How to relieve heat rash

Heat Rash, also called prickly heat, develops when sweat ducts become blocked and sweat irritates the surrounding skin. It may cause small bumps, redness, prickling, or an itchy sensation in covered or sweaty areas such as the neck, chest, back, groin, or skin folds. Skin Bumps, Skin Rash, and Skin Redness can describe similar-looking changes, so the pattern and trigger matter when confirming the cause.

Move to a cooler place, loosen tight clothing, and wash gently with cool or lukewarm water. Pat dry rather than rubbing. Wear breathable clothing and take breaks from activities that cause heavy sweating until the skin settles. Avoid thick oily products, perfumed sprays, and scratching. A light moisturising product may help if the skin feels dry, while Emollient Therapy advice can clarify which texture is suitable. Do not apply a steroid cream unless a clinician recommends it for this rash.

Seek medical advice if the rash is painful, blistered, draining, associated with fever, or not improving after cooling and reducing sweat. Get urgent help for facial swelling, breathing trouble, confusion, collapse, or signs of severe overheating. A clinician may consider infection, allergy, or another inflammatory rash and may decide whether Topical Corticosteroids are appropriate.

Ask whether the pattern fits heat rash, which cleanser and moisturiser to use, how long to avoid heat or friction, and what changes would suggest infection or another diagnosis. Tell the clinician about new products, medicines, work conditions, and recent outdoor or exercise exposure.