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

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

Droplets of water mixed with salt and urea come out 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 get blocked. The clogged pores prevent sweat from evaporating. Friction and these blocked pores of the skin results in the formation of small red bumps. These bumps are often spiky and itchy [1, 2].

We call this bumps as “heat rash“. These bumps often cause a lot of problems. The other name for heat rash is miliaria [1].

As problematic they are, these painful blisters may appear 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].

But don’t worry. Some home remedies can help you get rid of heat rash.

How Does Heat Rash Affect You?

Heat rash can affect almost anyone of all ages.

But, the typical victims of heat rash are usually babies and children. They do not have developed sweat glands.

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 usually 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.

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 rich in 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 treating psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, etc. [5]

how to get rid of heat rash — Dreamstime

Oatmeal has cleansing, moisturizing, soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it can also work for minor skin problems like heat rash [6].

Its cleansing activity is due to saponins. Its anti-inflammatory, anti-itch, and anti-irritant actions are because of avenanthramides [6, 7].

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

How to use oatmeal for heat rash:

Put oatmeal in a food processor or blender. Grind it until it turns into powder. Fill the tub with cool water. Add oatmeal powder. Use your fingers to blend oatmeal powder and water. Sit in the bath for 30 minutes. Dry your body using a towel made of soft fabric. 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. Because it has a polysaccharide. It forms a soothing and protective barrier when applied on the skin [9].

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

Aloe vera gel can inhibit swelling of the skin, and at the same time, promote healing of wounds and lesions [12].

There’s no substantive study proving aloe vera’s efficacy on heat rashes. But, it works for this particular skin problem. All these mechanisms are enough to convince many about that.

A simple way to use aloe vera gel for heat rash:

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

3. Cucumber with Lemon Juice

Cucumber is a prime component in many salads. It is a vegetable which contains a lot of water content and essential minerals. These components can recharge and hydrate you. 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, 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 one of cucumber’s many gifts. Because it has cooling, moisturizing and anti-sebum secretion effects [13]. Thus, cucumber is a great remedy for heat rash.

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].

Cucumber also has a soothing effect that alleviates skin irritation and inflammation. It also relaxes and nourishes the skin [14].

Learn how you can use cucumber and lemon juice for heat rash:

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

4. Fuller’s Earth

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

It’s not established as a heat rash solution. But it can relieve itching, irritation, and inflammation of the skin.

There is a clinical review of an herbal face pack, which includes fuller’s earth as one of the key ingredients. The review mentions that it can remove impurities and reduce skin irritation [15].

It also has a cooling mechanism that reduces inflammation in babies with heat rash [15].

How you can treat your heat rash using fuller’s earth:

Combine 5 tablespoons of fuller’s earth with 3 tablespoons of rose water to form a paste. Spread a thin layer of this paste on top of the heat rashes. Wait for it to dry before rinsing with cold water. You can practice this remedy once a day for one week.

5. Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular aromatic oils in the world. This super 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, and ease the itch. It can also 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.

Here’s how you may use lavender oil to get rid of heat rash:

Mix 8-10 drops of lavender oil to your mild warm bath water. Soak in the water completely for about 20 minutes. Lavender oil gets absorbed into your skin very fast. Thus, it can relieve the irritations and heal the skin inflammations. Repeat the calming aromatic oil bath daily before you go to sleep to heal heat rash fast.

6. Margosa Leaves

Also called neem leaves, margosa leaves are another practical remedy for heat rash.

These leaves come from a tree that’s native to Southeast Asia. It could treat skin ulcers, gastrointestinal ailments, malaria and infections [16].

It was also common for people to bathe in neem water. It could ease skin problems like boils and heat rashes. Because it has antiseptic and antibacterial properties [16].

A team of Indian researchers used neem leaves to create an anti-heat rash cotton fabric [17].

The fabric treated with neem leaf extract reduced bacterial infection by up to 100% [17].

How to use margosa leaves for heat rash:

Use a food processor or blender to grind neem leaves until the consistency is like a paste. Smear paste on affected areas of the body. Let it dry. Wash it off with cool water. 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 it tones down swelling, but also it cools and moisturizes the skin. Thus it reduces the appearance of skin bumps and blisters, and relieves itching.

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

An easy way to soothe heat rash using cold compress:

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

8. Sandalwood

Sandalwood is famous 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.

