Heat pimples on body: Sweat Pimples vs. Heat Rash: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

15.06.202111.07.2023 by alexxlab

Sweat Pimples vs. Heat Rash: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

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Medically reviewed by Owen Kramer, M. D. — By Scott Frothingham on September 13, 2019

If you find yourself breaking out after a particularly sweaty workout, rest assured it’s not unusual. Sweating — whether from hot weather or exercise — may contribute to a specific type of acne breakout commonly referred to as sweat pimples.

The combination of sweat, heat, and friction can lead to clogging of pores. Plus, sweat on your skin may keep acne-causing bacteria in place.

Acne breakouts from sweat are more likely to appear when sweat combines with pressure or friction from headbands, hats, clothing, or backpack straps. Medically speaking, this is known as acne mechanica.

Keep reading to learn how to treat and prevent sweat pimples, and how to tell the difference between sweat pimples and bumps caused by heat rash.

Sweat pimples should be treated like any acne breakout:

Gently wash (not scrub) the area twice a day.
Use non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic, oil-free products.
Resist touching or picking.
Use acne medication.
Wash clothing, sheets, or pillowcases that touch your acne-prone skin.

To prevent acne breakouts due to sweating:

Maintain your regular acne treatment routine of washing and medication.
After periods of heavy sweating, shower with antibacterial soap.
Wash your workout clothing regularly.
Avoid tight-fitting clothes and accessories.
When possible, seek cooler areas with lower humidity, particularly during the hottest part of the day.
If possible, take special care to avoid tight clothing or equipment that may be contributing to the breakout (e.g. a chinstrap causing chin acne breakouts).

Another thing to consider is that the bumps on your skin may be a symptom of heat rash, rather than an acne breakout.

Heat rashes are caused by excessive sweating, typically during hot, humid weather. When blocked sweat ducts trap perspiration under your skin, the result is heat rash.

Heat rash symptoms can look like pimples

The two most common types of heat rash, miliaria crystallina and miliaria rubra, can look very similar to acne. In fact, experts at the University of Pittsburgh describes heat rash as looking like “a cluster of red bumps that resemble pimples.”

Miliaria crystallina (sudamina) can appear as small white or clear, fluid-filled bumps on your skin’s surface.
Miliaria rubra (prickly heat) can appear as red bumps on your skin.

Typically, miliaria crystallina is not painful or itchy, while miliaria rubra can cause prickly or itchy sensations.

Heat rashes typically appear on the back, chest, and neck.

The treatment for mild heat rash is to remove yourself from exposure to excessive heat. Your rash will most likely clear once your skin is cool.

If the rash is severe, your doctor may recommend topical treatments, such as:

calamine lotion
anhydrous lanolin
topical steroids

To avoid heat rash, take steps before exposing yourself to situations that might result in heavy sweating. For example, don’t exercise outdoors during the hottest part of the day.

Or, in an especially hot, humid environment, try working out first thing in the morning, before the sun has had a chance to heat things up.

Additional suggestions include:

Wear soft, loose-fitting, lightweight cotton or moisture-wicking clothing when the weather is hot.
Seek shade or air-conditioning during hot weather.
When showering or bathing, use a soap that doesn’t dry your skin and cool water.
Allow your skin to air dry as opposed to using a towel.
Avoid using ointments that can block pores, such as those containing mineral oil or petroleum.
Make sure your sleeping area is well ventilated and cool.

Although excessive sweating can contribute to acne breakouts, your sweat pimples could also be a symptom of heat rash.

You might be able to address both conditions by cooling off and:

avoiding places and activities that increase sweating
washing — but not over-washing or scrubbing — your skin
using gentle antibacterial soaps and non-comedogenic products
cleaning your clothing, bedding, and other materials that come in contact with your skin
wearing loose-fitting, lightweight clothing when the weather is hot

Last medically reviewed on September 13, 2019

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

10 things to try when acne won’t clear. (n.d.).
aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/10-things-to-try-when-acne-wont-clear
12 tips to combat acne. (n.d.).
rush.edu/health-wellness/discover-health/12-tips-combat-acne
Acne. (n.d.).
uhs.wisc.edu/medical/common-student-concerns/acne/
Heat rash: What causes heat rash? (2018).
share.upmc.com/2018/06/what-is-heat-rash/
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Heat rash.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-rash/symptoms-causes/syc-20373276
Miliaria. (n.d.).
aocd.org/page/Miliaria

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Owen Kramer, M.D. — By Scott Frothingham on September 13, 2019

