How Aloe Vera Can Naturally Soothe and Prevent Prickly Heat Rash?
Ever felt a burning, prickly sensation on your skin during summer? As a doctor in Pakistan, I am confronted with numerous patients every summer who suffer from an itchy, uncomfortable rash that results from our extreme heat and moisture. If you have ever felt that sensation which is like burning and prickling on your skin, you have definitely not had one. This is what we call the prickly heat rash or miliaria. Luckily, one of the safest and most beneficial natural methods that I often advise is the use of aloe vera gel.
In fact, studies show that over 20% of people living in tropical regions experience heat rash during peak summer. Because it has the cooling, anti-inflammatory nature of the rash it does not have the side effects of the medicated creams. But it is still very necessary to know the reason for the rash, how aloe is going to work and where it is going to be short before you decide to use it. Here we go with this natural method which is finding more and more acceptance in the families all over our country, and especially during our hot and harsh summers.
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What Causes Prickly Heat Rash and Why It’s So Common in Pakistan?
Prickly heat rash, or miliaria, is definitely not a one time annoyance; it is a result of how our bodies react to the hot temperature, sweating, and humidity that are all common in most parts of Pakistan during the summer season.
This rash is the result of sweat glands that have become clogged. Therefore, the sweat gets trapped under the skin. The sweat doesn’t evaporate; instead, it stays beneath the skin and causes little red bumps, itchiness, and a burning or pricking sensation. It is usually seen in areas where the sweat is the most, like the neck, chest, back, armpits, and under tight clothes.
In Pakistan, the conditions are extremely hot, the power cuts are frequent and of long duration, there is limited use of air conditioning, and people are outdoors mostly. All these factors make it very hard for the sweat to dry naturally. In such situations, children, manual workers, and those who have sensitive skin are more at risk.Simply put, the prickly heat is a problem of heat regulation, and learning about the cause of it is definitely the initial stage of alleviation and prevention.
Best Time and Way to Apply Aloe Vera for Heat Rash Relief
During the scorching summer in Pakistan, as a doctor, I have often recommended my patients to apply aloe vera gel twice a day. That is one time after a cool shower in the morning and the other before going to sleep. This practice keeps your skin cool, hydrated, and helps it get rid of sweat during the hottest hours of the day and at night. Make sure your skin is clean and dry before applying. Instead of rinsing it off, softly pet a thin coat of pure, organic aloe vera gel over the affected place. If you are a person who is working outdoors or is sweating a lot, then applying it in the middle of the day can be the best option to avoid the heat rash. Not only does continuous utilization calm the existing rashes, but it also prevents the emergence of new ones in our severe summer weather.
Understanding How Sweat Glands Get Blocked
- People sweat, that’s natural, however, when the heat is excessive and the air is humid, the sweat doesn’t get rid of heat through evaporation properly.
- Clothing that is tight and ventilated poorly creates a situation where sweat is trapped and this is on the skin’s surface.
- Dead skin cells, bacteria, and dirt are the primary reasons for blocking the tiny sweat ducts.
- If the ducts are blocked, the sweat that is underneath the skin will cause inflammation.
- The inflammation, in turn, causes the appearance of red, itchy, and prickly bumps heat rash being the most common name.
- Places such as the neck, back, armpits, and chest are very vulnerable to sweating issues due to the fact that the sweat concentration is higher there.
Aloe Vera for Prickly Heat Rash: How It Works and Why It Helps?
First of all, it should be said that here the uniqueness of aloe vera lies in the fact that it is very safe and extremely effective in the treatment of irritated skin with no side effects. In case of prickly heat rash, aloe has the needed group of properties; it is cooling, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing that are essential for solving the problem and prevention at the same time.
The gel of aloe vera is a storehouse of components such as acemannan and gibberellins. They contribute to the diminished inflammation of the skin and they are also the main factors of the skin’s recovery process. It is the instant cooling effect that an application of aloe vera to a rash gives besides the removal of the itching and the light film that is formed together taking care of the skin without the pores being blocked.
