Is it just us or are summers getting more unbearable with every passing year? From nasty sunburns to dry and dehydrated skin that you feel like peeling off at the end of the day, the season of sweat brings with it an array of skin issues. While most seasonal skin issues have to do with the humidity in the air, some occur directly from exposure to sun or sweat.
Heat rashes are a result of overexposure to sweat. They look like red bumps on your skin and feel prickly to touch. Worst case scenario occurs when these rashes sprout up on your back, armpits or generally tricky to reach areas. Ignoring them with just a sprinkle of talc isn’t enough either and here's what you should be doing.
What causes heat rashes?
A dermatologist will tell you that your description of a prickly heat rash or sweat rash is termed as miliaria. They present themselves int the form of red and annoyingly itchy little bumps. The good news is that this is a common condition that affects many people during this season.
Hot and humid climates tend to clog your sweat ducts. As a result, sweat leaks into the skin, leading to inflammation around the leak area. They are especially prevalent in skin folds and areas that might not usually get a lot of air. And yes, we are talking about your pelvic region too; which BTW happens to be the worst!
How to stay rash-free this summer
It is indeed true that heat rashes are a natural response of your body to the climate. You are bound to sweat when it so hot out; so there is no permanent solution for heat rashes in the books. You can help the cause by wearing breathable sweat-absorbent clothes that avoid friction with your skin as much as possible. Or, keep yourself sweat-free by minimising sun exposure and managing your physical activities in air-conditioned spaces.
Having said that, there are a few immediate things you can do to NOT make matters worse:
- DO NOT, under any circumstances, scratch your heat rash. This will only further irritate the skin.
- Keep antihistamines at a reachable distance if you tend to develop rashes a lot. They help bring down inflammation and itching.
- Use odourless products that won't disturb the natural pH levels of your skin.
- Ventilate the rash as much as possible until it heals on its own or use topical treatments like the Lever Ayush Natural Ayurvedic Aloe Vera Cooling Gel to calm your irritated skin in an instant.
Written by Sumona Bose on Apr 29, 2020
Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. Working closely with dermatologists, beauty excerpts, makeup artists and hairstylists, she brings you the best of all things beauty. From trending skincare ingredients to makeup looks that help you slay, she manages to bring something new (and vital!) to our readers every single time. Her hobbies include home workouts, watching foreign films and binge-watching makeover shows!