#eurax

‘Apabila anda terasa gatal, jangan garu, sapukan Eurax!’

For the past few years I have suffered with heat rash everytime I go on holiday. When I say heat rash, I mean angry, raised, red bumps covering my chest and stomach, spreading to my legs and arms in particularly bad cases! As you can imagine, this makes sun-bathing quite a stressful experience, as I attempt to juggle various creams and umbrellas to acheive an even tan. I usually find that if I'm (lucky enough to be) on a 2 week holiday, the rash disappears by the end of the first week. However, when it is around, the raised bumps are pretty unsightly and uncomfortable so this year I decided to tackle it through trying a few prevention methods.

I discovered that heat rash is caused by blocked sweat glands, so one of the best ways to tackle it is by using hypo-allergenic products which allow the skin to breathe. Through a bit of research on the internet I compiled a foolproof BEAT HEAT RASH action plan and set off on my holiday to Italy in full confidence of a rash-free holiday. Sadly this was not the case, and although all the things I tried certainly helped control and reduce the rash, it did not disappear entirely and I accepted that my skin is v sensitive and no amount of preparation can change this. However, until a miracle heat-rash cure is invented (surely the top priority of many doctors?) I will continue to use these prevention methods and thought I would post what I found on here, just in case anyone else (poor you) suffers from the same problem. So here is my definitive guide to beating reducing heat rash.

Before you go:

1. Anti Histamine Tablets

Take these for at least 7 days before you go away.

2. Sunbeds

Normally I am completely against sunbeds but if you are truly desperate, 3 to 5 sunbeds before you go will help get your sun-deprived skin used to the heat. I wore factor 50 on my face to help combat the negative effects.

Products to buy:

1. Ultra Sun Factor 30 Super Sensitive Once a Day £18.95

This suncream is a lot pricier than those I would normally buy, but I can honestly say it is the best I have ever used. It is hypo-allergenic and highly reccommended by heat rash sufferers. It also has a really lovely non-greasy formula, and a little goes a long way - I still have about a quarter of a bottle left after a 7 day holiday!

2. Sanex Shower Gel

As heat rash occurs when sweat glands are blocked, it is important to avoid products which don't allow your skin to breathe. Sanex is another hypo-allergenic product which will help this.

3. Eurax Lotion

As much as I'd like to think I won't need this - Eurax is the best cure for calming down heat rash once you are out of the sun. Simply apply a light layer and allow it to sink in - I don't use anything else.

In the Sun:

1. Keep Hydrated

A really obvious one but important nonetheless.

2. Keep Cool

This is really important for me - I always make sure I don't overheat, so will dip in and out of the pool as much as possible and spend a little time in the shade every hour. I find this really helps keep the rash at bay.

3. Wear natural, cotton fabrics

This will help your skin to breathe

No No's

1. Don't use oils or perfumes!

These will just irritate and block your skin

2. Don't deliberatly expose heat rash to the sun in the hope of tanning through it

I used to do this, and believe me, it doesn't work. It's best to just cover the affected area up with loose clothing.