Heat rash on tummy

Heat rash happens when sweat cannot move freely through the skin. The tummy can stay warm beneath waistbands, nappies, wraps or several clothing layers. Fine bumps, redness and a prickling sensation may appear in covered or folded areas. A tummy rash can also have causes such as contact irritation or eczema, so its timing, texture and relation to clothing are useful clues.

Move to a cooler room, remove extra layers and apply a cool damp cloth briefly. Bathe or wash gently, then pat the tummy dry, especially in folds. Choose soft, loose clothing and change damp garments. Avoid oils, thick occlusive creams and fragranced products while the rash is active. A suitable emollient may help once the skin is dry; ask a clinician before using a topical corticosteroid, particularly for a child or near a skin fold.

Contact a clinician if the rash is persistent, recurrent, very itchy or spreading, or if the skin cracks, oozes, crusts or becomes increasingly tender. Seek urgent care for fever with a rapidly worsening rash, marked swelling, severe pain or a child who seems unusually sleepy or unwell. These signs require more than routine cooling measures.

Could clothing, a nappy or a product be irritating the skin? Which moisturiser is suitable? Should I use medicine, and where should it be avoided?