Does heat rash hurt?

What does heat rash feel like?

The common form, called miliaria rubra, causes small, very itchy bumps. A prickly or burning sensation can accompany them, along with mild swelling. Another form causes tiny clear blisters near the skin's surface and can cause little or no discomfort. Not every heat rash hurts.123

Heat rash develops when blocked sweat ducts trap sweat inside the skin, causing inflammation. Clothing covered areas and skin folds are common sites because airflow is limited. The aim is to let sweat escape, not give it a more elaborate skincare itinerary.1

How can you ease the discomfort?

1. 1Move somewhere cooler, ideally an air conditioned room, and pause activities that make you sweat.
2. 2Remove clothing covering the affected area. Gently wash with cool or lukewarm water, then pat dry without scrubbing.
3. 3Leave the area uncovered where practical, or wear clean, loose cotton clothing that does not rub. Change out of wet clothing.
4. 4Apply a cool damp cloth to calm the prickly feeling. If using an ice pack, wrap it in a tea towel and apply it for up to 20 minutes.
5. 5Tap or pat the area instead of scratching. Scratching can break the skin and allow infection.

Keep the bedroom cool and use lightweight bedding to reduce sweating overnight. Loose clothing allows airflow, a qualification that matters more here than an impressive sportswear logo.123

Should you put cream on it?

Avoid perfumed shower gels and creams, and skip heavy creams, ointments or powders that could block sweat from escaping. If itching is intense, ask a pharmacist about calamine lotion, antihistamine tablets or hydrocortisone cream rather than adding products at random. Children under 10 need a doctor's advice before using hydrocortisone for heat rash.13

How long should it take to settle?

Most cases settle within a day or two after moving to a cooler environment, although clearing can take a few days. Continued sweating can irritate the rash. See a healthcare professional if it is not improving after a few days, or if a child's heat rash keeps returning. Contact a doctor if your baby has a rash and you are worried.123

When does pain need medical attention?

Have a painful rash or intense itching assessed. Seek care for skin that becomes warm or swollen, pus drainage, fever or chills, which can signal infection. A clinician can also check whether another condition is causing the rash.14

Seek immediate medical attention for dizziness, nausea, vomiting or headache after heat exposure. Confusion, unusual behaviour or slurred speech can signal heat stroke, a medical emergency. These are not symptoms to manage with rash cream.4