it is advised to avoid humid air and excessive sweating as this might worsen the condition. To let the rash dry ventilation is very important, one can do this by staying under the fan or using air-conditioner.
9. Talcum Powder
Talcum powder not only absorbs perspiration and reduces sweat but also makes sure that the pores aren’t blocked. It is also important to use unscented talcum powder, as scented ones might irritate the skin. Apply this to places which are prone to collect sweat, like underarms, inner thighs and behind the knees.
10. Neem
Few studies have shown that the benefits of neem are amazing and it possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which might help treat heat rashes. Mix water and neem powder to make a paste and apply it to the rashes. Adding a few new leaves or powders to the bath might also help.
11. Baking Soda
Baking soda might help in treating itchy skin. It is a great home remedy as baking soda is almost available in every household. Add three to four tablespoons of baking soda to lukewarm bath and gently shower with it.
Conclusion
Summer heat is hard on everyone. But for some, it might be a nightmare as it could cause heat rash, also called Miliaria. Excessive sweating might build up bacteria and cause skin issues. This occurs in places where sweat is trapped under the skin, like the chest, thighs and neck.
