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SkinbySkin libraryRashes and redness

Heat rash

1 sourceEvery line checked against its source

In short

Heat rash is uncomfortable.

Worth knowing4

  • The symptoms of heat rash are: small, raised spots; an itchy, prickly feeling; mild swelling.

    NHS website
  • It can appear anywhere on the body and spread, but it cannot be passed on to other people.

    NHS website
  • Heat rash is usually caused by sweating a lot.

    NHS website
  • Sweat glands get blocked and the trapped sweat leads to a rash developing a few days later.

    NHS website

What helps3

  • If you have heat rash the main thing to do is keep your skin cool so you do not sweat and irritate the rash.

    NHS website
  • To keep your skin cool: Wear loose cotton clothing; Use lightweight bedding; Take cool baths or showers; Drink plenty of fluid to avoid dehydration.

    NHS website
  • Tap or pat the rash instead of scratching it.

    NHS website

What to avoid1

  • Do not use fragranced shower gels or creams.

    NHS website

See a provider if1

  • See a health care provider if a heat rash does not improve after a few days.

    NHS website

Sources

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

These pages describe what the sources say. They cannot say what is going on with your skin.

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