How To Get Rid Of Heat Bumps On The Legs – 10 Natural Ways

Heat bumps, also known as heat rashes or miliaria, can appear on your underarms, chest, back, and in between the legs. You would want to know how to get rid of heat bumps as quickly as possible, as these inflammatory bumps can get very itchy and red.

Heat bumps between the thighs result from summer and humidity. Germs often find entry into the body through the sweat glands in hot and humid weather. When these sweat glands become clogged, sweat accumulates beneath the skin, resulting in heat bumps. The follicles may become inflamed and infected as a result of this.

When temperatures are at their highest during the summer, heat bumps that form between the legs become persistent and are hard to keep at bay. It is not a circumstance you want to find yourself in; however, these rashes are sometimes unavoidable. Whatever the situation, you can get relief from the burning and itchy sensation with readily available ingredients at home.

You are already aware of how these heat bumps develop, so let’s look at some of the most effective home cures for getting rid of heat bumps, also known as prickly heat. Continue reading for more information.

How To Get Rid Of Heat Bumps Between The Legs

1. Cold Shower
2. Coconut Oil And Cucumber
3. Ice Pack
4. Aloe Vera Gel
5. Oatmeal Bath
6. Cornstarch Or Baking Soda
7. Calamine Lotion
8. Sandalwood Powder
9. Margosa Or Neem Paste
10. Cod Liver Oil And Vitamin E Cream

Natural Remedies For Heat Bumps Between The Legs

1. Cold Shower

You Will Need

Cold water

What You Have To Do

Shower as usual using cold water for not more than 30 seconds – 1 minute. You can also soak the affected areas in lathered cool water for a few minutes.

Why This Works

Cold showers minimize the occurrence of heat bumps as the cool temperature of the water soothes the inflamed skin

. They also clean the skin of sweat and dirt.

2. Coconut Oil And Cucumber

You Will Need

• 2-3 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
• Juice of half a cucumber

What You Have To Do

1. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out its juice.
2. Add this juice to the coconut oil and mix well.
3. Apply this in between your thighs and legs, and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
4. Rinse with water.

How Often You Should Do This

Apply this once or twice every day until you get relief.

Why This Works

Coconut oil soothes inflamed and irritated skin. It contains essential fatty acids and other minerals that help to restore the skin’s normal structure. This oil also cleanses the pores and unclogs them (1), (2). Cucumber acts as a coolant for the skin and gives instant relief from the itching and burning sensation (3).

Fun Fact

Cucumbers are actually fruits and are largely made up of water (nearly 96%).

3. Ice Pack

You Will Need

• A ziploc bag
• 3-4 ice cubes
• A small towel

What You Have To Do

1. Put the ice cubes into the plastic bag and seal it properly.
2. Now, wrap the towel (or any soft cloth) around the bag. Place it on the heat bumps between your legs for 8-10 minutes and then remove it.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this process at an interval of four hours till the redness goes away.

Why This Works

The coolness of the ice pack will soothe the burning sensation. Eventually, the redness and itching will also die down (4).

4. Aloe Vera Gel

You Will Need

Fresh aloe vera gel

What You Have To Do

Apply aloe vera gel between your legs and leave it on for as long as possible.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat at least three or four times during the day to reduce redness and aid healing.

Why This Works

Aloe vera gel is one of the most popular home remedies for prickly heat. It has healing properties that help reduce heat bumps. It not only relieves itching and swelling but also imparts a soothing and cooling effect (5).

Caution

It is not good to use tanning company aloe vera gels as they contain chemicals that clog the pores and aggravate the condition. Use organic aloe gel.

5. Oatmeal Bath

You Will Need

• 1 cup oatmeal
• Warm water
• Bathtub

What You Have To Do

1. Add the oatmeal to the warm bath water and stir till it dissolves.
2. Soak in this water for 10-15 minutes to relieve the condition.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this every day until you get relief.

Why This Works

The oatmeal bath helps in reducing heat bumps between legs as it has anti-inflammatory and skin soothing and moisturizing properties. Additionally, it also cleanses the skin, thus removing any impurities or dirt that may clog the pores (6).

Trivia

Oatmeal is a popular cereal option in the US, with nearly 75% of households having it in their pantry.

6. Cornstarch Or Baking Soda

You Will Need

Cornstarch or baking soda

What You Have To Do

1. After taking a cold shower, pat the skin dry.
2. Apply cornstarch or baking soda powder between your legs.
3. Leave it on.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this every day after taking a shower.

Why This Works

Cornstarch or baking soda absorbs the excess water on the skin that intensifies heat bumps. This helps the rashes to heal sooner.

7. Calamine Lotion

You Will Need

Calamine lotion

What You Have To Do

1. Clean the affected area and apply calamine lotion to it.
2. Massage gently until it is absorbed into the skin.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeated use on a daily basis is recommended.

Why This Works

You might have to raid your mother’s or grandmother’s cabinet for this. Calamine lotion contains zinc that exerts a soothing effect on the bumps. This will reduce redness and heal the bumps completely (7).

8. Sandalwood Powder

You Will Need

• 2-3 tablespoons sandalwood powder
• Rose water

What You Have To Do

1. Make a smooth paste of sandalwood powder and rose water and apply it directly on the bumps.
2. After it has dried, wash off with cold water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once or twice a day.

