Heat Rash Treatment

Heat rash treatment recommendations typically include taking a cool shower or bath, patting skin dry, and applying topical itch relievers. Sometimes called prickly heat, the rash involves small reddish-pink bumps that can itch and burn.

Known medically as miliaria, heat rash develops when sweat glands become blocked, and sweat gets trapped under the skin. Heat rash is typically found in skin folds, such as armpits, groin, elbows, and under the breasts. It is common in people who live in hot, humid climates and those who sweat a lot.

Babies are more likely to get heat rash because they have immature sweat glands. It is also more common for people who are obese, over age 65, on certain medications, or on bed rest.

This article discusses various heat rash treatments. It also explains what heat rash looks like and how to prevent it.

What Does Heat Rash Look Like?

Usually, heat rash is composed of small, prickly, itchy bumps with a halo around them. This type of heat rash is called miliaria ruba, or prickly heat.

Other than the discomfort, heat rash really isn't much of a health concern. However, if left untreated, the condition can cause pus-containing blisters (miliaria profunda) and lead to infection.

A heat rash most often appears:

• In the folds of the skin, including armpits and elbow creases
• Under the breasts
• In the groin area
• On the legs, chest, arms, neck, and back

Although a heat rash usually goes away on its own in a few days, some simple home remedies and over-the-counter products can help treat the rash or, even better, prevent it in the first place.

Heat Rash Treatment at Home

Treating heat rash may be as simple as taking a cool bath, wearing loose clothing, or taking some other steps to help your skin recover.

Take Cool Baths and Showers

A cool bath or shower can do double-duty:

• It cools down your body.
• A gentle wash can unclog pores that are contributing to the rash.

When you get out, if possible, you should let your skin air-dry rather than rub it down with a towel.

Wear Loose Clothing

When you have a heat rash, be sure to wear clothing that allows irritated skin to heal. Choosing light fabrics and loose-fitting garments that don't chafe is important.

For sports, look for fitness clothing that wicks moisture so you can keep sweat from collecting and exacerbating the rash. Cotton is an alternative to moisture-wicking fabric, which breathes well and allows damp skin to dry.

Get Out of the Heat

You don't want to let yourself overheat when you already have a heat rash. Avoiding heat and staying in an air-conditioned environment as much as possible can help. If you don't have access to A/C, consider fans, especially to keep your bedroom cool overnight.

If you cannot cool down your home, consider going somewhere cooler. That could include the mall, a movie theater, a restaurant, or a friend's house.

Avoid Thick Personal Care Products

Heavy moisturizers, lotions, and ointments can further clog your pores, which can make your heat rash worse. Choose lighter-weight products for the summer months, or skip them altogether while your skin heals from heat rash.

Apply Cool Compresses

Cold compresses can cool and soothe your skin when you have a heat rash. You can use a wet washcloth or wrap an ice pack in a towel. Just be sure you allow the area to dry thoroughly afterward.

Ice and gel ice packs should never be applied directly to your skin. Use an appropriate cloth barrier to protect your skin.

Take an Anti-Itch Bath

This is easy to do at home using oatmeal, baking soda, or Epsom salt. Any one of those will relieve the itchiness of your heat rash.

Don't use bubble baths or bath bombs, even if their ingredients sound soothing. They may also contain ingredients that dry or irritate your sensitive skin.

Over-the-Counter Heat Rash Treatments

Usually, home remedies are the best way to treat heat rash. If the rash is itchy and inflamed, talk to your healthcare provider. You might ask whether they suggest using an over-the-counter (OTC) corticosteroid cream.

Some people find applying pure aloe vera gel can help ease the sting of prickly heat. Antihistamines are also sometimes used to treat heat rash.

You can also protect the skin from further irritation by applying anhydrous lanolin. A processed waxy substance derived from sheep's wool, anhydrous lanolin will not clog pores. It is particularly helpful for diaper rash and locations where skin rubbing contributes to heat rash.

Avoid using OTC products such as body powder, creams, and lotions, since they can further block your pores. This is the opposite of what you need to clear up the rash.

Prescription Medications

For a severe heat rash, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help relieve the pain and discomfort.

The most severe form of heat rash (miliaria pustulosa) has the potential to develop into a secondary infection. In that case, prescribed oral or topical antibiotics will be needed to get the infection in check.

How to Avoid Heat Rash

The best way to deal with a heat rash is to avoid getting one. This may take some planning and forethought. However, it'll be well worth it when you—and your child—aren't dealing with an itchy rash.

Allow Your Baby to Go Without Diapers

Plastic diapers don't breathe, meaning they can make your baby sweat and then trap that sweat in the folds of their skin. That's right where it's most likely to cause a heat rash. Especially if you're outside, let your baby run around without a diaper during the heat of the day.

Use Cotton Diapers

If you're someplace where you can't let your baby go without a diaper, consider using cotton diapers on hot days. Cotton is a breathable fabric that will allow your baby's skin to stay much drier than plastic.

Exercise at the Coolest Times

Whether you're working out inside or enjoying the sun, try to reserve your heaviest exertion for the coolest times of the day. If you're near water, take advantage of that to cool off periodically.

If you must exercise when it's hot, find some shade or use cold compresses to keep your temperature from getting too high.

Rinse Off With Cool Water

Before going out in the heat, after coming in, and, if possible, a few times in between, rinse yourself with cool water. It will cool down your skin while washing away the sweat that may clog your pores.

Take Breaks From the Heat

If possible, take a break from the heat by going inside an air-conditioned space. You could also take a dip in the pool or just find a shady spot and drink a cold beverage.

Summary

A heat rash happens when sweat gets trapped in glands under the skin. It often happens with babies, but it can also happen if you're in a hot climate or are sweating a lot.

Usually, heat rash goes away by itself, but you can help ease it by wearing loose clothing and finding ways to stay cool. You could also try anti-itch baths with oatmeal, baking soda, or Epsom salt.

Call your healthcare provider if you have signs of infection, including chills, fever, pain, swelling, or pus draining from the rash.

A Word From Verywell

If you are susceptible to heat rash, there are ways to prevent it to keep yourself dry, cool, and infection-free. Remember to keep home remedies and any OTC treatments that have worked for you on hand through the summer months.