Home remedies for prickly heat

Prickly heat, also called heat rash, develops when blocked sweat ducts trap sweat near the skin surface. It may cause clusters of small bumps, redness, itching or a prickling sensation, especially in skin folds or under clothing. Skin Bumps, Skin Rash and Skin Redness can describe similar findings, so appearance alone cannot confirm the cause.

Move to a cooler, well-ventilated place and let the skin dry. Wear loose, breathable clothing and change out of damp garments. A cool, clean compress can calm irritation; avoid scratching, heavy ointments, fragranced products and thick layers that hold in heat. Wash gently with lukewarm water, pat dry, and keep affected folds as dry as practical. If the skin is dry or rubbing, ask a clinician whether Emollient Therapy is suitable. Do not apply a medicated cream to broken or infected-looking skin without advice.

Arrange medical advice if the rash is spreading, painful, oozing, crusted, associated with fever, or not improving after cooling and gentle care. Seek urgent help for swelling of the lips or face, trouble breathing, faintness, or a rapidly worsening rash. A clinician can check for infection or another cause and decide whether treatment such as Topical Corticosteroids is appropriate.

Ask what is causing the bumps, whether a product or fabric is worsening them, how long to try cooling measures, and which cream is safe for the affected body area.