Predominantly benign and harmless, heat rash, or miliaria, can nevertheless be troublesome due to the itching it causes and its unsightly appearance. What measures can be adopted to eliminate it swiftly? Discover in this article all our advice on how to get rid of heat rash.
How can heat rash eruptions be effectively treated?
Published on August 6, 2025, by Maylis, Chemical Engineer — 7 min of reading
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Heat rash: what is it?
Heat rash, sometimes called sweat rash, refers to a common and benign skin condition. Non-contagious, it arises from the blockage of sweat ducts, the tiny channels through which sweat normally travels to the surface of the skin. When these ducts become blocked — from intense heat, high humidity or repeated friction — perspiration cannot escape properly and builds up beneath the epidermis. This results in small translucent vesicles resembling water droplets, or red papular eruptions. The phenomenon is also favoured by bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, which secrete substances that can further obstruct the pores.
Heat rash may appear on any area of the body, but it most frequently affects regions where perspiration is heavy or poorly drained, such as the forehead, neck, back, torso, hands, feet, and skin folds such as the underarms or groin. The infants are particularly susceptible to heat rash due to the immaturity of their eccrine sweat glands.
Heat rash lesions generally resolve spontaneously within 24 to 48 hours.
What are the most effective tips for eliminating sweat rash?
Although heat rash papules tend to resolve spontaneously, it is possible to hasten their resolution and relieve the itching that accompanies them.
Treatments for sweat-related pimples primarily rely on simple measures aimed at limiting occlusion, reducing body heat and soothing cutaneous inflammation.
Recommendation No. 1: Prioritise reducing heat and humidity.
The primary strategy to combat heat rashes is to eliminate triggering factors : heat, humidity, friction and skin occlusion. To this end, it is recommended to favour loose, lightweight cotton garments, to remain in a cool, well-ventilated environment using air conditioning or, more simply, a fan, to take cool or tepid showers and to limit strenuous physical activity during periods of intense heat. These measures not only help prevent the appearance of new heat rashes but also facilitate the natural elimination of sweat trapped beneath the skin.
Recommendation No. 2: Apply aloe vera.
The aloe vera is a natural ingredient recognised for its soothing, anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties. Frequently used to treat sunburn, aloe vera can also be a remedy for heat rash in both adults and children. A study conducted in 2024 on 32 infants aged 0 to 12 months with heat rash evaluated the effects of topically applied aloe vera gel. The infants were divided into two groups: one received the aloe vera application, while the other received no specific treatment. Results demonstrated a significant improvement in symptoms in the treated group after a few days: 68.8% of the babies showed a marked reduction in itching, compared with those in the control group. Statistical analysis also confirmed that aloe vera promoted faster healing of the lesions without any side effects.
Aloe vera gel thus appears to be a promising treatment for heat rash, both in adults and in infants.
Recommendation No. 3: Use a soothing cream.
One often wonders what to apply to heat rash. There are several types of products available at chemists to relieve heat rash, such as lotions, powders, gels or creams, combining various active ingredients. Some contain cleansing agents that help unclog pores and promote sweat elimination. Others contain antimicrobials, such as zinc, capable of limiting the proliferation of bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, sometimes implicated in the blockage of sweat ducts. The products may also include soothing and antipruritic agents, such as menthol, chamomile or aloe vera, to alleviate itching. In some cases, anti-inflammatory agents, especially hydrocortisone, are added, although these actives are more typically found in medicinal treatments. Finally, absorbent powders based on talc or starch can be used to reduce moisture in skin folds.
Note : In the event of intense itching, particularly in adults, certain oral antihistamines may be considered on an occasional basis. While they do not directly address the underlying cause of heat rash, they can help relieve discomfort by modulating the body’s histamine response. Their use should, however, remain exceptional and be undertaken only on medical advice.
Some natural substances can also be applied topically as pastes or compresses to soothe skin irritations, even though their effectiveness against heat rash has yet to be demonstrated in clinical trials. However, their anti-inflammatory properties are well-documented in the scientific literature.
| Natural ingredient | Mechanism of action |
|---|---|
| Turmeric | Inhibits the production of prostaglandins and blocks the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1α, IL-6 and TNF-α. |
| Oat | Reduces the expression of several pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-α) and inhibits the COX enzyme involved in the inflammatory cascade. |
| Clay | It forms a semi-permeable barrier capable of adsorbing certain pro-inflammatory cytokines (notably TNF-α and IL-1β), reducing their availability in the inflamed region. |
| Honey | Its phenolic compounds and flavonoids inhibit the activity of COX-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), two enzymes involved in the inflammatory response. |
| Sodium bicarbonate | Although its anti-inflammatory properties are less well characterised, its alkalising effect could help soothe irritations by neutralising local acidity. |
Mechanisms of action of specific natural ingredients used to soothe skin irritations and heat rash.
In the event of fever, purulent lesions or if prickly heat persists for more than a few days despite treatment, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
This is particularly true for babies, who are highly sensitive to heat rash because their bodies are not yet capable of properly regulating their temperature. If you have the slightest doubt, it is best to consult a paediatrician promptly or seek advice from your pharmacist. This will reassure you and ensure that it is not another skin condition.
Sources
JAMALPURE S. & al. Anti-microbial compounds in human sweat: An important diagnostic and therapeutic advance toward the treatment of skin disease (miliaria). Journal of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (2010).
AGGARWAL G. & al. Miliaria – An update. Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences (2017).
ANDRIYANI A. & al. Effect of aloe vera gel (aloe aera) on accelerating miliaria healing in infants (0-12 months). Mandalika Journal of Medical and Health Studies (2025).
