Heat rash in adults: causes and treatment

Heat rashes usually occur during the summer period in children and adults. They appear on areas of the body that experience the most friction. How do you recognize heat rashes? How to distinguish them from other skin conditions? What is the protocol to follow to make them disappear?

What is a Heat Button?

Heat rash, also known as 'miliaria' or 'sweat rash', is a mild skin condition that occurs when the sweat ducts in the skin are blocked, preventing sweat from escaping properly. This can happen when a person sweats a lot in hot weather or when they wear tight clothes that prevent the skin from breathing properly.

When sweat gets trapped under the skin, small rashes, similar to pimples or blisters, may appear.

How do you know if it's heat rash?

It is not always easy to distinguish heat rashes from other skin conditions such as hives, insect bites, rashes and allergies or infections. To recognize them, you must pay attention to various aspects:

• Appearance: Heat rashes appear as small rashes that may look like pimples , blisters, or redness. They are small, but their size is variable;

• Texture: Depending on the type of heat rash, their texture may vary. In the mildest form, miliaria crystallina, the pimples are small blisters filled with clear fluid. In miliaria rubra, the pimples are larger, red, and can be itchy. In miliaria profunda, pimples may be firm nodules under the skin;

• Sensations: heat rashes can cause feelings of heat, tingling, itching or localized discomfort on the skin;

• The background: Heat rashes usually occur in hot and humid conditions, where sweating is heavy and sweat ducts can become clogged.

Also read: how to get rid of pimples on the scalp?

Where do heat rashes appear?

They most often appear in areas where the skin is prone to friction:

• The neck ;
• Armpits ;
• Wool ;
• The back ;
• Chest ;
• The bend of the elbows.

How to treat heat rash in adults?

Heat rashes usually go away on their own. Nevertheless, it is possible to speed up the healing process by applying the following tips:

• Reduce body temperature: Use fans and air conditioners to stay in a cool environment. Choose cool showers and avoid hot and humid places;

• Wear loose, light clothing that allows the skin to breathe and reduces friction. Avoid tight clothing which can aggravate the obstruction of the sweat ducts;

• Stay hydrated: Drinking at least 1.5 liters of water helps maintain regular sweating and prevent clogged sweat ducts;

• Avoid irritating products: using cosmetics or lotions containing irritating ingredients can make heat rashes worse;

• Use baby powder: Powders made with talcum powder or cornstarch can help keep skin dry and reduce friction;

• Avoid popping or scratching the heat sores, as this can lead to irritation and infection;

• Apply over-the-counter corticosteroid creams or lotions. Before starting this type of treatment, it is still best to consult a health professional.

In rare cases, heat rashes can become infected, leading to complications. If symptoms persist, worsen or if there are signs of infection (redness, warmth, swelling), it is advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The appearance of heat rash in adults is harmless. They disappear on their own once the skin is cooled. To relieve symptoms and prevent their occurrence, it is recommended to stay cool and wear light, loose clothing.

Also read: Hydration on Nubian skin during summer: myth or reality?