Heat rash: what to do?

What is heat rash?

Heat rash appears when the sweat glands, responsible for sweat production, become blocked. Since sweat can no longer be properly released, it accumulates beneath the skin, causing an inflammatory reaction.

 

There are several forms of miliaria, which differ according to the depth of obstruction in the sweat ducts and their clinical presentation:

• Crystalline miliaria: this is a very superficial obstruction located in the stratum corneum of the epidermis. Sweat accumulates just beneath this layer, forming small, fragile, transparent vesicles that rupture easily at the slightest contact;
• Miliaria rubra: also called "prickly heat", it results from a deeper obstruction within the epidermis. Sweat remains trapped in the epidermis and sometimes the dermis, leading to the appearance of small red lesions accompanied by itching and prickling sensations;
• Pustular miliaria: this is an evolution of miliaria rubra. It is distinguished by the presence of pustules, meaning small lesions containing pus, instead of simple inflammatory papules;
• Deep miliaria is the rarest form. It is linked to a deeper obstruction, at the junction between the dermis and epidermis. Sweat then accumulates in the dermis, causing larger, firm, and often painful lesions because they are more deeply embedded in the skin.

These lesions generally appear in areas where sweating is significant: back, chest, skin folds, neck, or under tight clothing.

 

Why do they appear?

Heat rash can be caused by several factors:

Heat and humidity

A hot and humid environment stimulates sweating. When sweating is excessive, the risk of clogged pores increases.

Unsuitable clothing

Synthetic or overly tight fabrics prevent the skin from breathing and encourage sweat buildup.

Congested skin

Using products that are too rich or occlusive can clog pores and aggravate the condition.

Excessive sweating

Some people naturally sweat more than others, making them more sensitive to this type of irritation.

How can you recognize heat rash?

The symptoms are generally easy to identify:

• You notice small red or translucent papules on your skin
• You feel a tingling or burning sensation
• You experience itching
• The rash appears in warm, humid areas of the body

Unlike other skin conditions, heat rash is not contagious and often disappears on its own when the skin returns to a cooler environment.

4 helpful steps to quickly relieve heat rash

When dealing with heat rash, the goal is to reduce sweating and allow the skin to breathe.

Cool the skin

Take lukewarm or cool showers to lower your body temperature and soothe skin inflammation. Avoid very hot water, as it can worsen symptoms.

Dry without rubbing

After showering, make sure to pat your skin dry gently with a clean towel, without rubbing, to avoid further irritating sensitive areas.

Wear suitable clothing

Choose loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibers such as cotton or linen. This allows your skin to breathe and limits moisture buildup.

Leave the skin exposed to the air

When possible, expose the affected areas to the open air to help the lesions disappear.

 

What skincare products should you use for heat rash?

When heat rash appears, choosing the right skincare products is important: the goal is to protect your skin barrier while avoiding overly rich or occlusive textures that could encourage moisture buildup.

Heat rash on the face: cleanse gently and moisturize

After sweating, gentle cleansing helps remove sweat, impurities, and residue from the surface of the skin. However, it is best to avoid overly harsh cleansers, which could worsen irritation and itching.

 

For the face, the Grangettes Switzerland purifying gel can be a real cornerstone. Incorporated into your minimalist routine, it gently cleanses the skin: be sure to apply it directly with your hands rather than with a washcloth, so as not to rub the lesions too much.

 

Then, once your skin is clean, simplicity is often still the best approach: temporarily limit the number of products applied to the affected areas and avoid treatments that are heavily fragranced, very greasy or likely to irritate the skin.

 

The goal is not to use more and more products to make the spots disappear quickly, but to create an environment conducive to their disappearance: clean, cool, dry and sufficiently hydrated skin. The Grangettes Switzerland soothing cream is your best ally here: it contains hydrating and soothing ingredients that care for your skin, calm it and reduce inflammation.

Heat rash on the body: choose lightweight hydration

Even when irritated by heat, the skin needs to be hydrated. However, be sure to choose lightweight, easily absorbed textures rather than very rich products that could increase occlusion and maceration.

 

When heat rash is located on the body, Grangettes Switzerland regenerating body lotion can be used to provide comfort and hydration to the skin. Its milky texture nourishes the skin lightly, without the rich, suffocating feeling of a thick cream.

 

Application should remain gentle: there is no need to massage an area with redness or lesions for a long time. It is preferable to gently apply the treatment and let the skin gradually regain its balance.

What to avoid...

Certain actions can aggravate heat rash. To take care of yourself and pamper your skin, avoid:

• Wearing tight or synthetic clothing
• Applying creams that are too greasy or occlusive
• Scratching the lesions, which can cause irritation or infections
• Using fragranced or irritating products

Adopting a simple, skin-friendly routine is often the best strategy!