What should you know about fastest way to get rid of heat rash?

Heat rash, also called prickly heat, happens when trapped sweat irritates the skin. It may appear as small bumps, redness, stinging or itch in covered or skin-fold areas. Symptoms often become more noticeable in hot, humid conditions, after exercise or under tight clothing. A rash that is painful, oozing or spreading may have another cause or a secondary infection.

Cooling and ventilation address the trigger. Thick ointments, oily products and scratching can trap heat or damage the surface. If symptoms continue despite cooling, a clinician can distinguish heat rash from another skin rash or condition.

Move to a cooler environment, take a lukewarm shower and pat the skin dry. Wear loose, breathable clothing and change out of damp garments. Use a cool compress for short periods and avoid fragranced products, occlusive creams and vigorous rubbing. Keep folds dry without scrubbing.

A healthcare professional may recommend a simple emollient when dryness is present, or a short course of topical corticosteroid for selected inflammatory symptoms. Do not apply steroid medicine to broken or infected skin without advice, and follow the product directions for the body area involved.

Seek medical advice if the rash does not begin settling after cooling and dryness measures, keeps returning, or becomes painful, crusted or pus-filled. Get urgent help for fever, marked swelling, rapidly spreading redness, confusion, faintness or breathing difficulty.

Does this look like heat rash or another rash? Is there infection or broken skin? Which moisturiser or anti-inflammatory treatment is suitable for this location, and how can I prevent sweating from triggering it again?