Can you use hydrocortisone for heat rash?

What does hydrocortisone do?

Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid, a medicine that calms the body's immune response to reduce itching and swelling. Applied to irritated skin, hydrocortisone cream can also ease redness temporarily. Heat rash happens when sweat ducts become blocked and sweat gets trapped under the skin. Reducing heat, humidity and irritation is what helps the rash resolve.2345

For straightforward heat rash, start by keeping the area cool and dry rather than covering it with creams or ointments. Hydrocortisone is a separate option for troublesome itching after advice from a pharmacist. Avoid perfumed creams and shower gels, and remove wet clothing. A cooler room can do more for heat rash than another bathroom purchase, which is an unusually modest shopping list for skincare.156

What should you do first?

1. 1Move somewhere cooler and less humid. Use a cool, ventilated bedroom and lightweight bedding to reduce sweating at night.
2. 2Change out of wet or tight clothing into loose cotton clothing. Take a cool bath or shower, and avoid excessive soap.
3. 3For itching, apply a cool damp cloth or an ice pack wrapped in a towel for up to 20 minutes. Pat or tap the rash instead of scratching it.
4. 4Keep the rash area dry. If discomfort remains troublesome, ask a pharmacist whether hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion or an antihistamine is appropriate.

How should you use hydrocortisone?

Have a pharmacist advise on the treatment before using hydrocortisone for heat rash. Ask which product to use, how much to apply, how often and for how long. Do not assume that directions for another itchy rash are interchangeable. For example, 1% hydrocortisone is an option for contact dermatitis, a rash caused by something touching the skin, but identifying and avoiding that trigger is part of treating it.17

Children under 10 and pregnant women need advice from a doctor before using hydrocortisone cream for heat rash. If your baby has a rash and you are worried, see a doctor rather than choosing a cream yourself.1

Is it definitely heat rash?

Heat rash usually causes small raised spots, a prickly itch and mild swelling. Some spots contain fluid. The rash can look red on white skin and grey or white on brown or black skin. Common sites include the neck, chest and skin folds, although heat rash can appear anywhere. It is not contagious.16

Sweat pimples and heat rash can look similar, but they are different conditions, despite sharing a remarkably unhelpful naming department. Heat rash has a characteristic prickly, burning itch; sweat pimples involve clogged pores and inflammation. Acne, bacterial folliculitis and fungal infections can also resemble heat rash. If the diagnosis is uncertain, get the rash checked instead of treating every bump as prickly heat.45

How long should it take to improve?

Most heat rash resolves within a day or two after moving to a cooler environment, often without medication. See a doctor if the rash does not improve after a few days. Heat rash can develop a secondary bacterial infection, which needs different treatment. Confusion, loss of consciousness or a very high body temperature after heat exposure are emergency signs: call emergency services and begin cooling the person.156