Heat rash

Heat rash (prickly heat) in pregnant women

The appearance of a small red itchy rash in areas of greatest sweating (under the breasts, inner thighs, neck, elbow folds) is most likely heat rash or prickly heat. During pregnancy a woman's body produces more heat, and sweating increases. This can lead to blockage of sweat glands, causing irritation and rash.

How does it work?

Your body during pregnancy works like a small furnace: metabolism speeds up, blood volume increases, and all this raises your basal temperature. To cool down, the body produces more sweat. If sweat cannot evaporate freely (for example, due to tight clothing or skin folds), it gets trapped in the sweat gland ducts, causing inflammation.

This is a completely harmless condition that does not require specific treatment and resolves on its own when provoking factors are removed. It is important to distinguish prickly heat from other, more serious types of rash. For example, intense itching without a rash may be a sign of pregnancy cholestasis, which requires a doctor's attention.

Prevention and relief

The best remedies are coolness and air exposure to the skin. Avoid overheating, wear loose clothing made of natural fabrics (cotton, linen), take cool showers and use baby powder (talc-free) on dry skin to reduce friction. For other aspects of self‑care read our special section.