Heat Rash

Is this your child's symptom?

• A fine pink rash caused by overheating
• Mainly on the neck, chest, and upper back

Symptoms of Heat Rash

• Tiny, pink bumps
• Mainly on the neck, chest and upper back
• Occurs during hot, humid weather or after lots of sun
• Heat rash can be itchy
• Older children may have a "prickly" pins and needles feeling
• In babies, the rash can have some tiny water blisters
• No fever or illness
• Also called "prickly heat"

Causes of Heat Rash

• Heat rash is caused by blocked-off sweat glands.
• Hot Weather. Hot, humid weather can cause the sweat glands to be overworked.
• Ointment. Babies can also get it in the wintertime from ointments put on the skin. Reason: ointments can block off sweat glands.
• Location. Heat rash of the forehead can be caused by oil or ointment on the hair. Heat rash of the face of a breastfed baby can be caused by lanolin put on the nipples. Heat rash of the chest can be caused by menthol ointments put on for coughs.
• Exercise. Older children can get heat rash with hard exercise.

When to Call for Heat Rash

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

• Fever and looks infected (spreading redness or pus)
• Your child looks or acts very sick
• You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

• Looks infected (spreading redness, pus), but no fever
• You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

• Rash is not gone after 3 days of treatment
• You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

• Heat Rash

Care Advice for Heat Rash

What You Should Know About Heat Rash:

• Heat rash is caused by blocked-off sweat glands.
• It's common in hot, humid weather.
• Here is some care advice that should help.

Cooling the Skin:

• Cool off the skin to treat and prevent heat rash.
• For large rashes, give your child a cool bath without soap. Do this for 10 minutes. Caution: avoid any chill. Let the skin air-dry. Do this 3 or more times a day.
• For small rashes, put a cool, wet washcloth on the area. Do this for 5 to 10 minutes. Then let the skin air-dry.
• Dress in as few layers of clothing as you can.
• Lower the temperature in your home if you can.

Sleeping Cooler:

• When your child is asleep, run a fan in the bedroom.
• During sleep, have your child lie on a cotton towel to absorb sweat. Note: only for older children age over 1 year.

Steroid Cream for Itching:

• Use 1% hydrocortisone cream (such as Cortaid). No prescription is needed.
• Put it on itchy spots 3 times per day.
• Avoid hydrocortisone ointment.
• Calamine lotion can also work.

Do Not Use Ointments:

• Avoid all ointments or oils on the skin. Reason: They can block off sweat glands.
• Be sure the rash isn't caused by a menthol ointment being used for a cough.

What to Expect:

• With treatment, heat rash will clear up in 2 to 3 days.

Call Your Doctor If:

• Rash lasts more than 3 days on this treatment
• Rash starts to look infected
• You think your child needs to be seen
• Your child becomes worse

Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Last Reviewed: 01/16/2025

Last Revised: 01/13/2025

Copyright 2000-2024. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.