Heat rashes are a harmless, but sometimes unsightly and itchy skin condition caused by excessive sweating. But how can you avoid heat rashes and what helps? What are the tips to soothe them? When should you see a doctor? Typology answers your questions on this topic.
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Everything You Need To Know About Heat Rash
Summary
- What Are the Causes of Heat Rashes?
- How Can Heat Rashes Be Avoided?
- How Can Heat Rashes Be Relieved?
- When Should You Go to the Doctor?
Published February 29, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
6 min read
What Are the Causes of Heat Rashes?
When staying in the sun for a long time or in a particularly warm and humid place, the skin sweats excessively. This unusual sweat production clogs the sweat ducts, resulting in pink or even red pimples, which in medical jargon are called heat rashes or Miliaria sudoralis. Thus, it is a natural reaction of the skin to remove sweat. Heat rashes are common, and normally harmless skin disorders. They tend to disappear naturally after a day or two.
As for their appearance, they can be small, translucent, water droplet-like blisters or red pimples. Heat rashes may contain clear fluid or pus and are often accompanied by itching. They are primarily found on uncovered areas (forehead, neck, trunk, hands, feet...) and in folds such as the armpits or groin.
This phenomenon can affect anyone, but is particularly common in infants and young children. This is because they do not automatically have the right behaviors to refresh themselves (drink fluids, take a shower, go into the shade).
How Can Heat Rashes Be Avoided?
There are several tips you should follow to limit the appearance and development of heat pimples.
Do not wear too tight clothing made of synthetic materials, but wear light, loose clothing made of natural fibers (linen, cotton, etc.).
Do not apply sunscreen with too thick a texture, as this will clog pores. Typology sunscreens have a light, fluid texture. They do not leave white marks and are made of 82% ingredients of natural origin. For the face and body, they offer broad-spectrum protection (SPF30 and SPF50).
Don't expose yourself to the sun for too long. Prolonged sunbathing often leads to excessive sweating, which in turn can lead to heat pimples.
Avoid exercise in hot weather. Any activity that promotes sweating can cause heat rash.
How Can Heat Rashes Be Relieved?
The slight itching and irritation that heat rash causes can be relieved by following our recommendations.
Use aloe vera
The native gel or juice of aloe vera has a soothing effect on heat rashes. It contains several antiseptic agents, including lupeol and cinnamic acid, which relieve itching. In addition, aloe vera provides an immediate feeling of freshness and has a repairing effect by inhibiting certain inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin F2 through the degradation pathway of arachidonic acid by acting on cyclooxygenase. The gel can be applied as a poultice to the affected area directly after showering.
Perform gentle exfoliation
Exfoliation removes sweat accumulated in the epidermis. Be careful not to make it too abrasive, so as not to overstimulate the areas already weakened by heat rashes. At Typology, we have developed four scrubs based on exfoliating micro-grains obtained from the crushing of apricot kernels. The facial scrubs contain a lower concentration of abrasive particles than body scrubs to be gentle on your skin. The radiant facial scrub with wild rose oil and organic carrot macerate evens the complexion and gives it luminosity. It is especially suitable for sallow, dull skin as well as for dry and uncomfortable skin. A nourishing body scrub softens and smoothes the skin. It is especially suitable for dry and uncomfortable skin. Our strengthening body scrub contains organic green coffee macerate (draining) and essential oils of organic lemongrass and cedarwood (against cellulite). It is recommended to smooth, tone and firm the skin while reducing the appearance of “orange peel”.
Treat the skin with moisture
Good hydration is important to maintain beautiful skin and get rid of heat rashes quickly. So drink plenty of water and apply a light, non-greasy moisturizer to the affected areas.
When Should You Go to the Doctor?
You should see your doctor if heat rashes are accompanied by pain or swelling in the irritated area, swollen lymph nodes, chills, or even fever. If in doubt, always consult a doctor!
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