Do you itch a lot due to sweating? Here’s how to stop - Health shots

Listen to this article

Excessive sweating might happen because the summer and monsoon seasons are noted for their scorching heat and humidity. Sweating alone is not a problem. However, it could cause rashes, redness or irritation. Scratching may provide some temporary comfort, but it also irritates the skin, making itching worse. So if it is too much sweating that is causing itching, here's how to stop itching and get instant relief.

Health Shots spoke to Dr Rinky Kapoor, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist and Dermato-Surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics to find out which home remedies can be helpful in relieving the itching.

What causes prickly heat?

Summer and monsoon are not very skin-friendly seasons and itchy skin makes it even more difficult. The most common causes of prickly heat, also known as miliaria, sweat rash, or heat rash, include high temperatures and humidity that make people sweat. Dr Kapoor says, "The sweat that gets trapped appears in the form of tiny rid blisters on the skin which are itchy. The prickly heat can affect any part of the body but it can be seen common on the underarms, groin, armpits, feet back, back of neck, hands, chest and even on the abdomen." Apart from excessive sweating, being overweight to engaging in a lot of physical activity to wearing tight or warm clothes can all lead to heat rash.

Most of the time, itching can go away own their own. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

It is a common condition but at the same time it is easy to treat using some natural home ingredients and a little skin care.

Here are 5 effective home remedies for quick relief from itching:

1. Multani mitti

This is an excellent product to open the pores and smooth the skin. Mix some fuller earth with a few drops of rose water and apply on the affected areas. Wash after 15 minutes. Use this paste daily.

Also, read: How to stop itching down there? Keep these hygiene hacks in mind

2. Chandan or sandalwood powder

Take some pure sandalwood powder or grind some fresh on your own and mix it with some rose water. Apply on the rash and let it dry. Wash with cold water once dry. Sandalwood powder is antibacterial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory and relieves the burning and pricking.

3. Oatmeal

It is a traditional recipe for soothing skin inflammation caused due to heat rash. Just add some finely ground oatmeal and add it to your bath water. Soak the affected area for about thirty minutes. Pat the area dry. This will take care of the dryness and itching. Do this twice or thrice a week.

Oats bath is really good for your skin health! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

4. Cornstarch

Take some cornstarch paste and apply on the sweat rash and let it dry. Once dry, wash away with cold water. and let the area dry. Cornstarch is not harsh on skin and calms the irritated skin. Do this once a day.

5. Potato

The simple slice of potato can bring instant relief to the skin. Put the potato slice in the fridge and let it cool. Put the cool potato slice on the affected area and let it sit for 15 minutes. Wash away with cool water. Do this two to three times a day.

Before using any home remedies make sure that you ensure that the rash is not spreading. If it is, then consult your doctor immediately for treatments. Also do a patch test before using the home remedies.

Along with these home remedies, here are tips to reduce itching

• Stay in cooler conditions
• Take a cool shower
• Wear loose cotton clothing
• Use lightweight bedding
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
• Apply a cold compress that you can make at home using a towel or a plastic bag.
• Avoid body care or soaps with strong fragrances
• Avoid using skin care products that include mineral or petroleum oil