What should you know about minor heat rash?

Heat rash, also called prickly heat, develops when sweat cannot move freely through the skin. It may appear as tiny clear or red bumps, rough patches, or an itchy stinging area in skin folds, under clothing, or where skin touches skin. [Skin Redness](/symptoms/skin-redness/) and [Skin Rash](/symptoms/skin-rash/) can have many other causes, so a persistent or unusual eruption should be examined.

Move to a cooler place, take cool showers, pat the skin dry, and wear loose breathable clothing. Reduce heavy sweating where possible and avoid thick ointments, fragranced products, and scratching over the rash. A bland moisturiser may help dryness; [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) can be discussed with a clinician. If inflammation is strong, a clinician may recommend a short course of [Topical Corticosteroids](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-corticosteroids/) for an appropriate body site.

Seek medical advice if the rash does not improve after cooling, keeps returning, becomes painful, blisters, leaks fluid, or develops crusting. Get prompt help for fever, severe tenderness, rapidly spreading redness, dizziness, confusion, or signs of overheating. New widespread [Skin Bumps](/symptoms/skin-bumps/) in a baby, older adult, or unwell person should be assessed rather than assumed to be heat rash.

Does this pattern fit heat rash, or could contact irritation or infection be involved? Which products are safe for this area? How can I prevent sweat and friction from triggering another episode?