How to get rid of sweat rash

What does sweat rash look like?

Heat rash usually causes small, raised spots with an itchy or prickly feeling and mild swelling. Spots can look red on white skin, or grey or white on brown or black skin, where the rash can be harder to see. Some spots contain fluid. Heat rash can appear anywhere and spread, but it is not contagious.23

In adults, heat rash often affects the upper body, neck, scalp and skin folds, particularly where clothing rubs. Clear, fragile blisters that resemble beads of sweat are another form of heat rash. Tender, itchy spots centred on hair follicles can instead be folliculitis, an infection of the openings that hairs grow from.45

What should I do right now?

1. 1Move into a cooler space, ideally somewhere with air conditioning or a fan.
2. 2Remove clothing covering the rash, including wet clothing.
3. 3Gently wash the skin with cool or lukewarm water. Do not scrub.
4. 4Pat the skin dry and leave it uncovered where practical, or put on clean, loose clothing that does not rub.
5. 5Apply a cool, damp cloth when the skin feels prickly. Use a wrapped ice pack instead if needed, for up to 20 minutes.

Tap or pat itchy skin rather than scratching. Avoid perfumed shower gels and creams, and avoid excessive soap or other irritants. Drink plenty of fluid to avoid dehydration in the heat; cooling the skin remains the main treatment for the rash.234

Should I put cream on sweat rash?

Start with cooling rather than adding products. Lotions, heavy creams, oils, ointments and powders can block sweat from escaping and make heat rash worse. Avoid applying them routinely to the affected area while it heals.16

If itching needs more relief, ask a pharmacist about calamine lotion, antihistamine tablets or hydrocortisone cream. These are options for managing discomfort, not substitutes for keeping cool. Children under 10 need a doctor's advice before using hydrocortisone. Ask which treatment is suitable rather than combining several products.23

Calamine can relieve discomfort but can also dry the skin. If dryness becomes a problem, ask about an appropriate moisturiser instead of automatically adding a heavy ointment. A clinician can use a mild topical steroid when needed or treat a secondary bacterial infection with appropriate medicines.4

How long does sweat rash take to go away?

Most cases settle within a day or two after moving to a cooler environment, although clearing can take a few days. Arrange medical advice if the rash is not improving after a few days rather than continuing home treatment indefinitely.34

While the rash heals, limit exercise and other activities that cause heavy sweating. Cool showers can remove sweat from the skin. Scratching can delay healing and break the skin, allowing an infection to develop.1

Why do I get a rash when I sweat?

Sweat normally travels through tiny tubes called sweat ducts to reach the skin's surface. Sweat cools your body as it evaporates, so the goal is not to abolish a perfectly useful department. Sweating is a normal way to prevent overheating, not your body's main way of removing toxins; your liver and kidneys do that.7

Heat rash develops when sweat ducts become blocked or inflamed. Heat, humidity, intense activity, tight clothing and coverings that trap moisture make it more likely. Fever and medicines that increase sweating can also contribute. People confined to bed can develop heat rash where skin rests against waterproof mattresses or protectors.4

How can I stop it coming back?

Wear lightweight, loose cotton clothing in hot weather. Loose cotton clothing gives sweat a way to evaporate, which is a better job description than looking impressive on a hanger. Change out of wet clothes rather than leaving damp fabric against your skin.456

• Exercise outdoors during the coolest parts of the day, or move workouts indoors where there is air conditioning.
• Use fans, air conditioning and cool showers to reduce overheating.
• Sleep in a cool, ventilated bedroom and use lightweight bedding rather than heavy layers.

A cool bedroom matters as much as daytime clothing, because heat does not clock off when you do.4

What if my baby or child has sweat rash?

Move your child out of the heat, remove extra clothing and use a cool, damp washcloth to remove sweat. A lukewarm bath or shower can help; dry off excess moisture afterwards. Do not routinely apply lotions, oils, creams or ointments, because they can trap moisture and worsen the rash.6

Babies commonly develop heat rash around the neck, armpits, elbow creases and groin. Older children can also get it on the chest and back. A child with uncomplicated heat rash should act normally and should not have a fever or other signs of illness. Avoid overdressing and too many blankets.6

When should I get medical help?

• See a clinician if the rash does not improve after a few days, becomes painful or intensely itchy, or seems unrelated to heat.
• Seek medical care for fever, chills, swelling or skin that feels warm around the rash, which can indicate infection.
• Call your child's doctor if the rash worsens, persists, develops blisters or scabs, or comes with swollen glands.
• Get your child assessed if they act sick or have other symptoms. Contact a doctor if your baby has a rash and you are worried.