Prickly heat or sweat rash is a skin ailment common in the tropics. It also happens in colder countries during the summertime because of blocked sweat glands. People with underdeveloped sweat glands usually suffer from this ailment too. Sweat rash is very common though and is not a serious condition. It can be treated by home remedies and can go away pretty quickly.

Rashes usually appear on the feet, the back, neck, groin, armpits, hands, abdomen and the upper part of the chest. Symptoms of prickly heat include mild inflammation on affected areas, stinging sensation, and the appearance of small yet itchy red bumps on the skin. There are a number of causes of prickly heat but usually it’s because of weather that causes excessive sweating which later on result to blockage of sweat glands. Those who are overweight and have a sedentary lifestyle can also get prickly heat easily.

For those who do not really want to bother going to the doctor because of this uncomfortable skin ailment, you can always apply talcum powder on affected areas after your bath to reduce the itching. Another home remedy you can use is baking soda. You should add a few drops of water in a solution of baking soda preferably one teaspoon and apply the said solution to the affected area. An ice pack would be useful too as an immediate relief from the tingling sensation of prickly heat. Cornstarch is also a good alternative if you do not have talcum powder or baking soda. You just have to apply it on affected areas after taking a bath. Your breakfast oatmeal can help too. Other remedies include raw potato (sliced), arrow root powder, and ginger. For those planning to use arrow root powder, you can just sprinkle the powder on affected areas after your bath. If you are thinking of using ginger, grate some and boil it in water. Once the solution is cool, sponge it on affected areas while bathing.