Heat rash: causes and which doctor to see
Heat rash is small, red, pinpoint bumps that form when the ducts of the sweat glands become blocked and sweat is trapped under the skin. It is common in hot weather, in over-dressed babies and in sweaty areas (neck, armpits, chest, back, nappy area). It can sting and itch. It usually clears on its own within a few days with cooling and light clothing.
Which doctor should I see for heat rash?
For heat rash you can first see: Pediatrics or Dermatology. If you are not sure, a family doctor can refer you to the right specialist.
What are the symptoms of heat rash?
- Small red bumps on the neck, chest, back and in skin folds
- Sometimes tiny bumps filled with clear fluid
- Prickling, itching and restlessness
- Worse in the heat and better in the cool
What causes heat rash?
The most common causes are listed below. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.
- 1Hot, humid weather
- 2Over-dressing a baby
- 3Synthetic and tight clothing
- 4Heavy sweating during feverish illness
When is it an emergency? Call 112 now
- Does the baby have a fever, refuse to feed or seem unusually sleepy or weak
- Are the bumps pus-filled, large or spreading
- Are there purple spots that do not fade when pressed? (emergency)
- Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up
- Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg
- Are you struggling to breathe even at rest
What you can do at home
- Move the baby to a cool place and dress them in thin cotton clothes.
- Wash with lukewarm water and let the skin air-dry.
- Avoid heavy creams and oils.
See a doctor if
- A rash that does not clear in a few days or looks infected
- If there is fever with the rash
How long does it last and how is it treated?
It usually clears on its own within a few days once the skin is cooled and sweating is reduced.
Who gets heat rash?
- Newborns and babies
- Adults who work or exercise in the heat
- Bed-bound patients
How is it diagnosed?
It is diagnosed from its appearance.
Can it be prevented?
- Thin cotton clothes, a cool room and not over-covering.
Find a pediatrician in your city
Pediatricians in Turkish cities who can help with heat rash.
People also describe it as
- “Red bumps have come up on my baby’s neck”
- “I get small red spots on my back in the heat”
Frequently asked questions
Which doctor should I see for heat rash?
For heat rash you can first see: Pediatrics or Dermatology. If you are not sure, a family doctor (general practitioner) can assess you first and refer you to the right specialist.
What are the symptoms of heat rash?
Common symptoms: small red bumps on the neck, chest, back and in skin folds; sometimes tiny bumps filled with clear fluid; prickling, itching and restlessness; worse in the heat and better in the cool. Symptoms vary from person to person; a doctor’s examination is needed for a diagnosis.
What causes heat rash?
The most common causes: hot, humid weather; over-dressing a baby; synthetic and tight clothing; heavy sweating during feverish illness. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.
How long does heat rash last and how is it treated?
It usually clears on its own within a few days once the skin is cooled and sweating is reduced.
Who gets heat rash?
It is more common in: newborns and babies; adults who work or exercise in the heat; bed-bound patients.
How is heat rash diagnosed?
It is diagnosed from its appearance.
Can heat rash be prevented?
Thin cotton clothes, a cool room and not over-covering.
How many days does heat rash last?
When the skin is kept cool, it usually clears within a few days.
Is heat rash contagious?
No.
My child got heat rash on holiday in Turkey — what helps?
Keep them out of the midday heat, dress them in loose cotton, rinse off sweat and sea salt with lukewarm water and let the skin dry in the air. See a doctor if they have a fever or the spots become pus-filled.
When is heat rash an emergency?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 112 without delay: “Does the baby have a fever, refuse to feed or seem unusually sleepy or weak?” “Are the bumps pus-filled, large or spreading?” “Are there purple spots that do not fade when pressed? (emergency)” “Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up?” “Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg?” “Are you struggling to breathe even at rest?”
When should I see a doctor for heat rash?
See a doctor: a rash that does not clear in a few days or looks infected; if there is fever with the rash.
Similar complaints
Emergency numbers in Turkey
112: ambulance, emergency (free, 24/7, from any phone). 114: National Poison Information Centre. 182: appointment line for public hospitals (MHRS). Pharmacies on night duty (nöbetçi eczane) are posted on the door of every pharmacy.
Sources
This page is based on current information published by the official and independent bodies below and on our editorial principles. Last updated: . To report an error: contact us.
This page does not provide a medical diagnosis and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you think it is an emergency, call 112 (Turkey’s free emergency number). For poisoning, call the National Poison Information Centre on 114.