What Is Heat Rash? And How Is It Different to Eczema?

Hot Aussie summers can be harsh on our skin. High UV levels are one thing (don’t forget your sunscreen!), but feeling hot and sweaty can also trigger skin rashes like eczema and heat rash. While these two conditions can look similar and can both be triggered by heat, they are very different and require different treatment approaches.

What is heat rash, and what can cause it?

Heat rash happens when your body sweats and the sweat becomes trapped due to blocked pores or clothing. It can happen more often during hot or humid weather and is common in babies but can also occur in older children and adults. Babies and young children are more susceptible to heat rash as their sweat glands are still developing.

What does heat rash look like?

Heat rash often appears in folds of skin that collect sweat or where clothing has been rubbing against the skin, like the armpits, groin, chest and back. In babies, it can also appear on the face. It can look like a red rash or fine red spots and might have small bumps filled with clear fluid. It can also feel itchy or ‘prickly’ and irritated, making your little one uncomfortable.

How is heat rash different to eczema?

While heat rash and eczema can look similar and both be triggered by heat and sweat, they are very different conditions.  

Heat rash develops as a response to a hot, humid environment or sweaty skin. And while it’s uncomfortable, it isn’t usually serious and is typically short-lived rash.

On the other hand, eczema is a chronic condition caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While heat and sweat can trigger a flare-up of eczema symptoms, its underlying cause makes it a long-term condition that requires ongoing management and treatment. There are many types of eczema, and a diagnosis and management plan from a medical professional is needed.

Does my little one have heat rash or eczema?

Heat rash and eczema can look similar, so it might be difficult to know what you’re dealing with! It’s essential to consult with a medical professional for a diagnosis if you are in doubt. This is because eczema and heat rash require different treatment approaches.

Some things to consider when trying to determine whether your little one has eczema or heat rash can include:

• Exposure to heat and sweat: if your little one’s rash appears after they have been particularly sweaty or if they’ve been in a hot environment, this could indicate that it’s heat rash.
• Rash location: heat rash tends to appear in folds of skin where sweat accumulates (like the armpits or groin) or where clothing has been rubbing. Eczema can appear anywhere on the body but commonly appears on the face, hands, elbows, knees and scalp.
• Exposure to other triggers: if their rash seems to develop after exposure to a particular trigger like itchy fabrics, environmental allergens like dust or pollen, fragrances, personal care products, certain chemicals, or a food allergen, it could be eczema.
• Dry skin: dry skin and eczema tend to go hand in hand, whereas heat rash is not usually associated with dry skin.

How do you treat heat rash?

You can help treat heat rash by cooling the body and removing any hot and sweaty clothing sitting against the skin. Your little one may also benefit from a bath or shower to help cool down and remove any sweat and grime from their skin – be sure to use a gentle wash to avoid stripping their skin of its natural oils. If their skin is feeling itchy, you could also try adding some of our soothing 100% colloidal oatmeal bath soak to their bath.

You may need to avoid applying any ointments to skin with heat rash, as it can block the sweat glands. Ointments can be very effective for moisturising dry, eczema-prone skin, so it’s essential to determine whether your little one’s rash is eczema or heat rash so you can offer them the proper treatment.

In some cases, further treatment might be required. If your little one’s heat rash doesn’t clear on its own or is becoming uncomfortable or showing signs of infection, you should seek medical advice and treatment right away. Signs of infection can include:

• Pain, swelling or warmth
• White or yellow fluid or pus coming from the rash
•           Fever, muscle aches, sore throat or flu-like symptoms
•           Swollen lymph nodes

Tips for preventing heat rash

Some ways to prevent heat rash can include:

• Dressing your little one in light, breathable cotton clothing during warmer weather
• Trying to stay cool and avoid getting overly sweaty
• Being mindful not to overdress your baby
• Maintaining a cool, well-ventilated sleeping space to avoid overheating
• Removing sweaty clothing so it doesn't sit against the skin
• Taking daily baths or showers
• Limiting the use of heavy ointments

We hope this helps you understand some of the differences between eczema and heat rash so you can better support your little one’s precious skin! Remember, if you ever have any concerns about your little one’s skin, it’s always best to consult with your medical professional.

This post was brought to you and your baby with love by the Itchy Baby Co. team. X

Disclaimer: Information provided is of a general nature only, and you should always consult your medical professional.