What should you know about sweat friction rash?

The affected area may feel sore, stinging, burning or itchy. It can look pink or red, feel raw, or develop small bumps and shallow cracks. Common sites include the inner thighs, underarms, groin, beneath the breasts and places where tight straps or seams press on skin.

A rash after sweating is not automatically friction rash. Heat Rash can produce fine prickly bumps, while Intertrigo affects opposing skin folds and may become more inflamed. Contact Dermatitis can follow exposure to a deodorant, detergent, fabric treatment or another product. Ringworm, Scabies, Atopic Dermatitis, Psoriasis or Drug Rash may need different treatment.

Gently wash the area, pat it dry and change out of damp clothing. Choose loose, breathable fabric and reduce rubbing from seams, straps or repetitive movement. Keep skin folds separated and dry; a clean, soft layer can help limit contact while the skin settles.

Avoid scrubbing, fragranced products and picking at the rash. A plain protective barrier may reduce further rubbing, but stop any product that causes more burning. If the rash keeps returning, note the activity, clothing, products and body site involved so a clinician can look for another cause.

Arrange medical advice if the rash is spreading, repeatedly returning, very painful, cracked, weeping, warm or associated with pus, fever or feeling unwell. Prompt assessment is also sensible when the cause is unclear or the skin does not begin settling after moisture and friction are reduced.

Could this be Intertrigo, Heat Rash, Contact Dermatitis or an infection rather than simple friction? Which cleanser or barrier is suitable for this body site? What should I change if exercise or work makes the rash recur?