Heat rash, also called sweat rash, is annoying and painful. If your skin remains consistently warm or damp, it might result in clogged pores. These clogged pores lead to heat rash. People living in a hot and humid climate are more prone to heat rashes.
While the condition is common among all age groups, with approximately 30 % being affected by it, children are more prone to this condition due to small sweat glands. A study also shows its prevalence is more in females(1) than in males.
Heat rash occurs in skin creases and areas of tight clothing. Use of essential oil for heat rash is one such natural remedy that helps give relief in the inflammation and itching caused by heat rash.
Fact
In the majority of cases, heat rash clears up on its own within a few days without any treatment if kept dry and cool.
Essential Oils for Heat Rash
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is widely used for its medicinal properties.
Dermatologists have proved its efficiency in treating skin conditions. The anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties of tea tree oil help treat many skin conditions.
Also, the presence of certain compounds like terpinene-4-ol and 8-cineole help treat the heat rashes and inflammation.
It helps control hives and calms down itching associated with heat rash.
- You can use tea tree oil by mixing it with any carrier oil. Some creams containing tea tree oil are also available in the market.
- Add 2-3 drops of oil in a carrier oil like coconut oil. Massage gently on the heat rash or affected area.
[Also Read: Tea Tree Oil Benefits and Uses]
2. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is an everyday essential oil which is readily available. It filters out body toxins and enhances the circulation of blood. It helps treat many conditions like skin conditions, acne, and even wrinkles.
The antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties of lavender oil help treat rashes and have a cooling effect on the body. It has a moisturizing result on the skin and helps reduce the itching and stinging sensation on the surface.
It provides a calming effect and a soothing fragrance.
- For an essential oil recipe for heat rash, prepare a gel by mixing aloe vera, lavender, and peppermint oil.
- Five drops of lavender oil are sufficient for preparing the gel. You can massage it on the affected area directly.
3. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus(2) trees are prevalent all over the world for its healing properties. The oil extracted from the tree is also beneficial in treating coughs and disinfecting wounds.
Eucalyptus oil is a helpful natural remedy to treat skin rashes and infections. The oil moisturizes the affected area.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help provide relief and reduce the harshness of the skin.
You can create your eucalyptus shower melts using water and corn starch. The oil can also be topically used by mixing with some oil and applying gently on the infected area.
- A few drops in carrier oil are sufficient in treating the heat rash.
- Another eucalyptus essential oil recipe is to add 10 drops of eucalyptus oil to 1 cup of corn starch and create shower melts.
[Also Read: Natural Remedies for Heat Rash]
4. Chamomile Oil
Chamomile oil is an ancient herbal oil used for its medicinal and healing properties. It helps fight depression and gives relief from various allergies. The oil also treats insomnia by providing calming sensations.
Chamomile oil has anti-infectious, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties, which help has a soothing effect. The oil is also helpful in inducing profuse perspiration, which further helps in removing toxins from the body that causes infections.
It serves well as a febrifuge and cools the affected skin.
The best way to use chamomile oil is to apply it directly on the rash and massage gently. A soothing bath soak recipe using chamomile essential oil is also useful in giving you relief.
- Apply a few drops of chamomile oil on the infected area and massage for a few minutes.
- You can add 10 drops of chamomile oil to 2 cups of oatmeal to create a bath soak. You can also mix lavender and eucalyptus oil to create a more healing effect.
5. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil contains many compounds that have healing and medicinal properties. It fights bacteria and other microbes and heals the pain.
[Read: Home Remedies For Heat Rash]
Oregano oil is an excellent oil used for its soothing properties that help treat internal as well as external inflammation.
The oil also has antifungal, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, that help removes infection-causing microbes from the skin.
Oregano is healthy and improves the immune system if taken orally. A better immune system makes healing power fast.
A mixture of oregano oil and coconut oil works wonders on the heat rash. Coconut oil adds to the anti-inflammatory properties of oregano oil.
- You can put three drops of oregano oil in one tbsp of coconut oil. Use this mixture to massage on the skin for two-three times a day.
Although heat rash is entirely harmless and not a life-threatening condition sometimes for patients, the irritation on the affected area becomes unbearable. Essential oils also help give a cooling and soothing effect on the skin. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help with the removal of infection-causing microbes.
However, essential oils are safe if used in the instructed quantities. And if the condition worsens, it advisable to seek medical attention.
FAQs
1. What Are Some Other Home Remedies for Heat Rash?
Heat rash is a normal condition in summers and can be treated naturally using many home remedies. You can use cool baths, ice packs, oatmeal, sandalwood, baking soda, neem, or some calamine lotion to get relief in the condition.
2. How Peppermint Essential Oil Helps in Treating Heat Rash?
Peppermint oil has a cooling effect on the skin and helps provide relief in irritation on the skin. The presence of menthol gives a soothing effect on the rash. It also has some anti-inflammatory properties to treat sweat rash.
3. How Is Epsom Salt Helpful for Heat Rash?
Epsom salt is used for many medical conditions due to its various health benefits. A warm bath using Epsom salt gives a calming effect to the skin and helps get relief in irritation and itchiness.
