Is applying Aloe Vera for heat rash an effective remedy? One thing is certain, where summer goes, heat rash will soon follow. It’s not one of the more pleasant thoughts of the season, but it certainly is a side effect of it. It's no secret that Aloe Vera works wonders on soothing skin after sun and can help alleviate itching, but can it also help provide relief for prickly, itchy skin?

WHAT IS PRICKLY HEAT AND HEAT RASH?

As many embrace the long, warm days of summer, some are afflicted with skin maladies as a result of too much sun and fun in the balmy, hot weather. Prickly heat, heat rash, and sweat rash are all names for a condition known as miliaria. Small, reddish papules form on the skin that are very itchy and "prickly" feeling. The rash begins to form on the skin of some people when temperatures rise as a result of blocked or obstructed sweat ducts. Subsequently, sweat leaks into the skin and the area around the tiny leakage becomes inflamed and ‘prickly.’

WHAT CAUSES MILIARIA?

The two main causes of sweat duct obstruction are either excessive sweating or an overgrowth of the normal bacteria found on skin. The blockage produces a sticky substance clogging the sweat ducts and trapping the sweat under the skin. The condition will worsen if sweat is trapped and can't escape.

WHO IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO IT?

The condition occurs most commonly in hot, humid weather when we perspire frequently. Approximately 30% of people may develop miliaria at some point in their life. The rash usually appears in skin folds or on the backside of those bedridden. Those at increased risk include:

• Younger children
• Those who use heavy, occluding skincare
• Overweight people

Heat rash will occur on any part of the body, but more likely in places where we tend to sweat more often. Most susceptible areas are the face, neck, and under the arms but also in skin folds or areas of the body that rub against clothing, such as the back, chest, and stomach.

ALOE VERA FOR HEAT RASH RELIEF

The burning, itchy bumps of heat rash can be painful and extremely irritating. Applying Aloe Vera is highly beneficial because it soothes and cools the affected area and contains nourishing properties that make an excellent home remedy for easing prickly heat.

One reason Aloe Vera works well on heat rash is it does not clog the pores of your skin. Many creams and lotions used to moisturize and relieve heat rash also run the risk of clogging pores, which can actually worsen the condition of the skin. Application of Aloe Vera Gel or Juice is effective in this regard because of its lightweight, water based composition will not clog pores. Instead, it actually works to reduce water retention. Rubbing Aloe Vera onto the small swollen bumps on your skin promotes faster healing. It treats the irritation and rash because of the nourishing properties found in Aloe Vera, and the salicylic acid found in Aloe Vera works to relieve irritation and soothe your skin.

 

HOW TO USE ALOE VERA ON HEAT RASH

When it comes to topical application, what you'll want is the inner gel of the aloe leaf. You can get this by either slicing an actual leaf open or buying a pre-extracted Aloe gel product for convenience. Leave your Aloe gel in the refrigerator for added soothing qualities, then follow these steps:

1. Wash the affected area and pat dry
2. Gently rub a liberal amount of Aloe gel onto the affected area
3. Let it dry on the skin
4. Repeat three to five times daily

You can also purchase Aloe Vera Gel or Juice from stores or pharmacies to apply, just make sure it’s pure and has no preservatives or additives that can block your pores and worsen the condition. You always want to make sure Aloe Vera is the first ingredient on the label and being an Aloe company ourselves, we would highly advise buying from an actual producer that manufactures their product on site.  At ALODERMA, we produce all of our products within 12 Hours of Harvest from our ECOCERT certified organic farms in order to ensure we deliver Fresh Aloe Products  to our customers. Don't accept a substitute as alternatives to Pure Aloe Vera products just aren't the same.