From the Guidelines
Heat rash can be effectively treated by cooling the affected skin, reducing sweating, and keeping the rash area clean and dry, as recommended by the most recent and highest quality study 1. To manage heat rash, it is essential to:
- Move to a cooler, less humid environment
- Wear loose, lightweight clothing
- Keep the rash area clean and dry by taking cool showers or baths and patting the skin dry gently
- Apply calamine lotion to soothe the skin or use a mild, fragrance-free moisturizer
- For itching, over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream (0.5-1%) can be applied thinly to affected areas up to twice daily for 3-7 days
- Avoid using heavy ointments or creams that could block sweat ducts further
- Cold compresses can provide relief when applied for 5-10 minutes
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated It is also crucial to prevent further irritation by:
- Moisturizing regularly 1
- Protecting against excessive exposure to sunlight
- Using SPF 30 UVA and UVB protective sunscreen appropriately
- Using emollients or soap substitutes 1
- Avoiding soaps and detergents that remove natural lipid from the surface of the skin 1
- Avoiding extremes of temperature and irritant clothing 1 If the rash worsens, shows signs of infection (increasing pain, swelling, warmth, or pus), or doesn't improve within a week, it is essential to seek medical attention. Heat rash occurs when sweat ducts become blocked, trapping sweat beneath the skin, so these treatments work by allowing the skin to cool and the ducts to clear naturally.
From the FDA Drug Label
Directions for itching of skin irritation, inflammation, and rashes: adults and children 2 years of age and older: apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily Uses temporarily relieves itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to: eczema psoriasis poison ivy, oak, sumac insect bites detergents jewelry cosmetics soaps seborrheic dermatitis
The treatment for heat rash may include applying hydrocortisone to the affected area, as it temporarily relieves itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes.
- For adults and children 2 years of age and older, apply hydrocortisone to the affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily 2.
- For children under 2 years of age, ask a doctor before applying hydrocortisone 2.
- Hydrocortisone can be used to relieve itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes, including those caused by eczema, psoriasis, poison ivy, oak, sumac, insect bites, detergents, jewelry, cosmetics, soaps, and seborrheic dermatitis 2.
From the Research
Heat Rash Treatment
- Heat rash, also known as miliaria, is a self-resolving disorder of the eccrine sweat glands caused by blockage of the sweat ducts resulting in the leakage of eccrine sweat into epidermis or dermis 3
- Treatment for heat rash typically involves keeping the affected area cool and dry, and avoiding further heat exposure
- In some cases, heat rash can be a symptom of a more serious heat-related illness, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion, which requires immediate medical attention 4
- There is no specific medication recommended for the treatment of heat rash, but antihistamines such as diphenhydramine may be used to relieve itching and discomfort, although newer antihistamines with fewer side effects are available 5
- It is also important to note that certain medications, such as doxorubicin, can precipitate heat rash, and patients taking these medications should be monitored for this potential side effect 3