Do sweat rashes itch?

What does sweat rash look and feel like?

Typical heat rash causes small, raised spots, mild swelling and an itchy, prickly feeling. Some spots contain fluid. The rash looks red on white skin, but can look grey or white and be harder to see on brown or black skin. Symptoms are often similar in adults and children. Heat rash can appear anywhere and spread across the body, but you cannot pass it to someone else.1

Heavy sweating can block the routes that normally let sweat reach the skin's surface. Trapped sweat then causes a rash. Heat rash often develops under clothing or in skin folds with little airflow, including the chest, back, armpits and inner thighs.12

How do you stop the itching?

1. 1Move somewhere cooler, ideally with air conditioning, and remove clothing covering the affected area.
2. 2Gently wash the skin with cool or lukewarm water. Pat it dry rather than scrubbing.
3. 3Leave the area uncovered where practical, or wear clean, loose clothing that does not rub.
4. 4Apply a cool damp cloth. You can also use an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel for up to 20 minutes.
5. 5Tap or pat the rash instead of scratching, and avoid perfumed shower gels or creams.

Keep skin cool while the rash settles, using cool baths or showers, loose cotton clothing and lightweight bedding. Light bedding helps keep skin cool, without requiring the duvet to demonstrate its full capabilities. Drink plenty of fluid to avoid dehydration.1

Should you put cream on it?

Avoid products that block pores and keep sweat trapped. Adding more products is not the goal here, even if the bathroom shelf has other ambitions. If cooling does not control the itch, ask a pharmacist about calamine lotion, antihistamine tablets or hydrocortisone cream. Children under 10 need a doctor's advice before using hydrocortisone.12

How long should it last?

Heat rash usually gets better on its own within a few days. Babies and young children are more prone to it than adults. If your child develops heat rash, move them to a cool place to stop the sweating and help the rash clear. Call their pediatrician or a dermatologist if the rash is still there after a few days. Seek advice sooner if you are worried about your baby's rash.13

Could the itching be something else?

Itching alone cannot identify heat rash. Contact dermatitis, a reaction to something that irritates skin or triggers an allergy, can also cause intense itching, burning, swelling or blisters. Fragranced personal care products can trigger it in people with a fragrance allergy. If a rash appears where you apply a product, consider that exposure rather than assuming sweat is responsible.4

When should you get medical help?

See a doctor if the rash does not improve after a few days, hurts or causes intense itching. Scratching can break the skin and allow infection. Get medical advice for fever, chills or skin around the rash that becomes swollen or warm to the touch.2

Also seek advice if itching keeps returning, affects daily life or occurs all over your body. If you are pregnant, tell your GP or midwife about itching rather than putting it down to sweat: pregnancy itching sometimes has a liver related cause that needs checking.5