Heat Rash
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Is this your child's symptom?
- A fine pink rash caused by overheating
- Mainly on the neck, chest, and upper back
If NOT, try one of these:
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
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
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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
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Self Care at Home
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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
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.
Copyright 2000-2025 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.