Why This Works

Sandalwood powder has a skin rejuvenating property that is effective in treating skin irritation and rashes, whereas rose water is a natural skin toner (8), (9). This remedy has a soothing effect and also reduces the itchy sensation.

9. Margosa Or Neem Paste

You Will Need

• A few neem leaves
• Rose water

What You Have To Do

1. Grind the neem (margosa) leaves and mix with rose water to form a thick paste.
2. Apply this paste to the affected area and leave it on for 30 minutes.
3. Wash off with water and pat the skin dry.

How Often You Should Do This

Apply this pack twice a day.

Why This Works

Margosa or neem is a natural herb commonly used to treat skin ailments. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It prevents the rashes from getting infected and alleviates the swelling and redness (10).

10. Cod Liver Oil And Vitamin E Cream

You Will Need

• 2-3 cod liver oil capsules
• Vitamin E cream

What You Have To Do

1. Pierce the capsules and remove the cod liver oil present inside.
2. Add this oil to a pea-sized amount of vitamin E cream and mix well.
3. Apply this cream mixture on the heat bumps and massage it in.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.

Why This Works

Cod liver oil contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. It also contains vitamin A that keeps the skin healthy (11). Vitamin E has an antioxidant effect on the skin and is also an anti-inflammatory (12).

This list contains the best remedies one can use at home to treat heat bumps in between the legs. If they do not improve with home remedies or you experience symptoms like pain, swelling, pus formation, and fever, visit a doctor immediately. This will ensure timely treatment and prevent any infection.

Apart from using these remedies, follow some essential tips given in the next section to help prevent heat bumps on your legs.

How To Prevent Heat Bumps On Legs

• As excessive sweating is the main cause of these bumps, staying in a cool environment and avoiding the sun is a good preventive measure. Use umbrellas when stepping out during summers.
• Wear loose-fitting cotton pants or bottoms. Avoiding tight clothing will prevent further flare-ups. Natural or cotton fabrics can easily soak up excessive perspiration, and loose clothes will keep the body ventilated and dry.
• Avoid wearing nylon or synthetic garments as they can cause your sweat to accumulate between the thighs and increase the chances of a heat or sweat rash.
• Drinking plenty of water and other liquids to keep the body well hydrated is a natural way to reduce heat bumps on legs. Dehydration and heat exhaustion can make your existing rashes worse and cause many other health problems.
• Limiting sugar intake and following a more anti-inflammatory diet that is rich in leafy greens, omega-3 fats from fish or walnuts, minimal refined grains, along with caffeine, alcohol, and dairy reduction can help.
• You can try antihistamines, Weleda diaper cream, or hydrocortisone cream to obtain relief.
• Wearing full clothing is a good preventive measure as it helps avoid direct sun exposure.
• Keep your living space well-ventilated and cool with air conditioning or a fan to decrease the chances of a heat rash.
• Wash yourself with a mild, hypoallergenic soap after doing physical activities or spending time outdoors to remove sweat and bacteria from your skin.
• Choose moisture-wicking undergarments to draw sweat away from your skin, preventing friction.
• Avoid hot baths and water as they can exacerbate heat rashes.
• Use a cool compress on the legs to obtain relief.
• Avoid skin care products that may contain irritants, as they may aggravate the heat bumps on your legs. Instead, choose fragrance-free and hypoallergenic options to reduce the chances of irritation and infection.

Infographics: 5 Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Heat Bumps On The Legs

Heat bumps, also known as heat rashes or miliaria, occur during the summer and because of humidity. The germs clog the pores of skin and the sweat and dirt sticks on the skin resulting in heat bumps. These bumps are usually very itchy and red. The solution to this problem is simple and few home remedies can provide you relief. Read on for natural ways to get rid of heat bumps.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What do heat bumps on legs look like?

Heat bumps look like tiny red blisters or pimples and generally occur in clusters.

Why do I keep getting heat bumps?

Heat bumps are caused by excessive sweat that’s trapped under the skin, aggravated by tight clothing that prevents the air from circulating and the skin from breathing.

Is Vaseline good for heat rash?

Vaseline may temporarily help to get rid of the discomfort caused by heat bumps, but it is best avoided, as the heavy greasiness of vaseline can further restrict airflow and aggravate the rash.

Can heat bumps occur in winter?

No, heat bumps do not usually occur in winter. However, you may experience them if exposed to indoor heating that may cause excess sweating. Multiple layers of heavy clothing may also cause heat bumps in winter, as they trap moisture against the skin.

Illustration: How To Get Rid Of Heat Bumps On The Legs - 10 Natural Ways

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

“The video below explains the first steps that should be taken while dealing with a heat rash. Watch it now to know some of the best ways to soothe and prevent heat rash.”

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Dr. Elena ZinkovND

   

Dr. Elena has 10 years of experience in naturopathy, and her background as a competitive athlete introduced her to the world of sports medicine and how nutrition impacts performance. She grew passionate about finding the most innovative and evidence-based techniques for pain management.

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Kushneet KukrejaHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Kushneet holds a postgraduate degree in biotechnology from Kingston University, London, and is an ISSA Certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition with 2 years of experience. Her scientific background, coupled with her passion for writing, propelled her towards content writing.

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Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

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