How to Recognize and Treat Heat Rash on the Face

Heat rashes can be painful, troublesome, and can take a toll on your appearance; however, it’s still difficult to ascertain when you have a heat rash on the face. Before your rash turns too painful to handle, dive in and understand what are heat bumps on face and how to treat face rashes.

Keynotes:

• Heat rash on the face, miliaria or prickly heat, occurs when sweat gets trapped in clogged pores, leading to red, itchy bumps.
• Face rashes due to hear are common in hot, humid conditions.
• Try cool compresses, gentle skincare, and avoid heavy, pore-clogging products as a cure for heat rash on face.
• Prevent the rashes by staying cool, using non-comedogenic skincare, and wearing breathable makeup.

Commonly known as prickly heat or miliaria, a heat rash on the face occurs when your sweat gets trapped in the sweat ducts of your skin. This typically happens in hot, humid climates or is found often in athletes who sweat a lot.

The sweat glands on your body allow the sweat to reach the surface of your skin. As this sweat evaporates, your body temperature cools down. However, when these sweat pores get clogged, you face a heat rash on your face. These can get clogged due to inflammation, skin debris, or bacteria on your face. Since your pores are clogged, the sweat begins to leak into the upper layers of the skin, leading to swelling, irritation, and can even rupture your sweat glands. This is why it is crucial to identify heat bumps on the face while learning how to treat face rashes.

The type of heat rash depends on how deep the blockage is:

• Miliaria crystallina is when only the very top layer of skin (stratum corneum) is affected.
• Miliaria rubra occurs slightly deeper, just below the surface of the skin.
• Miliaria profunda happens even deeper, at the layer where the outer and inner skin meet Typically, a heat rash that feels prickly and red is Miliaria rubra.

The clinical presentation of facial heat rash can vary depending on the severity of obstruction and the individual's skin type. The common signs and symptoms of face rashes due to heat are:

• Raised Bumps: Heat rash often appears as small, red bumps on your face and body parts with high sweat gland density. A heat rash on the face can look similar to pimples, sometimes even clear, raised bumps, while being itchy and prickly. If you begin to notice unusual bumps on your skin, consult a dermatologist.
• Prickling: A hallmark sign of heat bumps on the face is the itchy, prickling sensation that irritates your skin. This discomfort can significantly increase if you don’t get your body out of the humidity, sun, or friction.
• Redness: Heat rash is often accompanied by mild redness and swelling in the surrounding skin. This inflammation is typically limited to the areas where sweat glands are clogged.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): If you’re the one with darker Fitzpatrick skin types (IV–VI), inflammation from heat rash may leave you with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation spots and scars that may take time to fade.

A heat rash may often be mistaken for acne or perioral dermatitis; this is why it’s best to consult a dermatologist before you adopt cures for heat rash on the face.

While a heat rash on the face can be cured with ease, it’s best to see a dermatologist. In the meantime, it’s best to know a few home care measures that can put your recovery on a fast track and reduce inflammation.

• Move to an air-conditioned or shaded area to reduce sweat production.
• Gently press a cool compress against your skin to alleviate any inflammation.
• Use non-comedogenic, fragrance-free skincare products to support the skin’s barrier function and prevent dryness or peeling.
• Look for products containing panthenol, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid, which are hydrating and skin-calming and don’t clog your pores.
• Use a mild, gel-based cleanser to remove sweat, oil, and residue without further irritating the epidermis. Follow it with a toner to remove any residual impurities.
• Avoid using facial scrubs or chemical exfoliants during active rash flare-ups.
• Scratching can rupture the pores and put you at risk of bacterial infection. So it’s best to keep your hands off.

• It’s crucial to avoid occlusive oils and creams that form a sheath around your skin. Occlusive ingredients like petroleum jelly may clog your pores further.
• Heavy emollients like shea butter and silicone-based products may form a layer around your skin, making the heat rash on the face worse.
• Drying cleansers with strong fragrances may not work and may disrupt your skin barrier further.

Most cases of facial heat rash resolve within a few days with care and precaution. However, it’s crucial to see a dermatologist if your rash and bumps last for more than 7-10 days. If you begin to notice pus or pimples with a white centre, it’s best to get it checked by a professional. Talk to your dermatologist about ingredients like Thiamidol which will help you take care of any scars once the rash alleviates. Meanwhile, ask the pros for medicated powders that soothe the rash without clogging pores.

Prevention is the most effective strategy for managing heat rash on the face, especially if you lead an active lifestyle or live in a humid climate. Here are a few tips you can follow to dodge face rashes due to heat:

• Keep your face and skin ventilated and ditch any masks, scarves, or tight clothing that may restrict sweat.
• Go for breathable, lightweight, non-comedogenic, and non-occlusive skincare products that have been dermatologically tested.
• Opt for lightweight, oil-free moisturisers and sunscreens. Look for formulas that are matte and gel-based to get lightweight protection.
• If you’re practising sports or any other outdoor activities, try to take breaks in cool environments.
• Sweat residue mixed with sebum and bacteria can clog pores, so try to shower after sweating.
• It’s crucial to use lightweight makeup. Heavy foundations or layers of concealer can trap sweat so choose breathable mineral powders or skin tints that allow airflow.

Heat bumps on the face can be quite uncomfortable, affecting your comfort and skin health. It’s crucial to recognise your heat rash early on and choose the right skin treatments. Look to Eucerin for adopting the right skincare products that are dermatologically tested for your safety.

1. What causes heat rash on the face?

   Heat rash on the face is caused by clogged sweat pores. Inflammation, heat, bacteria, build-up are among a number of products that can clog your pores.

2. How can I treat facial heat rash at home?

   Try to move into a cool environment and try to treat the affected area with a cool washcloth. Steer clear of oil-based, heavy products and ask your dermatologist for medicated powders.

3. Is heat rash contagious?

   Heat rash is not contagious, however warm environments, outdoor activities, and humid climate may trigger a heat rash or heat bumps on the face for many.

4. Can sunscreen or makeup worsen heat rash?

   Yes. Heavy sunscreens or comedogenic makeup can worsen heat bumps on the face for many. Use lightweight, gel-based, and dermatologically tested products over a heat rash after talking to your dermatologist.

• Healthline - How to Treat Heat Rash on the Face in Babies and Adults
• Healthline - What Are Sweat Pimples and What’s the Best Way to Treat (and Prevent) Them?
• Mayo Clinic - Heat rash – symptoms and causes
• Cleaveland Clinic - Heat Rash Prickly Heat