What should you know about prickly heat in adults?

Heat rash can appear after hot, humid conditions, exercise, fever, or clothing that holds sweat against the skin. Common sites include the neck, chest, back, waist, groin, and skin folds. The rash may look red or skin-coloured, with tiny bumps or small blisters, and can sting more when sweating continues.

This pattern is different from every other itchy rash. Bumps with pus may point to follicle inflammation, while a rash that continues outside heat exposure, becomes scaly, or repeatedly returns deserves a closer assessment.

Move to a cooler environment, rinse gently with lukewarm or cool water, and pat dry. Choose loose, breathable clothing and change out of damp garments. Avoid heavy occlusive creams, fragranced products, and vigorous rubbing over the rash.

A bland moisturiser may help if the skin feels dry, but ask a pharmacist or clinician before using a medicated cream on large areas, skin folds, or broken skin. Treatment should match the rash rather than simply suppress its itch.

Get medical advice if the rash is painful, infected-looking, widespread, recurrent, or not settling after cooling and gentle care. Seek urgent help for fever with a rapidly spreading rash, confusion, faintness, breathing trouble, or swelling of the face or tongue.

Does this look like heat rash or another skin condition? Could my medicines, fever, work environment, or skincare be affecting sweating, and should I use an emollient or a short course of a topical corticosteroid?