Unfortunately, skin irritation and summer sunshine seem to go hand-in-hand for many people. Some of the most common types of skin irritations during this time of year are rashes, which can be caused by a myriad of habits, environmental influences, and genetic factors.
Let’s look a bit closer at the common causes of summer rashes and some ways to help them go away safely and naturally.
Causes of Summer Rashes
The most common type of summer rash is heat rash, which is also known as prickly heat and miliaria. Heat rash typically begins with excessive sweating in a hot environment that’s often humid as well. When your skin glands become blocked with sweat, irritation, bumps, and redness often result.
Other summer skin conditions associated with summer are insect bites, hives, poison ivy, and dry skin. These conditions are often caused by environmental factors after spending time in the outdoors.
Symptoms of Heat Rashes
Heat rashes generally appear as tiny, raised bumps that are surrounded by a reddened area of skin. They can occur on pretty much any part of the body. However, the most common areas that people develop heat rashes are on the chest, neck, back, abdomen, groin, arm pits, and backs of the knees.
Infants, newborns, bedridden patients, and people who work or exercise in the outdoors are most prone to heat rash. Regardless of age or skin type, heat rashes cause a prickly and stinging sensation. In short, they’re itchy, uncomfortable, and unsightly, but not life-threatening.
Heat Rash Treatments
Fortunately, heat rash is almost always a temporary skin condition that goes away shortly after the skin cools off and regains its normal resistance to perspiration. Heat rash generally goes away on its own after a couple days, but there are treatments available to soothe the discomfort and help rashes fade faster.
We recommend Stop Rash for adult skin relief because of its easy-to-use design, all-natural ingredients, and anti-inflammatory properties. With an omega-3 oil base, coconut oil, olive oil and natural Vitamin E, this spray provides temporary relief for itching skin, sores, swelling, inflammation, red and swollen skin, scaling, and painful burning of the skin. One or two sprays will do the trick for most skin rashes, and it’s safe to use as needed throughout the day.
Home Remedies for Heat Rash
These are some of home remedies that you can try to soothe your heat rash, which are chemical-free and worth a try as well.
- Homemade calamine lotion made with baking soda and essential oils
- Oatmeal powder in bath water
- Non-scented talcum powder
- Aloe vera gel
- Sandalwood powder
- Honey
- Watermelon pulp
- Cucumber slices
- Mint tea
If your rash persists for more than three or four days or if you experience other symptoms as well, consult a physician to have your rash checked out by a professional. Some doctors recommend calamine lotion, over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams, and creams containing vitamin A and C for persistent rashes.
Summer Rash Prevention Tips
There are lots of precautions you can take to prevent summer rashes before they strike. Here are some rash prevention tips to keep in mind as the temperatures heat up.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing in hot weather
- Protect your skin with all-natural sunscreen
- Avoid using heavy ointments on your skin that clog sweat glands
- Don’t touch unfamiliar plants while hiking and playing outdoors
- Use air conditioning and fans in hot weather
- Take a shower or bath every day to prevent clogged skin glands
- Avoid extreme exercise during hot weather conditions
- Drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated
Sea fan at sunrise Another way to get rid of a heat rash is to immerse yourself in 80 degree saltwater and practice taking pictures of coral fans at sunrise. Notice how the left side of the fan was just beyond the range of the strobe and lost most of its color. A close-up of the sea fan shows the colors more dynamically.
Close-up of Sea Fan