Slideshow Pictures: Heat Rash -- Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

Reviewed by Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor on Tuesday, August 23, 2011

The body cools itself is by sweating, and allowing that sweat or perspiration to evaporate.

Picture of clogged sweat ducts, which causes heat rash.


There are four types of heat rash; clear (miliaria crystalline), red (miliaria rubra), white/yellow (miliaria pustulosa) and deep (miliaria profunda).

Picture of a clear heat rash (miliaria crystalline).

Picture of red heat rash (miliaria rubra), also known as prickly heat.

Picture of white/yellow heat rash (miliaria pustulosa).

Picture of deep heat rash (miliaria profunda).

Heat rash can be caused by various factors including creases in the skin, tight or heavy clothing, heavy creams and lotions, and the side effect of medications.

Newborns, infants, and the elderly are at risk for developing heat rash.

Babies are more prone to heat rash due to immature sweat glands that aren't able to get rid of all the sweat they produce.

The diagnosis of heat rash is made by physical examination.

Heat rash often resolves on its own, but some home treatments can help including calamine lotion and over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams or sprays.

If heat rash does not resolve on its own and/or becomes infected, antibiotic treatment may be required.

Heat rash can be prevented by allowing the skin to be exposed to circulating air and decreasing the potential for sweat glands to become inflamed.

To avoid heat-related illnesses take frequent breaks to get out of the heat, and drink plenty of fluids to replenish fluid lost via sweat.

In a hot environment, a person should drink enough water to make the urine clear, and make sure the body is producing sweat.

Drink water and sports drinks (Powerade, Gatorade) to resupply the body with electrolytes as opposed to salt tablets in hot weather.

Lightweight, loose clothing allows air circulation to the body's surface and helps promote cooling during hot weather.

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