Home remedies and self-care techniques, such as cold compresses, calamine lotion, and oatmeal baths, can help soothe heat rash symptoms.
Heat rash, also known as miliaria, sweat rash, or prickly heat, can appear anywhere on the body.
It often presents as a red or other discolored, inflamed rash with small bumps resembling beads of sweat or acne. The redness or discoloration may be harder to see on dark skin. People may experience uncomfortable, itchy, burning, or prickly sensations.
Heat rash can clear up by itself in a few days, but there are also home treatments to help relieve itching and cool the skin.
One of the best ways to relieve heat rash is to cool the skin down.
People can apply a cold compress, such as an ice pack or cold cloth, to the area to reduce inflammation, itching, and swelling.
If using an ice pack, a person needs to ensure they wrap the ice pack with a towel to protect the skin. They need to avoid applying an unwrapped ice pack directly to the skin.
Individuals also need to avoid leaving an ice pack on the skin for extended periods. A good rule of thumb is to keep the ice pack in place for 5 to 10 minutes, remove it for the same amount of time, reapply, and repeat the process.
Taking a cool bath or shower cools the skin and can help soothe itchy skin.
Using a gentle exfoliant may also help unblock the pores.
Fans and air conditioning can help keep indoor temperatures low and the body cool.
This is especially important for anyone on bed rest. Make sure to move anyone who is immobile regularly to ensure all parts of their body are getting cool air.
When exercising in hot climates, a person needs to ensure there is air conditioning indoors. When outdoors, it is best to exercise during cooler parts of the day or in the shade to reduce excess sweating.
Wearing loose clothing allows air to circulate around the body, keeping it cool.
Wearing lightweight, breathable clothing comprising cotton or natural fabrics rather than synthetic materials might also help.
Aloe vera gel has skin-cooling properties and strong anti-inflammatory effects. For example, a study from 2021 found that aloe vera gel effectively reduced pain and itching in people with burns.
Applying aloe vera gel to heat rash may help cool the skin and ease irritation.
Cucumbers
For the best results, a person can slice a cool, refrigerated cucumber and place the slices on the heat rash for 10 to 15 minutes.
Oatmeal can be effective in treating inflammatory issues such as eczema. For example, a small-scale 2020 study found that colloidal oatmeal 1% cream had anti-inflammatory and soothing properties for people with hand eczema.
Oats contain avenanthramides, which have antioxidant properties. These compounds give oatmeal its anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties.
To soothe the skin, people can soak in a colloidal oatmeal bath. To do this, they can add oatmeal to a warm bath and soak.
Taking an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine tablet can help relieve the itching and swelling of a heat rash.
Oral antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine and diphenhydramine, can help relieve itching. However, some types can cause drowsiness, so it may be best to use them at night.
Using an OTC hydrocortisone cream can help relieve the itching and discomfort from heat rash. Applying the cream 1 to 2 times daily can help reduce the rash in children.
If people are treating babies with heat rash, they need to avoid using hydrocortisone cream under their diapers.
Using calamine lotion can help to relieve itching. However, it can be very drying on the skin, so it might be a suitable idea to use a moisturizer alongside it to prevent further irritation to the skin.
The National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom reports that calamine lotion may help with heat rash.
There is no scientific research on whether apple cider vinegar (ACV) can help with heat rash.
However, the National Eczema Association states that ACV may benefit those experiencing eczema and skin inflammation. Its acidic properties may help balance the skin’s natural pH and restore the skin barrier.
ACV also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which could help reduce the inflammation from heat rash.
However, as ACV is acidic, using too much may worsen skin irritation. Therefore, a person needs to take a small amount of ACV and dilute it with water. They can follow these instructions:
- Dilute ACV with water in a 1:1 ratio. If in doubt, use less ACV.
- Apply the mixture to the rash with a cotton ball.
- Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse off with cool water.
Drinking cold water with ice can help a person stay cool, reducing their body temperature and easing the heat rash more quickly.
Drinking plenty of water also prevents dehydration, which can exacerbate heat rash.
Most cases of heat rash should clear up in 1 to 2 days after cooling the skin. Anyone who has a rash that lasts longer than a week after treatment should see their doctor.
People need to contact a doctor if they notice any of the following symptoms:
- the rash is all over the body
- a fever
- the rash blisters
- pain
- the rash produces yellow or green fluid
- a crusty or bleeding rash
- the rash appears suddenly and spreads quickly
If a child has a heat rash, they should see their doctor if they have:
- a heat rash does not go away after 3 days
- a fever
- an aching body
- a sore throat or other signs of illness
If people have a rash and have difficulty breathing, they should seek emergency medical help, as they may be experiencing anaphylactic shock, which is a severe allergic reaction.
Anaphylaxis: Symptoms and what to do
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life threatening. The symptoms develop suddenly and include:
- hives
- swelling of the face or mouth
- wheezing
- fast, shallow breathing
- a fast heart rate
- clammy skin
- anxiety or confusion
- dizziness
- vomiting
- blue or white lips
- fainting or loss of consciousness
If someone has these symptoms:
- Check whether they are carrying an epinephrine pen. If they are, follow the instructions on the side of the pen to use it.
- Dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department.
- Assist the person in moving from a sitting position to lying down. If they have vomited, turn them onto their side.
- Stay with them until the emergency services arrive.
Some people may need more than one epinephrine injection. If the symptoms do not improve in 5 to 15 minutes, or they come back, use a second pen if the person has one.
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Heat rash can be a warning sign that the body is getting too much heat. If a person is outdoors, they can move out of direct sunlight and wear loose clothing to keep cool.
If people are indoors, keeping the room well ventilated with fans or air conditioning can help keep the body cool.
Heat rash usually clears up within 1 to 2 days, and people may find relief from the itching and burning sensation by trying the home remedies above.
If a heat rash does not clear up within 3 days, or if people notice other symptoms, they should need to consult a doctor.