Those little pimples that ruin your vacation: essential tips to avoid heat rash«
Every summer, rising temperatures and humidity sometimes turn the pleasure of a stroll into a skin-searing ordeal. Sweat rash, better known as heat rash or military, is one of the most common causes of itching in both adults and children. Although it is benign, understanding how it works, knowing how to identify it quickly, and taking simple measures can help prevent discomfort and complications.
1. Why does sweat get blocked?
Sweat glands can become blocked when heat and moisture accumulate under occlusive clothing or after intense exercise. The trapped sweat then irritates the epidermis, which is the starting point for miliaria.
2. Types of sweat rash
- Crystalline miliaria: Translucent microbubbles, painless, disappearing within one to two days.
- Miliaria rubra («prickly heat»): red, itchy papules, burning sensation.
- Pustular miliaria: superficial secondary infection causing small pustules.
- Deep miliaria: firm flesh nodules, reappearing in people repeatedly exposed to heat.
3. The main triggering factors
- High temperature and humidity: tropical climate, heat wave, sauna.
- Tight synthetic clothing: creates a humid microclimate against the skin.
- Intense physical exercise: massive sweat production.
- Prolonged bed rest: friction and skin occlusion.
- Occlusive cosmetics or mineral oils.
- Inability to regulate temperature (infants, elderly people).
4. Recognize the warning signs
Tingling, itching, localized redness in areas where skin folds (neck, armpits, groin), sometimes accompanied by a feeling of heat. If pain, pus, or fever ≥ 101.3°F (38.5°C) occurs, seek medical attention.
5. React as soon as the first lesions appear
- Cool immediately: apply a cool compress or take a short lukewarm shower.
- Pat dry, never rub.
- Apply a gel’aloe vera or a lotion with calamine to soothe.
- Drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day to compensate for sweating.
- Avoid scratching to prevent infection.
6. Prevention is better than cure: the «fresh skin» routine»
- Choose breathable fabrics (cotton, linen) and loose-fitting styles.
- Shower quickly after exercise, then moisturize your skin with a light, non-comedogenic emulsion.
- Limit exposure to peak heat (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.); stay in ventilated or air-conditioned areas.
- Perform a very gentle mechanical exfoliation once a week to remove dead skin cells and sweat residue.
- For babies: change diapers and clothes frequently, check skin folds, keep the room below 26°C.
7. Special cases
- Athletes : wear technical clothing that wicks away perspiration and stay hydrated before, during, and after exercise.
- Bedridden individuals : ensure that the room is well ventilated; change position frequently to limit maceration.
- Sensitive or atopic skin : Use syndet (soap-free) cleansers and avoid scented products.
