Assessment
Questionnaire
Have a symptom?
See what questions
a doctor would ask.
See what questions
a doctor would ask.
A heat rash is a mild type of skin rash that commonly occurs in hot weather or in a hot environment. Heat rash is also frequently called prickly heat rash, sweat rash, and miliaria. Heat rashes are most common in infants but can occur in children and adults as well. Heat rashes are not related or associated with allergies.
Heat rashes occur when heat or high temperatures cause sweating, which can block the pores of the sweat glands. Pore blockage traps perspiration under the skin, resulting in a rash. A heat rash appears as little red bumps and possibly small blisters. Symptoms of heat rash also include itching of the affected area.
The severity and location of a heat rash can vary between individuals, although a heat rash is generally not a serious condition. However, there can be complications in some cases. For more details on complications and additional symptoms, refer to symptoms of heat rash.
A diagnosis of heat rash can often be made by taking a thorough health history, including symptoms, and performing a physical exam that focuses on the rash area. No specific tests are usually needed, and diagnosis can generally be made by the appearance of the rash by a family physician, nurse practitioner, or pediatrician. However, if it is unclear what type of rash is present, a patient may be referred to a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Because the symptoms of heat rash may be similar to symptoms of other skin conditions, such as contact dermatitis and poison ivy, a misdiagnosis is possible. For more details about other skin rashes and diseases that can mimic heat rash, refer to misdiagnosis of heat rash.
Treatment of skin rashes includes keeping the skin clean and dry. For more information on treatment, refer to treatment of heat rash. ...more »
Heat rash: Skin rash due to hot and humid weather. More detailed information about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of Heat rash is available below.
Symptoms of heat rash can vary in intensity, frequency, and duration among individuals. Heat rashes are most common in infants but can occur in children and adults as well. Symptoms occur in hot weather, especially if it is humid, or in any condition that produces sweating, such as exercise. The symptoms of heat rashes are not related or associated with allergies.
Symptoms of ...more symptoms »
Many cases of heat rash go away by themselves with simple treatments, such as wearing loose, cotton clothing, seeking air conditioning, and staying out of the heat.
Ice bags or cool wet compresses may be helpful to help relieve itching. It is generally not advised that people with a heat rash use any powders, creams, or lotions, which can cause further sweating and blockage ...more treatments »
A diagnosis of the heat rash begins with taking a thorough health history, including symptoms, and performing a physical exam. A misdiagnosis is possible because the symptoms of the heat rash can be similar to symptoms of other types of rashes and diseases. These include diaper rash, psoriasis, scarlet fever, chicken pox, poison ivy, and contact dermatitis. ...more misdiagnosis »
Read more about symptoms of Heat rash
Read more about treatments for Heat rash
Home medical testing related to Heat rash:
Read more about Deaths and Heat rash.
Alternative treatments or home remedies that have been listed in various sources as possibly beneficial for Heat rash may include:
Read more about complications of Heat rash.
Read more about causes of Heat rash.
Research the causes of these diseases that are similar to, or related to, Heat rash:
Commonly undiagnosed diseases in related medical categories:
Mild worm infections undiagnosed in children: Human worm infestations, esp. threadworm, can be overlooked in some cases, because it may cause only mild or even absent symptoms....read more »
Mesenteric adenitis misdiagnosed as appendicitis in children: Because appendicitis is one of the more feared conditions for a child with abdominal...read more »
Poorly healing leg rashes a classic sign of chronic disease: Recurring leg rashes, or poorly healing leg rashes, are a classic sign of undiagnosed diabetes,...read more »
Blood pressure cuffs misdiagnose hypertension in children: One known misdiagnosis issue with hyperension, arises in relation to the simple equipment used to...read more »
Psoriasis often undiagnosed cause of skin symptoms in children: Children who suffer from the skin disorder called psoriasis can often go undiagnosed. The main problem is that psoriasis is...read more »
Children with migraine often misdiagnosed: A migraine often fails to be correctly diagnosed in pediatric patients. These patients are not the typical migraine sufferers, but migraines can also occur in children. See misdiagnosis of...read more »
Read more about Misdiagnosis and Heat rash
Research related physicians and medical specialists:
Other doctor, physician and specialist research services:
Research quality ratings and patient safety measures for medical facilities in specialties related to Heat rash:
Hospital & Clinic quality ratings »
Choosing the Best Hospital: More general information, not necessarily in relation to Heat rash, on hospital performance and surgical care quality:
Read more about the latest treatments for Heat rash
Medical research articles related to Heat rash include:
Click here to find more evidence-based articles on the TRIP Database
More Heat rash animations & videos
Visit our research pages for current research about Heat rash treatments.
Prevention information for Heat rash has been compiled from various data sources and may be inaccurate or incomplete. None of these methods guarantee prevention of Heat rash.
Read more about prevention of Heat rash
Types of Heat rash
Related forums and medical stories:
Read about other experiences, ask a question about Heat rash, or answer someone else's question, on our message boards:
Obstruction of the sweat ducts during high heat and humidity - (Source - WordNet 2.1)
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Search Specialists by State and City
By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.
Copyright © 2011 Health Grades Inc. All rights reserved. Last Update: 7 May, 2013 (2:48)
