Heat Rash: How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent It

April 29, 2025

Heat Rash: How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent It

Verified By
KIMS-SUNSHINE
Specialist,
29 April, 2025

Heat Rash: How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent It

Heat related problems begin to crop up a lot in the summer every year and this time, it is no exception either. Heat rashes are super common this time of the year and they mainly affect children, older folk and other people who are not able to take good care of themselves. Heat rash is mostly a mild or annoying condition and will go away with simple but effective home remedies. But, at times, it may be more severe and will require targeted treatment.

What Does Heat Rash Look Like And How To Identify It?

Heat rashes, also called miliaria or prickly heat are mainly identified by their reddish or whitish, bump-like appearance on skin. It affects areas of the body where sweat accumulates- like on the back, face, near the armpits, groin area and in skin folds. You will mostly have to deal with a mild burning and itchy sensation. It will go away on its own in a few days in most cases.

Difference Between Heat Rash And Allergic Reaction

An allergic reaction to a particular skincare product or food can manifest as rashes on the skin too, but this is pretty different from a heat rash. Plus, a heat rash comes on its own and goes away too, but an allergic reaction normally occurs with other symptoms- like coughing, wheezing or not being able to breathe freely due to exposure to some sort of allergen. Allergies can cause hives or urticaria on the skin and may be life threatening in some cases. Allergic reactions are caused by an overactive immune system while heat rashes are seen when sweating does not occur normally due to ducts getting blocked.

Best Cooling Lotions And Powders For Heat Rash

Ointments, powders or lotions that contain cooling ingredients like menthol, mint, sandalwood, rose extract, aloe vera gel and neem are great for you. You can add some rose water or petals or mint leaves to your bath water. You will smell great and it will cool your body down too and help with the burning sensation. Sandalwood paste can be applied on affected areas too. You should try to have baths with only cool water. Try to wear loose clothing and sit in a well ventilated spot with cooling fans or an air conditioner. Baking soda is also a good choice, along with epsom salt in bath water. Neem leaves are excellent as they can prevent pathogens from causing other skin related issues. These are some handy tips to keep skin cool and rash-free in hot temperatures.

Conclusion

Heat rashes are generally not a huge problem but if you notice pus oozing out or they just seem to get worse over the next few days, or if there is a fever and other symptoms in children along with the rash, then you should get it checked by a doctor. Changing diapers every couple hours is a good idea for children and toddlers. Making sure they stay hydrated will also help. Also, try not to use any skincare products for the next few days- especially those with active ingredients like retinol or salicylic acid. Calamine lotion is a good option for heat rash but for more severe cases, antihistamine tablets may also be used.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does heat rash look like on the skin?

Heat rash, also called prickly heat, is observed when there are red coloured rashes or bumps in areas where you tend to sweat a lot. This obviously means heat rash related issues crop up more in summer. The bumps may be itchy or burn a bit too. There are different kinds of heat rash too- named for their distinct differences in appearance. It can hence look like red bumps, pus filled bumps, fluid filled bumps or even like papules respectively.

Who is most at risk of developing heat rash in summer?

Newborns, toddlers and kids in general are more at risk, but everyone is at risk if they live in a hot or humid place. People who wear too many layers, don’t wash well after any physical activity, being overweight or if someone is immobile for long periods of time, they are at high risk too.

Are there specific creams or powders that work best for heat rash?

Calamine or clay containing lotions with kaolin, aloe vera gel, menthol containing powders, creams and lotions or even oral antihistamines may be used- depending on severity of the heat rash.

Should I see a doctor if my heat rash doesn’t go away?

If you don’t feel better with home remedies and the itching seems to get worse or if it has spread to many other parts of the body, then it is better you talk to a doctor.

Can heat rash become infected or lead to other issues?

It could lead to skin infections in extreme cases, or even cause heat exhaustion- as how you sweat gets impacted adversely. Some people may also have to deal with hyperpigmentation afterwards.