How to Treat Prickly Heat Rash

Prickly heat rash, or miliaria rubra, is a disorder that occurs when your sweat glands become clogged after being out in the heat for too long or from excessive perspiration. Prickly heat rash appears as small, red bumps or translucent, fluid-filled blisters on the areas of your body that do not receive enough ventilation such as elbow creases, groin, upper chest or neck. Follow these steps for some relief from prickly heat rash.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Take a cool bath with cornstarch, oatmeal or baking soda added into to the water.
2. Gently clean the prickly heat rash area with a mild body soap to remove germs, sweat and dirt. After soaking in the tub, gently pat the area dry with a clean towel.
3. Apply hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching. Gently rub the cream into to skin until it is fully absorbed.
4. Spread a product that contains salicylic acid (such as acne treatment pads) over the bumps. This will assist in drying the rash and unclogging the pores.
5. Repeat these steps every three to four hours to relieve the itching and heal the rash.

Tips & Warnings

• If the prickly heat rash does not go away in a few days, you may need to see a dermatologist. He can peel away the upper layers of skin with an ultraviolet light that will take away the plugs and promote sweating.
• To prevent prickly heat rash, try always to keep as cool as possible. Stay in the shade, take cool baths or showers if exposed to the heat for too long, wear loose clothing and drink plenty of fluids when you are outside. You can also apply a medicated heat powder to areas of skin most prone to prickly heat rash before going outdoors.
• Avoid scratching the rash, even though it itches. Scratching could lead to an infection that will require a doctor's visit and antibiotics.