Natural Remedies for Prickly Heat

Prickly Heat, Nettle Rash, Hives, Urticaria

Four names for the same thing, a specific skin condition caused by huge amounts of histamine released by the Mast cells found in the skin.  It can be caused by a number of things, dust, pollen, animal fur, and excessive heat.

The name Nettle Rash is appropriate because that is what it looks like, small, angry red blisters. So too Prickly Heat as it often appears when the weather is very hot.  Yes, it does prickle, and is itchy. It usually shows on the arms, neck and throat. Just what you don’t want on holiday.

In severe cases this can cause swelling around the eyes, and if it affects the throat, then breathing can be difficult, and would require medical treatment.

You may find that Prickly Heat only affects you when on holiday. Consider what is different from being at home (apart from loads of sun!) Hotel soap, new perfume, and of course the sun protection. It is found that the sun protection causes 3% of Prickly Heat. Did you have the problem last year? If so, think about what you used, and consider a different cream.

Stress can also be a factor.

Certain foods may make the situation worse, with the help of a nutritionalist one can find out the offending foods.

Anti-histamine will help combat the histamine causing the problem. This can be an over the counter remedy and it would be wise to take some with you just in case.  Some of these can cause lethargy, even the anti drowsy one. Cortisone is very effective at controlling Hives, but can cause drowsiness as well as other side effects

A short term solution could be a hot shower which would increase the histamine production. Once the histamine has been released, this should bring some relief for a few hours until the histamine builds up again. In the long term not the complete answer, but will offer some comfort until another solution can be found.

Alternative solutions.

• Nettle (Urtica)  as tincture, tea, capsules
• Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)
• Vitamin C
• Beta-carotene supplement (15 mg)
• Quercetin
• Bathing
• Aloe-Vera
• Homoeopathy
• Food
• Sandalwood Essential Oil
• Mint Ice Cubes
• Flower Essences, Rescue Remedy

Something from the following should be of benefit. We are all different as human beings, and what might work for one may not work for another. Here are the suggestions.

Nettles in spite of causing a  rash, the plant contains anti-histamine and anti-allergic properties.  This can be taken in tincture form, in capsules, or made as a tea and applied topically.

Jewel weed (Impatiens capensis).  Dr James Duke recounts the story of experimenting by stinging both wrists with the stinging nettle.   He then applied a solution of lawsone, the active ingredient of the Jewel weed plant to one wrist, the treatment was instant.   The crushed plant would also help.

Vitamin C is  a natural anti-histamine, it will reduce the amount of histamine produced.   If low doses are taken throughout the day, in conjunction with the  A. Vogel tincture Urtica, this increases the effectiveness of the treatment.

Beta-carotene supplement (15 mg) daily, taken two weeks before the holiday. Find it in health food shops.

Quercetin, amongst other things is an anti-histamine.  The foods rich in Quercetin are lovage, apples, tea and onion, especially the red onion. The highest concentration occurs in the dry, outer skins.   Quercetin can be bought as a supplement. The recommended dose, 500 mg twice a day.

Bathing the body with a slice of lemon in the water.

Aloe-Vera has long been associated with bringing about relief from sun burn, and burns in general.   This can be applied as a gel, or taken internally.

Homoeopathy -There are a few that are reputed to work according to how the Prickly Heat presents it’s self. The condition can vary from being worse at night,  causing chills, very red and large, chronic and causing fever. The suggested remedies are Apis, Natrum muriaticum, Rhus toxicodendron, Urtica and Arsenicum album. If you chose this method of  treatment, it is wise to ask the advice of a Homeopath.
Also, Weleda’s Urtica Cream can bring about relief.

Food -During an attack of Hives Dr Thomas Bartram recommends avoiding foods that cause sweating;  hot drinks, curries and peppers.

Sandalwood Essential Oil – The ancient Indian Ayurvedic treatment would be to use 20 drops of oil to one ounce almond carrier oil,   Apply every 3-4 hours.   In India Hives are known as ‘pitta’ meaning fiery.   Sandalwood will calm the skin.

Mint Ice Cubes,  cooling cubes are an idea from herbal educator Norma Pasekoff Weinberg, using two teaspoons of fresh mint, or one of dried, add boiling water, allow to to infuse, strain and cool. Pour into cube trays, freeze, and when needed cool the affected parts.

Flower Essences. If the attack is more sever at times of stress, perhaps looking at a mental solution, for example the Bach Flower Remedies, Mimulus for fear and anxiety.   Rescue Remedy would be the best ‘first aid’ for the emotions.

Sources

Alternative Cures  Bill Gottleib ISBN 978-0-345-50539-2
Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine   Thomas Bartram    ISBN 978-1-85487-586-0
Green Pharmacy James Duke  ISBN 0-87596-316-1
Alfred Vogel Institute