LIP what you are experiencing is a condition known as prickly heat. it affects many hikers and people involved in many other physical activities. one of the best things that you can possibly do is to keep the area clean and dry. yes i know that that is the obvious answer and that it is often difficult to do. your best bet is to carry a little extra water with you and when you reach a suitable clearing wash the area with water, towel dry and wait a little to let it air dry. I know the Pines arnt the best area to "let it all hang out" but this is a time tested method and is recommended in a few survival handbooks. wash regularly while you are hiking to keep it clean and dry and carry the powder to put on after. that should help.
An embarassing problem
- Thread starter LongIslandPiney
- Start date
I sometimes wear the pants that have a small hole in the croch, it seems to better ventilate the area. "Prickly heat" seems to do better wearing no underwear at all under pants.
How about if I bring a small container of powder with me, and apply it every hour?
Thanks for the explanation very much though!
How about if I bring a small container of powder with me, and apply it every hour?
Thanks for the explanation very much though!
I think I agree for normal hiking. In long marches under hot conditions the military dispenses salt tablets (as do the boy scouts and other organizations) to replace the salt lost through sweat, so it makes sense that athletes might need the salts in Gatorade. I doubt the average hiker needs to replace a ton of salt, and I think there are minerals (including salts) in most of our fresh water (not to mention the fact that we usually take along stuff to eat that is bursting with salt). I think 90% of the time in normal hiking fresh water should be all you need.
I'n not sure why I didn't think of this sooner, but I've had the same problem a few times in the past. One of the benefits of having had children (OK, technically, my wife "had" them, but I had a part in it
) is the various baby products in the house that you would otherwise not have had around, such as baby wipes, which I always keep on hand now. Another is diaper rash ointment, such as Balmex brand. One time when I had this same ailment, my wife (also a nurse) recommended applying some of the ointement, and it not only soothed the rash, but seemed to clear it up pretty quick, as well as prevent further irritation from my clothes.
) is the various baby products in the house that you would otherwise not have had around, such as baby wipes, which I always keep on hand now. Another is diaper rash ointment, such as Balmex brand. One time when I had this same ailment, my wife (also a nurse) recommended applying some of the ointement, and it not only soothed the rash, but seemed to clear it up pretty quick, as well as prevent further irritation from my clothes.Products like this may help sooth and can prove very useful. The rash does however clear up rather quickly, it last only a day or two at most. very mild ones can dissapate within a few hours.