GHS Natural Health Blog

Prickly heat (Miliaria Rubra) appears when the sweat-gland ducts become obstructed and often occurs in a tropical or subtropical hot, humid wet environment.

Triggers can include over activity during hot weather, wearing polyester or lycra while exercising in warm weather, poor hygiene and/or obesity. This condition can also be genetically inherited, but may also be caused by allergies to deodorants or antiperspirants, using soap too often and overproduction of sebum.

Specific supplements include zinc, beta-carotene, vitamin B-complex (especially calcium pantothenate) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), and vitamins C and E.

Vitamin C has a natural antihistamine effect and will help prevent, or minimise inflammation and itching. B vitamins and vitamin E will also help to prevent or reduce inflammation.

Wholefoods for general and skin health, rich in all the antioxidants, especially the fruit and vegetables rich in vitamin A (beta-carotene), and in cis-linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid, is recommended. Drink plenty of cool fluids and herbal teas, such as green tea. A freshly squeezed juice combination to help restore lost fluids and salts consists of equal volumes of apple and carrot, with a little cucumber.

Avoid hot drinks and spicy food. Try cutting out dairy and wheat products, peanuts, coffee, eggs, citrus fruits, chocolate and shellfish, and then reintroducing one of these every three or four days to see if there’s a reaction.

BiCarbonate Soda makes a compress by dipping a washcloth in a mixture of one teaspoon of baking soda per cup of cool water. Apply to the rash for five to ten minutes. Do this four or five times a day. This is one of the useful home remedies for prickly heat treatment. You can also dust the affected area with cornstarch.

Aloe Vera lotions will stop excessive itching. The juice, or gel, from this tropical plant is renowned for its soothing and healing properties. It relieves inflammation and the accompanying burning and itching. Also a wonderful skin softener and moisturiser, it encourages the retention of water in the skin, and has an antibiotic action that helps prevent or clear up any infection that might occur if you scratch the spots.

Natures Sunshine has developed Pau D’arco Lotion, a soothing, easy to apply topical lotion combining Pau D’arco Extract (Tabebuia heptaphylla) bark, Aloe Vera Gel, Grape Seed Oil and Rose Hip Oil. The Incas and native tribes of South America traditionally used Pau D’arco inner bark externally as a poultice or decoction for treating skin conditions.

Bathe the affected area with cold chamomile and/or tea tree infusions. For a quick, relief-bringing compress, wring out a flannel that has been soaked in basin of ice-cold water containing 4tsp (20ml) distilled witch hazel, and apply directly to the prickly heat rash. Apply on affected areas after returning from outdoor activities.

Add 2-3 drops of chamomile or calendula essence to 8 fl oz (200ml) cold water and spray the rash liberally.Mix 3-4 drops of myrrh or lavender with 2 tsp (10ml) soya oil and spread on gently to relieve the inflammation.

Lavender essential oil (similarly soothing and healing, with antibiotic properties) Add five or six drops of lavender oil into a tepid bath and immerse yourself for ten minutes; spray the affected parts of the body with an atomiser containing cold water and a few drops of lavender oil; or make up a compress by soaking a piece of cotton in cold water to which is added a few drops of lavender oil, wring out and apply to the affected area.

Apis 30c This homeopathic remedy will help reduce the inflammation, burning and itching. Take one tablet every two hours for up to ten doses as soon as the prickling sensation starts. If necessary, repeat this dose daily, but not more frequently.

Watch the sunscreen, suncreams and sun tan oils you use. Use sun tan creams and sunscreens that do not have mineral oil in them. Soltan, Nivea, Pureiton and Piz Buin alllergy sun creams seem to work.

To discourage further perspiration, air needs to flow freely over the skin’s surface-wear cool, loose, cotton clothing. Use fans, drink plenty of water, go swimming and bathe affected areas. Keep as cool as possible. Wear loose, cotton garments. Cool showers or baths will help to keep itching under control and cleanse the skin. Only use soap once a day, ideally in the evening, followed by a shower in plain water in the morning. Bathing in oatmeal mixes or with oatmeal soaps will stop itching and speed healing.