How to Get Rid of Heat Rash: 19 Fast Home Remedies

Skin rashes occur every now and then. They can occur due to multiple reasons, some of which includes bacterial or viral infections, heat, and pollution.

In fact, one of the most common forms of skin rash is the heat rash. The other name for heat rash is miliaria [1].

keep on reading to learn 18 easy and hassle-free home remedies to get rid of heat rash.

What is Heat Rash?

Usually, when our body temperatures get high due to heat, we sweat. Sweating is the natural mechanism of the body in order to remove excess heat and sometimes urea from the body.

Droplets of water mixed with salt and urea are excreted through the small pores of the skin. Usually, these pores are there all over the body. Sweating can lead to bad odors depending on where it is coming from.

Coming back to heat rash, it occurs when these pores through which sweat comes out are blocked. The clogged pores prevent sweat from evaporating. Additionally, friction and these blocked pores of the skin results in the formation of small red bumps. These bumps are often prickly and itchy [1, 2].

We call this bumps as “heat rash”. These bumps often cause a lot of problems.

As problematic they are, these painful blisters may be found on the parts of the body that rub together. These type of body parts include the inner thighs, under the arms, necks, armpits, and the elbows [2]. Before we know the natural remedies for heat rash, let’s learn how these painful rashes and blisters affect you.

How Does Heat Rash Affect You?

Heat rash can affect almost anyone of all ages.

However, the typical victims of heat rash are usually babies and children who do not have fully developed sweat glands yet.

Also, those who are living in hot and humid locations and conditions are prone to getting heat rash.

Plus, people who are overweight and obese also can suffer from heat rash [2].

Heat rashes normally go away by themselves after a few days.

But, there are cases where the heat rash is not so serious but the rashes are still very itchy and painful.

So, if you have such heat rashes and need immediate relief then you can try using these home remedies for heat rash.

So, in this post, you’re going to know about:

• 19 natural remedies for heat rash
• Some frequently asked questions and answers

19 Natural Remedies for Heat Rash

1. Oatmeal

Oatmeal – a great way to start the day. Having good nutritious value, it is one of the perfect choices for many to have at breakfast.

It is not only the nutritious value that is great about an oatmeal. It is packed with essential nutrients like vitamin B complex, vitamin E, minerals and soluble fiber. The oatmeal is also an excellent way to maintain skin health [4].

For many years, it has been used as a treatment for a wide range of dermatologic conditions including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis [5].

Not surprisingly, it can also work for minor skin problems like heat rash with its cleansing, moisturizing, soothing and anti-inflammatory properties [6].

Its cleansing activity is due to saponins while its anti-inflammatory, anti-itch, and anti-irritant actions can be attributed to avenanthramides [6, 7].

This is why Iraqi researchers recommend cooling oatmeal baths for people with heat rash [8].

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup of plain oatmeal

Recommended Directions:

1. Put oatmeal in a food processor or blender.
2. Grind it until it turns into powder.
3. Fill the tub with cool water.
4. Add oatmeal powder.
5. Use your fingers to blend oatmeal powder and water.
6. Sit in the bath for 30 minutes.
7. Dry your body using a towel made of soft fabric.
8. Use this remedy twice a day for one week.

2. Aloe Vera

Who would think that a cactus-like plant like aloe vera would have so many benefits for the health?

Traditional healers have been using aloe vera since as early as 333 BC. They took the advantage of its ability to heal burns and wounds [9].

There’s scientific evidence to justify the folkloric use of aloe vera as a skin remedy, as it has been proven to contain a polysaccharide the forms a soothing and protective barrier when topically applied [9].

It’s also a strong anti-inflammatory agent, as reported in various studies [10, 11, 12].

Researchers from Philadelphia confirm that aloe vera gel can inhibit swelling of the skin, and at the same time, promote healing of wounds and lesions [12].

Although there’s no substantive study specifically proving aloe vera’s efficacy on heat rashes, all these mechanisms are enough to convince many that it works for this particular skin problem.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 aloe vera leaf

Recommended Directions:

1. Slice the aloe vera leaf into two.
2. Extract the gel by squeezing the leaf.
3. Apply gel to heat rash.
4. Wait for 20 to 30 minutes.
5. Take a cold shower.
6. Pat yourself dry using a clean and soft towel.
7. Repeat procedure twice daily for up to one week.

