What should you know about soothe heat rash?

Heat rash, also called prickly heat, develops when sweat and warmth irritate or block small sweat ducts. It may appear as tiny bumps, redness, or an itchy prickling sensation in skin folds, under clothing, or where skin touches skin. A similar-looking rash can come from eczema, contact irritation, infection, or another condition. See [Heat Rash](/conditions/heat-rash/), [Skin Bumps](/symptoms/skin-bumps/), or [Skin Rash](/symptoms/skin-rash/) if the diagnosis is unclear.

Move to a cooler place, take a lukewarm shower, and pat the area dry. Wear loose, breathable clothing and change out of damp garments. A cool compress can ease itching; wrap it in cloth rather than placing ice directly on the skin. Avoid scratching, heavy oils, occlusive ointments, and fragranced products. Once the skin is dry, a light, bland moisturiser may help if dryness is present; guidance on [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) may be useful. Do not apply a topical corticosteroid to a rash without advice, particularly on thin or folded skin.

Arrange medical review if the rash is painful, spreading, recurrent, draining, crusted, or accompanied by fever. Seek urgent help for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, severe weakness, confusion, or extensive blistering or peeling. If cooling and removing friction do not help, a clinician can check for infection or another rash and decide whether [Topical Corticosteroids](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-corticosteroids/) are appropriate.

Ask whether the pattern is heat rash or another condition, which moisturiser is suitable, and whether itching or inflammation needs a prescribed treatment.