How to avoid heat rash

Light, loose clothing and regular cooling breaks are especially helpful in hot, humid weather. Give covered skin folds airflow when practical, and avoid heavy or greasy products that leave an occlusive layer on areas prone to sweating.

Heat rash develops when sweat is trapped within blocked sweat ducts. It can produce tiny clear or red bumps with prickling, itching or mild soreness. Common sites include the neck, upper chest, back and skin folds, as well as areas held under tight clothing or protective equipment.

The condition often settles once the skin cools and sweating decreases. Redness and bumps can also have other causes, however, so a rash that behaves differently from a heat-related eruption should not automatically be treated as prickly heat.

Move to an air-conditioned or shaded place, remove unnecessary layers and apply a cool damp cloth. Let the area air-dry and choose breathable clothing. A lukewarm shower can remove sweat without adding heat; pat rather than rub the skin afterward.

Avoid scratching, fragranced products and thick ointments on the affected area because irritation or occlusion may worsen discomfort. A pharmacist or clinician can help select a suitable soothing product and advise whether an anti-inflammatory treatment fits the rash, the body site and the person's age.

Get medical advice when the rash is spreading, worsening despite cooling, repeatedly returning, or difficult to distinguish from another eruption. Increasing pain, warmth, swelling, pus, crusting or fever may indicate infection and deserves prompt assessment.

Confusion, faintness, severe weakness, vomiting or difficulty cooling down can signal heat illness rather than a skin-only problem. Move the person to a cooler place and seek urgent medical help; do not wait for the bumps to settle.

Ask whether the appearance and location fit heat rash, which products are safe for the affected area, and whether clothing, work equipment or a medicine could be increasing sweating or occlusion. Mention fever, discharge, pain and any treatments already tried.