What should you know about heal heat rash?

Heat rash, also called prickly heat or miliaria, develops when blocked sweat ducts trap sweat near the skin surface. Small red bumps, a prickling or itchy feeling, and irritated patches may appear where clothing presses or skin touches, such as the neck, chest, back, groin, or skin folds. Explore the related pages on Heat Rash, Skin Bumps, Skin Rash, and Skin Redness to compare descriptions.

Move to a cooler place and let the skin dry. Wear loose, breathable clothing, take cool showers, and pat rather than rub afterward. Avoid heavy creams, oily products, hot baths, vigorous exercise, and scratching while the area is irritated. A bland moisturiser may help dry or rubbing-prone skin; see Emollient Therapy for general guidance. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether another treatment, such as Topical Corticosteroids, is suitable for the location and severity.

Arrange a medical assessment if the rash does not improve after cooling and gentle care, keeps returning, becomes painful, or develops pus, spreading warmth, marked swelling, or fever. Seek prompt help if a widespread rash comes with breathing difficulty, facial swelling, faintness, or severe illness, because those features may signal a different urgent problem.

Ask what is causing the rash, whether a medicine or infection could be contributing, which products are safe on the affected body area, and how to prevent another flare during hot or humid weather.