This powder has the ability to reduce body temperature. It is important for quick recovery. It can also reduce inflammation, a typical symptom of heat rash [20].

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

Using sandalwood powder on your skin helps you get rid of annoying rashes. It also keeps the skin from drying out.

Learn how to use sandalwood for heat rash:

Mix 1 tablespoon of each of sandalwood and coriander powder, rose water and 1 drop of sandalwood oil. Apply the paste on the affected skin. Leave it on for a few minutes as it dries. Rinse with cold water. 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, and as a natural household cleaner. It’s also an effective bleaching agent.

Baking soda is also another fantastic solution for heat rash. Because it acts 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.

Many studies and books have documented its use for this particular skin problem [22, 23].

Try this baking soda recipe to get rid of heat rash:

Combine 1 tsp of baking soda and a cup of cold water. Soak a soft cloth into the solution. Wring the cloth to get rid of excess liquid. Pat cloth on heat rashes for 10 minutes. Practice this remedy twice a day for one to two weeks.

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. It reduces swelling on the skin due to rash infections [24, 25].

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.

Try this calendula flower bath to get rid of heat rash:

Add 1 cup of calendula flowers to your bath water. Let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, soak in the bath for another 30 minutes. Rub water on heat rashes. Repeat the process once a day for one week.

11. Gram Flour

Gram flour has many names: garbanzo bean flour, chickpea flour, and besan.

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. It also promotes detoxification and removes impurities from the skin [26].

It’s good for drying, cleaning, disinfecting, and rejuvenating skin with heat rash [26].

A simple way of using gram flour for heat rash:

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

12. Cucumber

Cucumber is the first thing you think about when you need to get rid of puffy eyes..

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

You can also apply cucumber to heat rashes to soothe irritation and swelling.

It has 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.

How to use cucumber for heat rash:

Grate cucumber and put in a bowl. Spread a thick layer of cucumber shreds on heat rashes. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water. 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 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.

Those who have tried using watermelon for this problem have reported significant improvement.

Here’s how you may use watermelon for heat rash:

Put 1 cup of watermelon cubes in a blender. Blend until consistency is like a smoothie. Put in the refrigerator. Chill for two to three minutes. Apply to heat rashes. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing with cool water. Repeat procedure twice a day until you heal.

14. Peppermint Essential Oil

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

Peppermint oil has extensive use in cosmetic and medical industries. 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 cooling effects because of menthol. Topical application of it boosts the blood circulation and prevent contractions of muscles. Moreover, peppermint oil remedy is cheaper and more comfortable than the prescription drugs. [30]

How you can soothe your heat rash using peppermint oil:

Add 3-5 drops of peppermint oil to ½ cup of distilled water, shake, and mix. Pour the solution into a spray bottle. Now, spray the cooling solution to the rash affected skin throughout the day.

15. Dandelion

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

Dandelion is an effective remedy for stomach disorders, skin rashes, eczema, 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. These properties can regulate production and flush out of urine from the body. [32]

A simple dandelion root recipe for heat rash:

Add 1 tsp of dandelion tincture to 2 cups of lukewarm water. 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 Asia, Europe, North America, and Northern Africa.

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

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

Nettle is a diuretic like a dandelion. It can flush out the excess fluid and toxins in the body through urination. Thus, it helps prevent water retention.

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

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

Learn how you can use nettle leaf to soothe your heat rash:

You can apply the nettle tincture on your affected skin using a cotton ball. Or, boil 1 tsp of 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 helps against inflammation. It also treats a wide range of other diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc. to name a few.

Ginger also helps reduce itching and stinging sensation caused by heat rash.

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

How to use ginger for heat rash:

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

18. Olive Oil

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

Olive oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and other skin rejuvenating properties. You can massage olive oil on the heat rash to quicken the healing process, and calm the irritations. It can also prevent rashes.

Here’s how you may use olive oil for heat rash:

Mix 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder with ½ tsp of olive oil. Apply the mixture to your heat rash affected areas. Turmeric powder will help reopen the clogged pores and flush out toxins. Olive oil will provide a soothing sensation against the itchiness. Repeat the treatment 3 times daily.

19. Epsom Salt

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

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

Try this epsom salt bath to soothe heat rash:

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

When to See a Doctor

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 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.

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.