What is the medical term for heat rash?

Miliaria develops when sweat cannot reach the skin surface easily. Trapped sweat irritates the surrounding skin and may produce tiny clear, red, or skin-coloured bumps. It commonly appears where warmth, moisture, friction, or tight clothing keep the skin covered, including the neck, chest, back, and folds. The condition is not the same as every rash that happens in hot weather; contact irritation, infection, eczema, and other causes can look similar. A rash may be described as skin bumps, skin rash, or skin redness while its cause is being clarified.

Move to a cooler place, loosen clothing, and let the affected skin dry. Use a cool damp cloth briefly, then pat rather than rub. Avoid heavy oils, fragranced products, and activities that cause repeated sweating until the skin settles. A light, non-fragranced moisturiser may support the skin barrier; see Emollient Therapy for more on this approach. Do not scratch, squeeze, or scrub the bumps. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether another treatment is suitable.

Arrange an assessment if the rash is spreading, very painful, hot, draining fluid, associated with fever, or not improving after cooling and gentle care. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, confusion, fainting, or signs of severe illness. Children, people with extensive skin involvement, and anyone with a weakened immune system may need earlier advice.

Ask whether the appearance fits miliaria, whether a medicine or product could be irritating the skin, and which products are appropriate for the affected area. If inflammation remains troublesome, ask whether Topical Corticosteroids are appropriate and how they should be used.