The UK is currently enduring its sixth heatwave of the summer of 2026, which is on course to become the hottest on record. Temperatures have once again surpassed 30C and are expected to climb further throughout the week, with forecasters predicting a high of 36C in London on Thursday.

The UK Government has issued an amber heat alert, cautioning that the conditions are likely to have a "significant impact" on the population. Britain has been gripped by heatwaves since late spring, when a new temperature record for May was broken. Further bouts of intense heat followed throughout June and July.

Altogether, the UK has experienced 37 consecutive heatwave days across various parts of the country this year, with the mercury peaking at 38C in Norfolk on June 26, reports Wales Online.

The relentless heat has made bedtime an ordeal for parents of young children this summer. British homes are largely ill-equipped to handle prolonged warm weather, and many households find that upstairs bedrooms trap considerably more heat than ground floor rooms, with opening windows offering little to no relief.

You can find one way to help you keep cool with a hot water bottle here and a bathroom towel here. One particular worry during this sweltering weather is how youngsters and infants manage, particularly during the night. Guidance is available on recognising if your baby is becoming overheated while sleeping.

You might notice your children appearing sluggish and irritable (which is, naturally, entirely understandable in these conditions and not necessarily cause for alarm) or they may have developed a heat rash. Naturally, if you believe your child is experiencing something more severe, you should seek medical advice.

Symptoms of heat rash in babies

While heat rash might prove uncomfortable, the NHS states it is "usually harmless" and "usually gets better on its own after a few days". The symptoms of heat rash are identical in adults, children and babies and can emerge anywhere on the body. The symptoms are:

  • small, raised spots
  • an itchy, burning or prickly feeling
  • mild swelling

What does heat rash look like?

A heat rash consists of numerous tiny bumps, resembling pimples, with each bump typically measuring around 1 to 3 millimetres across. They generally appear red on lighter skin tones, though on darker complexions, the bumps may appear grey or white. This represents the most prevalent form of heat rash, medically termed "miliaria rubra".

Severe prickly heat rash on baby's neck [Severe prickly heat rash on baby's neck]

The Cleveland Clinic notes that heat rash "can also appear as tiny, clear bumps" which "look a bit like water droplets". This variant is known as "miliaria crystalline" and commonly affects newborns as a gentler form that may not trigger itching or discomfort.

Where do heat rashes form?

Heat rash can develop anywhere on your body. In babies, it's frequently found in: In adults, heat rash commonly forms in these areas:

  • Armpits
  • Elbow creases
  • Neck
  • Groin (diaper area)
  • Upper chest and back

In adults, heat rash commonly forms in these areas:

  • Arms
  • Back
  • Chest (especially under your breasts)
  • Legs (especially on your inner thighs).

Is heat rash itchy?

Yes, heat rash can be itchy or "prickly". The NHS says this is a common symptom of heat rash. To calm the itching, it recommends applying "something cold, such as a damp cloth or ice pack (wrapped in a tea towel) for up to 20 minutes", and tapping or patting the rash rather than scratching it. It advises against using perfumed shower gels or creams.

How to treat heat rash

The NHS states that heat rash will typically clear up on its own within a few days and "the main thing to do is keep your skin cool so you do not sweat and irritate the rash". While this may prove difficult during the extreme temperatures currently affecting much of the UK, steps you can take to maintain cool skin include wearing loose-fitting cotton clothing, using lightweight bedding, and taking cooler baths.

To soothe the rash and prickly sensation, applying something cold such as a damp towel or ice pack may help, or a pharmacist may recommend a lotion, antihistamine tablets or hydrocortisone cream (though this cream is rarely prescribed to younger children).

Other rashes in babies and children

It is worth checking that your baby's rash is not one of the following conditions - you can view images of each on the NHS website:

  • Slapped cheek syndrome
  • Hand, foot and mouth disease
  • Scarlet fever
  • Measles
  • Eczema
  • Ringworm
  • Chicken pox
  • Impetigo

When to call a doctor

The NHS advises that you should call 999 or visit A&E immediately if your child or baby develops a rash, appears unwell, and displays any of the following symptoms:

  • stiff neck
  • bothered by light
  • they seem confused, agitated or they're not responding like they usually do
  • difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast
  • skin, lips or tongue look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  • sudden swelling of their lips, mouth, throat or tongue
  • throat feels tight or struggling to swallow
  • rash looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin and does not fade when you press a glass against it.