Related: Aloe Vera For Heat Rash : 5 Reasons to Try Now!

3. Cucumber with Lemon Juice

Cucumber is a prime component in many salads. It is that vegetable which contains more water content and essential minerals that can recharge and hydrate you instantly. Its beneficial properties are sky-rocketing.

Beauticians use cucumber slices when using face packs and face masks. Why do they do it? To remove puffy eyes!

So, when you have puffy eyes, just go get a cucumber, slice it into small pieces and put it on your eyes. The next thing you know is you will look and feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

Skin rejuvenation is just one of cucumber’s many gifts, thanks to its cooling, moisturizing and anti-sebum secretion effects [13]. Therefore, cucumber is a great remedy for heat rash.

Of the many beneficial properties of cucumber, one of its best ability is to reduce erythema or reddening of the skin. What it does is it reverse the increased flow of blood in the skin. A 2011 study confirmed it [13].

Not only that, it also has a soothing effect that alleviates skin irritation and inflammation as well as relaxes and nourishes the skin [14].

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cucumber
• 1 bowl of cold water
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

Recommended Directions:

1. Slice cucumber thinly.
2. Put cucumber slices in a bowl of cold water.
3. Add lemon juice.
4. Lay cucumber slices on heat rashes for 10 minutes.
5. If you’d like, you can also blend the cucumber slices and apply the pulp on the skin just as long.
6. Wash off cucumber with cool water.
7. Do this three times a day for one whole week.

Related: 12 Benefits of Cucumber Water and how to make it

4. Fuller’s Earth

Many moms rely on fuller’s earth for treating their babies’ heat rashes.

Even though it’s not scientifically established as a heat rash solution, many can attest that fuller’s earthworks in relieving itching, irritation, and inflammation of the skin.

A clinical review of an herbal face pack, which includes fuller’s earth as one of the key ingredients, mentions that it has the ability to remove impurities and alleviate skin irritation [15].

It also has a cooling mechanism that reduces inflammation that’s common among babies with prickly heat [15].

What You’ll Need:

• 5 tablespoons of fuller’s earth
• 3 tablespoons of rose water

Recommended Directions:

1. Combine fuller’s earth with rose water to form a paste.
2. Spread a thin layer of this paste on top of the heat rashes.
3. Wait for it to dry before rinsing with cold water.
4. This remedy can be practiced once a day for one week.

5. Lavender Oil

Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular aromatic oils in the world. This superbly calming oil originates from the flowers of lavender flowers. The native of this essential oil in the Mediterranean region.

Using lavender oil for heat rash can flush out accumulated toxins off your pores, ease the itch, and inhibit the rashes from developing. The lavender essential oil contains powerful disinfectants, antioxidants, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Thus, lavender oil is your ultimate solution to get rid of heat rash naturally.

What You’ll Need:

• 8-10 drops of lavender oil
• Lukewarm water

Recommended Directions:

1. Mix lavender oil to your mild warm bath water.
2. Soak in the water completely for about 20 minutes.
3. Lavender oil instantly gets absorbed into your skin to relieve the irritations and heal the skin inflammations.
4. Repeat the calming aromatic oil bath daily before you go to sleep to heal heat rash fast.

Related: 11 Health Benefits of Lavender Oil That You Should Know

6. Margosa Leaves

Also called neem leaves, margosa leaves are another practical remedy for rashes caused by heat.

These leaves come from a tree that’s native to Southeast Asia. In India, folk healers have treated skin ulcers, gastrointestinal ailments, malaria and infections using this medicinal plant [16].

It was also common for people to bathe in neem water to alleviate skin problems like boils and heat rashes, as it is believed to have antiseptic and antibacterial properties [16].

This claim has been proven in a 2013 study, in which a team of Indian researchers used neem leaves to create an anti-heat rash cotton fabric [17].

The results were remarkable, showing that the fabric treated with neem leaf extract reduced bacterial infection by up to 100 percent [17].

What You’ll Need:

• A handful of fresh margosa leaves

Recommended Directions:

1. Use a food processor or blender to grind neem leaves until the consistency is similar to a paste.
2. Smear paste on affected areas of the body.
3. Let it dry.
4. Wash it off with cool water.
5. Follow this technique once a day for one week.

