Heat Rash Care: What Helps Soothe It

Heat rash, also called prickly heat or miliaria, develops when blocked sweat ducts trap perspiration near the skin surface. It can cause tiny bumps, prickling, itching or redness, especially where clothing, skin folds or body heat keep the area damp. Explore the broader guide to [Heat Rash](/conditions/heat-rash/), or compare the appearance with [Skin Bumps](/symptoms/skin-bumps/) and [Skin Rash](/symptoms/skin-rash/).

Move to a cooler place and let the skin dry. Wear loose, breathable clothing, take cool showers or apply a cool damp cloth, and pat rather than rub. Avoid heavy ointments, perfumed products and tight straps over the area because they may trap heat or irritate skin. A clinician may suggest a suitable soothing product; learn about [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) before applying products to irritated skin.

Arrange medical advice if the rash is spreading, becoming painful, producing pus, forming blisters, or not settling after the heat and sweating have stopped. Seek prompt help for fever, marked swelling, breathing difficulty or a rapidly worsening rash. Redness can have several causes, so use [Skin Redness](/symptoms/skin-redness/) as a comparison, not as a diagnosis.

Ask whether the pattern fits heat rash, whether another condition could be causing it, and which product is safe for the affected body area. If itching is intense, ask whether a short course of [Topical Corticosteroids](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-corticosteroids/) is appropriate and how to use it safely.