The skin plays the role of protecting the inner body parts from the outside environmental conditions. Therefore, it serves as a barrier against disease-causing pathogens, chemical components, as well as ultraviolet radiation which could cause damage to the body’s internal organs. The skin also performs the critical function of controlling the body temperature. Through sweating, the body gets to cool itself as perspiration is allowed to evaporate.
The sweat glands which line the entire body structure are responsible for the manufacture of sweat.
The dermis houses these sweat glands. The action of the brain temperature control centers is responsible for the regulation of the sweat glands. During perspiration, sweat gets out of the body through the sweat ducts.
However, blockade of the sweat ducts results in sweat being trapped below the skin surface, thereby leading to mild bumps or inflammation, often referred to as heat rash.
Causes of heat bumps
There is no specific reason behind the development of heat bumps. However, when your sweat ducts are blocked as a result of excessive sweating and the sweat cannot find its way out of the body to evaporate. The following instances illustrate scenarios when sweat gets trapped beneath the skin surface.
- Skin creases in body parts like the groin, armpit, or neck where the skin is in contact with the adjacent skin which reduces air circulation which subsequently prevents sweat from evaporating.
- Tight clothing which discourages the evaporation of sweat.
- Covering oneself in heavy sheets or clothes to keep warm due to an illness coupled up with fever, or during cold seasons like winter.
- Usage of heavy lotions and creams also can clog the sweat ducts.
Worth noting is that the sweat glands in the bodies of babies are not yet mature. Therefore, these glands cannot remove sweat efficiently. It is possible for babies to develop heat bumps if they are overdressed or excessively bundled. They can also develop the bumps when they have a fever or get exposed to warm weather conditions.
They are also known to develop as a side effect of particular medications like clonidine.
Signs and symptoms
The most common heat bump symptom is the development of red bumps on the surface of the skin. Victims always experience accompanying prickly or itchy feelings on the skin. These are caused by the inflammation of the epidermis (skin’s superficial layers), with the prickly sensation being similar to that triggered by a mild sunburn.
These symptoms are similar in both adults and infants. Infants will always be fussy if they develop heat bumps since they cannot communicate effectively regarding the rash sensation.
Heat Bump Treatment
a) Conventional Treatment
If you develop heat bumps, you can opt to get rid of them through medical treatment. In most cases, a topical cream or ointment is used. Prescription-strength corticosteroids like hydrocortisone are likely to be given over-the-counter.
Caution
Prolonged use of corticosteroids might trigger undesirable side effects such as thinning of the skin. Note that every individual will get a different medical prescription depending on the specific rash diagnosis.
b) Home Remedies to treat them
1. Green Tea
In a Case Western Reserve University study conducted in 2000, green tea was confirmed to possess anti-inflammatory properties. In the research, it was held that the polyphenols present in green tea give it its anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties are in direct correlation with green tea’s polyphenol antioxidant properties. Thus, green tea is a viable heat bump treatment.
How to Apply Green Tea
Internal Consumption
Dealing with the root problem of heat bump is one of the most effective ways of treating this skin condition. Drink four to six green tea cups each day to regulate sweating and to enhance effective release and evaporation of sweat by opening up sweat ducts. For added green tea benefits, add one tablespoon of raw honey to your green tea.
Topical Spray or Application
- Brew a little green tea.
- Apply it on the affected skin area using a cotton ball.
- Alternatively, you can pour the green tea into a spray bottle to spritz on the affected area.
- Leave the green tea on until it dries up.
- Rinse using clean water.
- Pat the affected skin dry and repeat the process each day.
2. Neem Leaves
This treatment is rated among the most efficient heat bump treatments albeit being one of the cheapest and most convenient alternatives. Neem leaves work well on the neck skin and the face in getting rid of heat rashes. The leaves can be used by people of any gender and age. With neem leaves, you can be certain that you are not exposed to any harmful side effect.
With a paste of about twenty-five neem leaves, you can prepare a powerful paste that will not only reduce the bumps but also act as a viable preventive measure against heat bump.
The effectiveness of neem leaves derives from their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-irritant, antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. It is known to cure some skin conditions including eczema, scabies, bumps, acne, and psoriasis. Its powerful antioxidants then settle in for the rejuvenation of your skin cells thereby defending your skin against any aging symptom.
There are two ways through which neem leaves can be prepared at home to treat heat bump. Remember, this process is all-natural, and you do not need any conventional medications.
First Alternative
- Use neem products such as soap, cream, lotion, or leaf extract.
- If you use neem oil, sure to dilute it with either a carrier oil or water. Neem oil is too strong when applied on the skin.
Second Alternative
- Collect a handful of neem leaves.
- Simmer them for about twenty minutes.
- Strain the resultant solution and allow it to cool.
- Soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply it on the affected areas repeatedly for ten minutes.
- Repeat this step twice on a daily basis.
- For the best results, apply the solution for a minimum of three days.
- Repeat this process until you get desirable results.
3. Coconut Oil
Do you know that coconut oil is a powerful home remedy for baby and adult heat bump and itching skin? This oil is hailed as a reliable cure for dermatitis, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, and acne. It is recommended that you should keep a bottle of coconut oil throughout.
Applying Coconut Oil
- Rub a bit of coconut oil in the palms to melt it because it is solid at room temperature.
- Alternatively, you can warm the oil on a heat source.
- Apply coconut oil on the regions with bumps to soothe the inflamed and itchy skin.
- Apply coconut oil as many times as desired each day.
Caution
- Coconut oil is greasy. Take care not to stain clothing.
- Adults can apply coconut oil overnight before getting to bed to wake up with healed skin.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has been used by Australian Aborigines in the treatment of wounds and cuts for generations. Tea tree oil is an extract from the leaves of the tea tree, and it is a potent ingredient used in the manufacture of ointments, lotions, and creams. The oil also can be used in the treatment of many skin conditions including rashes, acne, warts, blisters, and cold sores. To choose the best tea tree oil you can refer to in this article.
How to Apply Tea Tree Oil to Treat Heat Bump?
First Alternative
- Dilute tea tree oil with water and apply it on affected regions twice every day.
Remember, using tea tree oil before diluting it can potentially irritate the skin or trigger allergic reactions. If you have a large skin area affected by heat bumps, it is recommended that dilute the oil with cooled chamomile tea or water and spray the solution on the skin.
Second Alternative
- Add four to six tea tree oil drops to your bath.
- For the best results, do this at least twice for one week.
Third Alternative
- Add one tea tree oil drop to your cream or lotion and smooth it on the affected skin.
In conclusion, we hold that the best form of heat bump treatment is prevention. Ensure adequate exposure of your skin to circulating air to minimize blockade and inflammation of sweat ducts. Always, strive to keep your body hot.
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Reference:
- http://vkool.com/home-remedies-for-heat-rash/#teatreeoil
- https://www.heatrash.org/treating-heat-rash-coconut-oil/
- http://stayhealthyways.com/how-to-get-rid-of-heat-bumps/
- https://www.leaf.tv/articles/how-to-treat-skin-rashes-with-tea-tree-oil/
- http://www.amazing-green-tea.com/green-tea-and-skin-rash.html