7. Cold Compress

Many people rely on this ancient household remedy for pains and inflammation.

Cold water, as it turns out, has a healing effect on the skin [18].

It speeds up recovery from wounds, burns, and other skin ailments including heat rash [18].

Not only does it tone down swelling, it also cools and moisturizes the skin to reduce the appearance of skin bumps and blisters, and relieve itching.

Because it’s very simple to put together, you can easily use this home remedy anytime you need it.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 bowl of ice cubes

Recommended Directions:

1. Wrap ice cubes in a towel.
2. Place it on top of heat rashes for 10 minutes then take a short break.
3. Repeat until you’ve covered all affected areas.
4. Do this every five hours for two to three days.
5. This will not only relieve itching and redness but will also help prevent rashes from spreading.
6. If you don’t have ice cubes, you can also use cold water, and soak a towel in it.
7. Squeeze water from the towel and apply on rashes.
8. Repeat as often.

8. Sandalwood

Commonly grown in the southern part of India, sandalwood is recognized for its analgesic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [19].

Sandalwood is popular for its beautifying properties as well.

It has always been among the go-to solutions for fever, headache, and swelling [19].

For those with heat rash, sandalwood powder can also help.

As studies indicate, this powder has the ability to reduce body temperature, which is important for quick recovery. It can also alleviate inflammation, a typical symptom of prickly heat [20].

Its oil extract meanwhile can relieve itching and hydrate the skin [21].

Using sandalwood powder on your skin doesn’t only help get rid of annoying rashes, but also keeps the skin from drying out.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 tablespoon of sandalwood powder
• 1 tablespoon of rose water
• 1 tablespoon of coriander powder
• 1 drop of sandalwood oil

Recommended Directions:

1. Combine sandalwood and coriander powder, sandalwood oil and rose water.
2. Apply the paste on the affected skin.
3. Leave it on for a few minutes as it dries.
4. Rinse with cold water.
5. Do this procedure twice a day for one week.

9. Baking Soda

Baking soda has countless uses for the home and health that never fails to amaze anyone.

It’s used as an ingredient in pastries, as a natural household cleaner, as an effective bleaching agent, and so many more.

It’s also another fantastic solution for prickly heat, acting as a gentle exfoliant to get rid of dead skin cells and dirt and unclog the pores.

This is an effective way to ease inflammation and itching.

Its use for this particular skin problem has been documented in numerous studies and books [22, 23].

What You’ll Need:

• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 cup of cold water

Recommended Directions:

1. Combine baking soda and water.
2. Soak a soft cloth into the solution.
3. Wring the cloth to get rid of excess liquid.
4. Gently pat cloth on heat rashes for 10 minutes.
5. Practice this remedy twice a day for one to two weeks.

Related: Baking Soda for Acne: 12 Easy Ways You Can Use

10. Calendula

Let’s not forget about calendula flower.

Although it’s not the first remedy on people’s minds when it comes to heat rash, it’s definitely one of those that work.

Several studies confirm that calendula is a potent anti-inflammatory, reducing swelling on the skin due to rash infections [24, 25].

A study published in the Indian Journal of Experimental Biology reports that calendula has the ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body [25].

When you use it, you’ll notice that it has a soothing and cooling effect on the skin.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup of calendula flowers
• Cool bath water

Recommended Directions:

1. Add calendula flower to your bath water.
2. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
3. Then, soak in the bath for another 30 minutes.
4. Rub water gently on heat rashes.
5. Repeat the process once a day for one week.

11. Gram Flour

Gram flour is called by many names: garbanzo bean flour, chickpea flour, and besan.

Whatever you call it, one fact remains: it’s a potent remedy for all sorts of conditions including minor ones like heat rash.

Using dry powder such as gram flour is good for stimulating lymph actions, promoting detoxification and removing impurities from the skin [26].

It’s good for drying, cleaning, disinfecting, nourishing and rejuvenating skin that’s plagued with prickly heat [26].

What You’ll Need:

• 2 to 3 tablespoons of gram flour

Recommended Directions:

1. After bathing, thoroughly dry your body with a clean soft towel.
2. Sprinkle gram flour on top of heat rashes.
3. Leave it on for the rest of the day.
4. Repeat the next day.
5. Do this for one week.

12. Cucumber

When someone talks about cucumber as a home remedy, you immediately imagine putting cucumber slices on puffy eyes.