Key Healing Compounds in Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel comprises a copious amount of bioactive components that in turn, form a very efficient mixture in combating skin disorders caused by excessive heat. These natural ingredients function simultaneously to cool, calm and restore the skin while they do not block pores or raise any allergic reactions.
- Acemannan: It is a polysaccharide that assures hydration, accelerates the wound healing process, and is the main nutrient for skin regeneration.
- Gibberellins: These are the plant hormones which help the skin to repair and at the same time, they lower the skin inflammation.
- Salicylic Acid: It contains mild antibacterial and exfoliating properties which result in the infection being prevented.
- Saponins: Along with their gentle cleansing, the saponins are also providing the antiseptic action.
When Aloe Vera Isn't Enough: Limitations and Extra Care Tips
Although aloe vera is a very mild and at the same time effective agent which helps in most cases of prickly heat rash it does not mean that it is good for each and every case. I am a medical professional and I always tell my patients that it is the most natural and first-line treatment, however, in some cases, they should be aware that it is not enough and they must provide extra care.Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that some people having very sensitive skin can feel mild irritation or allergic reaction due to aloe vera. Hence, it is a good idea to run a small test first before applying aloe vera all over your skin.
Several suggestions to eliminate and take care of heat rash are following:
- Put on loose, warm cotton clothes
- Spend more time in the shadow or cool place
- Have some cool showers frequently in order to remove the sweat accrued
- Reduce the use of heavy creams or oils as they may block sweat glands
- Try to keep skin dry, especially in high-sweat areas such as underarms and the back
Adding aloe vera to these life tips, you can control heat rash more effectively and take care of your skin even during the hottest months in Pakistan.
Practical Daily Habits to Prevent Prickly Heat Rash
- Wear loose cotton clothes that allow your skin to breathe so that the sweat can disappear through evaporation and there will be no frictions caused on the skin by the clothes.
- Have cool showers not more than two times a day especially after you are sweating so that your skin will be cleansed and your pores will not be blocked.
- Whenever it is possible, stay in a place which is well ventilated or shaded so your sweating can be minimized.
- Do not apply heavy creams, oils or petroleum-based products because these products block the sweat ducts.
- Use gentle, non comedogenic soaps that do not clog pores or dry your skin.
- In the hot season, use aloe vera gel frequently as it will calm your skin and decrease the irritation.
- Stay hydrated and eat light foods, as dehydration and heavy meals can increase internal heat.
Final Thoughts
Prickly heat rash is quite a common and irritating condition that is particularly dreadful during the heat outburst in Pakistan. However, the good news is that the condition is controllable. If given proper care, you would become aware of it and you would use natural remedies such as the gel of aloe vera to calm your skin, help skin recovery, and even prevent the further outbreaks of the rash. Being a doctor, I exhort you to keep your skin’s changes in mind, dress yourself comfortably, and additionally, use pure aloe vera. Not being the only solution, it is still a mild and effective means to treat your skin when it is hot and wet. And if your rash gets worse or home remedies do not help, be sure to get in touch with a medical professional without any hesitation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How quickly does aloe vera work on heat rash?
Aloe vera has beneficial effects on symptoms in rash-damaged skin and it speeds up the healing process, however, in cases of severe rash or infections, treatment from a health professional is needed.
How quickly does aloe vera work on heat rash?
The majority of people can say that they feel relief almost immediately. Continuous application several days in a row can considerably alleviate the symptoms of inflammation and itching.
Is store bought aloe vera gel safe to use?
Definitely, only be cautious when selecting the aloe vera product in which the concentration of the aloe vera is 95 to 100% and there are no alcohol or other harsh ingredients added. The product made from fresh plant gel is the best one.
Can children use aloe vera gel for prickly heat?
Indeed. Aloe vera is nontoxic and safe to use for kids, nevertheless, it is always advised to perform a small patch test before full application to make sure that the child is not hypersensitive.