The scorching sun, soaring temperatures, and uncontrollable sweat are tantamount to itching and rashes. Even a couple of hours under the blazing sun could trigger those tiny red rashes on your baby’s skin. Miliaria, as it is known medically, is pretty common among babies, which is not a grave medical condition. But it is something that needs proper care. Instead of picking up a topical corticosteroid or using an anti-allergic medication, trying out these time-tested home remedies would be advisable.
Some areas of the body affected by this problem are the face, neck, back, body, forehead, chest, and cheeks. Over-the-counter medicines such as baby powder, medicated baby oil, lotion, and creams help. Here we would not discuss them but would see some of the top herbs and daily used items that could help in this problem.
You can soothe your newborn quickly with most of these ingredients on your kitchen shelf. Read on to know more about these grandma’s solutions.
Natural Ways to Heal Heat Rashes in Babies
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer rich in vitamin E, lauric acid, and various antioxidants. Along with hydrating the affected area, its anti-irritant nature soothes the itchy skin. In addition, it promotes quicker healing and regeneration of the skin. Just apply the oil to the affected area 3 to 4 times daily for faster healing in infants.
2. Sesame Seed Oil
Sesame seed oil, akin to coconut oil, locks in the moisture in your skin. It is a wonderful natural skin moisturizer for those with extremely dry skin. While it is slightly viscous and sticky, its humectant nature and anti-inflammatory properties help quickly ease the goosebumps caused by the sun.
3. Turmeric
The natural antiseptic spice Turmeric in your kitchen has the reputation of being a powerful anti-inflammatory solution also. Mix it with a bit of coconut oil and apply it to the heat rashes to ward off itching and redness and promote healing.
4. Chickpea Flour
Chickpea flour has been used since time unknown by Indian women as a substitute for baby soap. Along with its anti-inflammatory properties, it also helps eliminate the dust, if any, that would have clogged the rash. Apply a paste with some turmeric and yogurt to the affected area. Wash off with lukewarm water after the mixture dries up.
5. Castor Oil
The greasy nature of castor oil makes it an effective natural antidote for the itchy heat rash. In addition, it has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that prevent the outbreak of any infections due to constant scratching. It eases the itching sensation, setting the stage for healing.
7. Aloe Vera
The skin hydrating and antiseptic properties and its powerful anti-bacterial properties enable aloe gel to work wonders in easing the rashes triggered by the scorching sun. Mix it with honey and apply it over the affected area to ease the itching and inflammation. It also works effectively in warding off the effects of sunburn.
8. Raw Potato
Chilled raw potato slices work magically in easing the itchy sun-affected skin. Cool the sliced potatoes and place them on the rashes to calm the irritating skin.
9. Oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal is one of the most commonly advised natural solutions for sun-induced rashes. Blend 1 cup oatmeal with 1 cup water to prepare the colloidal mixture. Dissolve this in a tub filled with warm water and allow your baby to sit in this mixture for about 15 to 25 minutes to promote healing. Alternatively, oats, honey, and yogurt can be applied to heat rashes. Wash off the mixture after 15 to 20 minutes to promote healing.
10. Yogurt
Yogurt is a natural skin healer. It moisturizes the skin, alleviates itching, eases inflammation, and can even help keep the skin scar-free. Mix it with a bit of honey, apply it on your baby’s prickly heat rashes, and wait for a couple of minutes before wiping it with a damp cloth.
11. Cold Water
This is one of the simplest solutions you could try with no side effects. Chill a mug of water by adding a handful of ice cubes. Dip a soft, clean cloth in this chilled water and place the cloth over the itching skin of your baby to put her at ease.
12. Honey
Honey has natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties. In addition, it is a humectant too. Apply this sticky golden liquid over the affected area by making it a little lighter with a bit of water. Wait for 20 minutes before washing off with lukewarm water.
13. Almonds
The vitamin E in almonds gifts it the power of healing. It moisturizes the skin and soothes the itching. It also calms down the inflammation and promotes healing. Grind a handful of soaked almonds with water to make a fine paste. Mix about 1 tbsp unsweetened yogurt to this almond paste and apply it on the prickly heat rash. Wait for 15 minutes before cleaning with a damp washcloth.
14. Tomato
These lycopene-rich juicy fruits offer quick healing from rashes from the scorching sun. It also eliminates the chances of oxidative damage, thus shielding your baby from infections. Apply freshly pureed tomatoes on the rashes and wash them off after 20 minutes for faster healing.
15. Neem
Using neem or margosa leaves for skin issues is widely prevalent in India. Well-known for its antibacterial, anti-itching, antiviral, anti-irritant, and antifungal properties, the leaves of margosa, coconut oil, and turmeric powder effectively heal rashes. Add a handful of cleaned neem leaves to boiling water and use it to bathe your baby. You could also crush neem leaves, mix them with turmeric powder and coconut oil, and apply them to the affected area to ease the rashes.
16. Shea Butter
Shea butter is a natural moisturizer. In addition, it has rich antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective solution for prickly heat in babies.
17. Lavender Essential Oil
Allow the rich skin-soothing properties of lavender essential oil to work wonders on your baby’s skin. Add a few drops of this antibacterial oil to lukewarm water. Dip a clean cloth in this water and dab it on the itchy skin to soothe the skin.
Faqs on Prickly Heat
Is prickly heat rash a serious problem?
It is not a very serious or life-threatening problem. However, if a baby is suffering from this condition, it means he is too hot. Measures should be taken to prevent serious conditions like heat stroke or exhaustion. Due to the temperature rise, there is a danger of dehydration. Steps should be taken to cool off the baby.
What causes heat rash in babies?
Due to humid or hot temperatures, a child sweats to cool down the body. If the sweat cannot evaporate or dry off quickly, it clogs the pores. Due to this, a child gets rashes. Due to the less developed sweat glands, babies are more prone to this problem. Some parents are overprotective, so they put heavy clothes on babies to protect them from the outside temperature. Sometimes, the sweat gets trapped inside the clothes, which is the real cause of these rashes.
Oil massage is another reason for this problem. A massage should accompany a bath that washes off extra oil, and the skin can breathe again.
Is prickly heat rash painful?
In most cases, it is not painful but is itching which could irritate the baby. To prevent injury from itching, trim off his nails. Most of these rashes clear off in a few days with little care.
While these natural remedies are safe and free from side effects, it is advisable to take your baby to the doctor if the rashes and irritation persist after 24 hours.
Can prickly heat rash spread?
It does not spread by touch. These are not contagious. It is best to avoid direct sunlight as it could increase the burning sensation and could increase its itchiness. If the blister is leaking, contact with any form of chemically treated liquid should be avoided.
What one could use to stop itching?
Applying sandalwood mixed with milk on the infected area gives relief from itching. Remember to keep the infected area dry for fast relief. Wash the surface with cold water after 15-20 minutes.
In some cases, a slight fever might accompany the problem. See a dermatologist or a pediatrician if the problem lasts long and is not cured in natural ways. This infection primarily happens in hot or humid summers due to excessive sweating. However, people do get it in winter too. Children are infected with it more than adults, as their sweat glands are not fully developed.
How do you handle prickly heat rashes in your baby? Have you tried any natural remedies? Share with us!