Yes, this is the most popular use of cucumber for skincare, but it’s just one of its many applications.

Cucumber can also be applied to heat rashes to alleviate irritation and swelling.

According to a review done by Indian researchers, this vegetable has soothing and cooling effects that are beneficial for those with heat rashes and sunburn [27].

It also has a strong cleansing action that gets rid of dirt and impurities [27].

This means that you won’t only relieve heat rashes, but you’ll also nourish your skin and keep it soft and supple.

What You’ll Need:

• 4 to 5 slices of cucumber

Recommended Directions:

1. Grate cucumber and put in a bowl.
2. Spread a thick layer of cucumber shreds on heat rashes.
3. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
4. Rinse with cool water.
5. Repeat three times a day until heat rashes disappear.

13. Watermelon

Like cucumber, watermelon also has cooling effects when applied on the skin.

It’s probably because this fruit is also high in water content. Watermelon is actually made of 92 percent water [28].

When you’re bothered by heat rashes, you can use this watermelon remedy for comfort and relief.

Although its efficacy as a treatment for heat rashes has not yet been established in scientific research, many of those who have tried using watermelon for this problem have reported significant improvement in only a matter of days.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup of watermelon cubes

Recommended Directions:

1. Put watermelon cubes in a blender.
2. Blend until consistency is similar to a smoothie.
3. Put in the refrigerator.
4. Chill for two to three minutes.
5. Apply to heat rashes.
6. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
7. Repeat procedure twice a day until rashes are cleared.

14. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint essential oil comes from the evergreen peppermint herbs. The medical use of peppermint leaves and peppermint oil dates back to ancient Egyptian civilization.

Peppermint oil has extensive use in cosmetic and medical industries. Among a host of therapeutic components, it contains anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and antifungal properties. [29]

These are potent agents to soothe your nervous system and treat a heat rash and swellings.

Peppermint oil has the cooling effects because of menthol. If you topically apply this oil, it can boost the blood circulation and prevent the contractions of muscles. Moreover, peppermint oil remedy is cheaper and more comfortable than the prescription drugs. [30]

What You’ll Need:

• ½ cup of distilled water
• 3 – 5 drops of peppermint oil
• Glass spray bottle

Recommended Directions:

1. Add peppermint oil to water, shake, and mix thoroughly.
2. Pour the solution into a spray bottle.
3. Now, spray the cooling solution to the rash affected skin throughout the day.

Related: 12 Uses and Health Benefits of Peppermint Oil

15. Dandelion

Dandelion is a medicinal herb. Dandelion roots are potent with therapeutic values.

Dandelion is an effective home remedy for a number of health problems such as stomach disorders, muscle aches, joint pains, skin rashes, eczema, bruises, etc. [31]

Dandelion is a traditional laxative that helps urine production and regulates bowel movements.

Moreover, dandelion is a skin toner, anti-viral and anti-cancer agent.

One of the reasons that aggravate heat rash is water retention. Dandelion is a natural diuretic agent with high potassium and mineral values that can regulate production and flush out of urine from the body. [32]

What You’ll Need:

• 1 teaspoon of dandelion tincture
• 2 cups of warm water

Recommended Directions:

1. Add dandelion tincture to mildly warm water.
2. Drink this potion twice daily to soothe the heat rashes.

16. Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle or Urtica dioica is a flowering plant from Urticaceae plant family. This medicinal plant grows in plenty in countries of Asia, Europe, North America, and Northern Africa.

People have been using different parts of nettle plant for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Some of the therapeutic uses of nettle are relieving anemia, rheumatism, arthritis, poison ivy rash, heat rash, kidney problems, etc. [33]

You can use the leaf, root, extracts, tinctures and nettle supplements to curb heat rash and other symptoms.

Nettle is a diuretic like a dandelion. It can help prevent water retention by flushing out the excess fluid and toxins in the body through urination.

Moreover, stinging nettle works as a natural antihistamine agent. That’s why people use stinging nettle to relieve allergic reactions, rashes, and inflammations of the skin. [34]

You can easily get dried nettle leaf extracts, root tincture, and nettle supplements in tablet form in the medical store.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 teaspoon of nettle leaf extracts or tincture
• 1 cup of water

Recommended Directions:

1. You can directly apply the nettle tincture on your affected skin using a cotton ball.
2. Alternatively, boil the dried extracts in a cup of water and drink the potion twice daily.

