How to Fix a Heat Rash

Heat rash may not sound like much, but it can cause significant distress, whether you're on a seaside vacation, tending to an afflicted baby or simply suffering the aftereffects of a hard workout. This prickly, often stinging rash (officially termed "miliaria") arises from blocked sweat ducts and can affect anyone, with infants and the elderly at highest risk. The key to treating heat rash --- and preventing it as well --- is to avoid excessive sweating as much as possible, and to keep your skin cool and clean.

Things You'll Need

• Cool compress
• Lotion, such as calamine or hydrocortisone
• Small fan
• Loose, breathable clothing

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Instructions

Treating Heat Rash

• 1

  Prepare a cool compress by running cool water over a washcloth and squeezing out the excess. Apply to the rash as often as needed for relief, generally several times per day. Refresh the cloth periodically during a "session" to maintain the cold level.

• 2

  Apply lotion as per the instructions on the label. There is no "silver bullet"; some people prefer calamine lotion, while others prefer hydrocortisone cream or Vitamin A or C lotions. Severe cases may require a prescription preparation. If you are unsure what product to use, call your doctor.

• 3

  Direct a small fan on the rash to help cool the skin and keep it dry. This will be especially helpful if the rash is severely itchy or painful.

Adding Prevention to the Cure

• 4

  Dress in loose, breathable clothing, such as cotton. Tight clothing and synthetic fabrics prevent air circulation, which traps sweat and prevents evaporation.

• 5

  Turn on the air conditioning or use fans during hot weather to keep the air circulating. If you don't have air conditioning and the weather is hot, spend time indoors somewhere that does have it, such as a mall or a library.

• 6

  Shower frequently in hot, humid weather, especially if you are not used to those conditions.