What Is Heat Rash + How To Treat It and Prevent It, According To a Dermatologist

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With all the fun summer sunshine brings, it also comes with those less fun sun-related things, like sunburn and heat rash. 

What Is Heat Rash, Anyway?

Most people think heat rash is caused by being overheated, but that's not exactly the case.

"Heat rash is not really a rash from the heat or caused from being overheated," says Dr. Anne Chapas (Rach's dermatologist!). "This is actually a rash that's caused by inflammation in the sweat glands and is most common on the underarms, under the breasts or the groin area."

How To Prevent Heat Rash

In order to prevent heat rash, Dr. Chapas advises against sitting around in sweaty workout clothes. "Those sweaty workout clothes are blocking those sweat glands and causing more inflammation," she explains. 

How To Treat Heat Rash

To help prevent and treat heat rash, you want to shower as soon as possible after exercising or excessive sweating and pat dry those areas of your body that are prone to heat rash. 

It's important to clean your skin regularly with antibacterial soap like this one from Dove and "make sure that you apply it to those fold areas on a regular basis," Dr. Chapas says.

Dove Care & Protect Antibacterial Body Wash

Dove Care & Protect Antibacterial Body Wash

Walmart
$6

What To Use For Itchy Heat Rash

If you're getting breakouts from heat rash and you want to treat it, a topical over the counter cortisone cream like this one can help. Apply it twice a day to the affected areas for about a week. It should improve by then, the derm says.

Cortizone 10 Maximum Strength Anti Itch Creme

Cortizone 10 Maximum Strength Anti Itch Creme

Walmart
$6

Finally, using a light moisturizer can also be very soothing for itchy skin. Just make sure it's fragrance-free. Dr. Chapas likes this one from Lubriderm.

Lubriderm Daily Moisture Body Lotion, Fragrance-Free

Lubriderm Daily Moisture Body Lotion, Fragrance-Free

Walmart
$6

For more skincare tips from Dr. Chapas, check out her summer skincare routine and favorite products (including sunscreens!) here.

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