17. Ginger

Ginger’s usage as a medicinal plant for the treatment of diseases dates back to ancient times.

It not only helps against inflammation but also used to treat a wide range of other diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc. to name a few.

Nowadays is some countries, ginger has also been used to help reduce itching and stinging sensation that one feels caused by prickly heat.

Some of the active components in ginger helps it to exhibit such amazing properties making it highly beneficial in treating heat rash as well.

What You’ll Need:

• A small piece of fresh ginger roots
• Water
• Cloth

Recommended Directions:

1. Grate a small piece of fresh ginger and boil it in water
2. Once the water cools down, using a clean and soft cloth, dab on your affected skin with this ginger solution and keep it on for 10-15 minutes
3. Rinse it off with plain water
4. Repeat this procedure twice a day for effective results

RELATED: 10 Health Benefits of Ginger Oil That You Should Know About

18. Olive Oil

Olive oil is one of the best natural remedies for heat rash. You can safely apply this mild oil to treat heat rash on the neck and face. A number of researches have confirmed the exceptional benefits of olive oil for your skin health.

Olive oil is a superb moisturizer with a high level of antioxidants, vitamin E, and other skin rejuvenating properties. You can topically massage olive oil on the heat rash to quicken the healing process, calm the irritations, and prevent rashes.

What You’ll Need:

• ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Recommended Directions:

1. Mix turmeric powder with olive oil.
2. Apply the mixture to your heat rash affected areas.
3. Turmeric powder will help reopen the clogged pores and flush out toxins.
4. Olive oil will provide a soothing sensation against the itchiness.
5. Repeat the treatment 3 times daily.

Related: How to Use Olive Oil for Skin Health Boost

19. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is a perfect home remedy for relieving muscle aches, pains, irritations, and to disinfect the body. The term Epsom salt originates from the natural saline springs of Epsom, in England.

Epsom salt bath is the traditional remedy for numerous skin disorders. The magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt helps to release out the harmful toxins, dirt off the skin cells and treat the itch, blisters and other symptoms of a heat rash.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup Epsom salt
• Warm bathwater

Recommended Directions:

1. Pour the salt in your tub filled with mildly warm water.
2. Dip yourself completely in the rejuvenating solution for about 15-20 minutes.
3. Once you are out of the tub tap to dry your skin with a fresh towel.
4. Repeat the treatment every alternate day until the heat rash subsides.

Some Q&A About Heat Rash

When does heat usually appear?

It generally appears during the hot and summer months. So, it is best to avoid such environments as far as possible. However, if you live in such a region, it is best to wear clothes that liberate and aerate your body. Also, it is best to keep yourself properly hydrated.

What should I not do when I have heat rash?

If you are suffering from heat rash, then you MUST avoid any types of creams and lotions. It is because these keep your skin moist and moist skin can worsen the condition.

Should I go and visit the doctor if I have heat rash?

It is always a good idea to go to the doctor and get a proper checkup if you have heat rash.

Also, if any of your family member like your baby is suffering from heat rash then you surely must go to the doctor. It is because they are young, their condition can worsen at any time. So it is best to be well-prepared.

How long does it take for heat rash to go away?

Usually, a heat rash goes away on its own within 3-4 days. But if a heat rash stays for more than a week or 10 days, then it’s better to consult a doctor.

What should I avoid when I have a heat rash?

Below are some of the tips of DOs and DONTs while having a heat rash:

• Avoid humid places, try to stay in a cool environment until the rashes disappear completely
• Avoid the use of ointments and creams as they tend to moisten your skin
• Don’t scratch your skin very often as it can become infected
• Wear comfortable loose and cotton clothes to avoid irritation on the affected area
• You can use powder on the rash to feel soothe the skin

Wrapping Things Up

There’s absolutely no reason to panic when you have heat rashes.

You can rely on these tried and tested natural remedies to get rid of heat rash and get the immediate comfort that you’re looking for.

And don’t hesitate to consult your doctor if you suspect that it is something more serious, or if the heat rash has become a chronic condition.

We really hope this article came to your help; if you have any questions or confusions regarding it feel free to ask us.

Also, don’t forget to share your experience with us by leaving your comments below.

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