Self-Care Guidelines
Prevention and treatment of heat rash consist of controlling heat and humidity. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help to reduce fever. Remove any occlusive clothing, limit activity, and seek air conditioning or any cooler environment. Cool compresses can also help with the discomfort. Heat rash usually resolves once people move to a cooler environment. Make sure to drink lots of fluids.
For those with a history of heat rash, consider daily showering with soap and application of topical anhydrous lanolin before exercise.
When to Seek Medical Care
The most common complications from heat rash include secondary infection from scratching and heat exhaustion.
Infected areas may need antibiotics. Seek care if the rash develops pus, redness, crusting, swelling, or tenderness.
In cases of heat exhaustion, the skin will appear hot and flushed without any sweat. The person may complain of dizziness, nausea, weakness, headache, confusion, or difficulty breathing. Heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, so medical care should be obtained right away. Symptoms of heat stroke include a very high temperature of 105°F or greater, decreased or loss of consciousness, or seizure.
While awaiting medical care, get the affected person indoors or under shade, undress them, and apply cool compresses to the body. Do
not give fluids.
Signs and Symptoms
