What does sweat rash look like?

What are the signs of heat rash?

Heat rash spots are usually 2 to 4 mm across, and some contain fluid. The rash can appear anywhere and spread, but it is not contagious. Adults and children often have the same symptoms. Heavy sweating can block sweat glands, trapping sweat and causing a rash a few days later. Babies are particularly susceptible because they cannot control their temperature as well as older children and adults.1

What does fungal sweat rash look like?

A Candida yeast infection in a skin fold, called candidal intertrigo, typically forms a red patch with damp, softened skin and scaling around its edges. Small separate bumps or pus filled spots often sit just outside the main patch. These are called satellite spots, a surprisingly grand naming scheme for a description of where the dots are.3

Common sites include under the breasts or abdomen, the armpits, groin and spaces between fingers or toes. Heat, dampness and friction encourage Candida growth. Excessive sweating, tight clothing, diabetes and reduced immune function increase the risk. Around the anus, Candida can cause a bright red, sore, irritated patch with satellite spots extending into the crease between the buttocks. Scaling in this area can be less obvious because moisture and enclosed skin change the appearance.23

Appearance alone can leave the cause uncertain. A clinician can use a skin swab or scraping to check for fungus. Keeping folds cool and dry and avoiding tight clothing helps; topical antifungal creams such as clotrimazole are usual first treatments for Candida. Severe, widespread or persistent infections can require prescription oral treatment.3

How do you calm heat rash?

1. 1Cool your skin with a cool bath or shower to reduce sweating.
2. 2Wear loose cotton clothing and use lightweight bedding.
3. 3Apply a cool damp cloth for up to 20 minutes to ease prickling.
4. 4Pat or tap rather than scratch, and leave out perfumed shower gels and creams.

A pharmacist can advise about calamine lotion, antihistamine tablets or hydrocortisone cream. Children under 10 need a doctor's advice before hydrocortisone. Heat rash usually improves on its own within a few days. See a doctor if it does not improve after a few days, or if your baby has a rash that worries you.1

What does rosacea rash look like?

Rosacea mainly affects the face, especially the nose and cheeks. Look for lasting red, violet or brown colour, acne like bumps and visible blood vessels. The skin can feel warm, sting or burn. Ordinary flushing clears within hours or less; rosacea colour lasts longer and can become more noticeable with triggers. Sunlight, hot weather and strenuous exercise can trigger flares, so appearing after heat does not automatically make a facial rash heat rash.45

A dermatologist can distinguish rosacea from other facial rashes. If facial symptoms come with sore, red, gritty or irritated eyes, see a healthcare provider right away because untreated eye involvement can damage vision.45

What does sunburn rash look like?

Sunburn causes hot, sore or painful skin after too much sun. White skin usually looks pink or red; brown or black skin can show no obvious colour change. Peeling often starts after a few days, and severe sunburn can blister. Sunburn usually improves within seven days. Get out of the sun, cool the skin with a shower or damp towel, and keep it covered from sunlight until healed. Do not put ice on sunburn or pop blisters.6

Seek urgent medical advice for blistering or swelling after sun exposure, a very high temperature, shivering, dizziness, nausea, headache or muscle cramps. A baby or young child with sunburn also needs urgent advice.6