Sweat Pimples vs. Heat Rash: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Health Conditions
- Featured
  - Breast Cancer
  - IBD
  - Migraine
  - Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  - Rheumatoid Arthritis
  - Type 2 Diabetes
- Articles
  - Acid Reflux
  - ADHD
  - Allergies
  - Alzheimer’s & Dementia
  - Bipolar Disorder
  - Cancer
  - Crohn’s Disease
  - Chronic Pain
  - Cold & Flu
  - COPD
  - Depression
  - Fibromyalgia
  - Heart Disease
  - High Cholesterol
  - HIV
  - Hypertension
  - IPF
  - Osteoarthritis
  - Psoriasis
  - Skin Disorders and Care
  - STDs
Discover
- Wellness Topics
  - Nutrition
  - Fitness
  - Skin Care
  - Sexual Health
  - Women’s Health
  - Mental Well-Being
  - Sleep
- Product Reviews
  - Vitamins & Supplements
  - Sleep
  - Mental Health
  - Nutrition
  - At-Home Testing
  - CBD
  - Men’s Health
- Original Series
  - Fresh Food Fast
  - Diagnosis Diaries
  - You’re Not Alone
  - Present Tense
- Video Series
  - Youth in Focus
  - Healthy Harvest
  - No More Silence
  - Future of Health
Plan
- Health Challenges
  - Mindful Eating
  - Sugar Savvy
  - Move Your Body
  - Gut Health
  - Mood Foods
  - Align Your Spine
- Find Care
  - Primary Care
  - Mental Health
  - OB-GYN
  - Dermatologists
  - Neurologists
  - Cardiologists
  - Orthopedists
- Lifestyle Quizzes
  - Weight Management
  - Am I Depressed? A Quiz for Teens
  - Are You a Workaholic?
  - How Well Do You Sleep?
- Tools & Resources
  - Health News
  - Find a Diet
  - Find Healthy Snacks
  - Drugs A-Z
  - Health A-Z
Connect
- - Breast Cancer
  - Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  - Psoriatic Arthritis
  - Migraine
  - Multiple Sclerosis
  - Psoriasis

Medically reviewed by Owen Kramer, M. D. — By Scott Frothingham on September 13, 2019

The combination of sweat, heat, and friction can lead to clogging of pores. Plus, sweat on your skin may keep acne-causing bacteria in place.

Keep reading to learn how to treat and prevent sweat pimples, and how to tell the difference between sweat pimples and bumps caused by heat rash.

Sweat pimples should be treated like any acne breakout:

Gently wash (not scrub) the area twice a day.
Use non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic, oil-free products.
Resist touching or picking.
Use acne medication.
Wash clothing, sheets, or pillowcases that touch your acne-prone skin.

To prevent acne breakouts due to sweating:

Maintain your regular acne treatment routine of washing and medication.
After periods of heavy sweating, shower with antibacterial soap.
Wash your workout clothing regularly.
Avoid tight-fitting clothes and accessories.
When possible, seek cooler areas with lower humidity, particularly during the hottest part of the day.
If possible, take special care to avoid tight clothing or equipment that may be contributing to the breakout (e.g. a chinstrap causing chin acne breakouts).

Another thing to consider is that the bumps on your skin may be a symptom of heat rash, rather than an acne breakout.

Heat rashes are caused by excessive sweating, typically during hot, humid weather. When blocked sweat ducts trap perspiration under your skin, the result is heat rash.

Heat rash symptoms can look like pimples

Miliaria crystallina (sudamina) can appear as small white or clear, fluid-filled bumps on your skin’s surface.
Miliaria rubra (prickly heat) can appear as red bumps on your skin.

Typically, miliaria crystallina is not painful or itchy, while miliaria rubra can cause prickly or itchy sensations.

Heat rashes typically appear on the back, chest, and neck.

The treatment for mild heat rash is to remove yourself from exposure to excessive heat. Your rash will most likely clear once your skin is cool.

If the rash is severe, your doctor may recommend topical treatments, such as:

calamine lotion
anhydrous lanolin
topical steroids

To avoid heat rash, take steps before exposing yourself to situations that might result in heavy sweating. For example, don’t exercise outdoors during the hottest part of the day.

Or, in an especially hot, humid environment, try working out first thing in the morning, before the sun has had a chance to heat things up.

Additional suggestions include:

Wear soft, loose-fitting, lightweight cotton or moisture-wicking clothing when the weather is hot.
Seek shade or air-conditioning during hot weather.
When showering or bathing, use a soap that doesn’t dry your skin and cool water.
Allow your skin to air dry as opposed to using a towel.
Avoid using ointments that can block pores, such as those containing mineral oil or petroleum.
Make sure your sleeping area is well ventilated and cool.

Although excessive sweating can contribute to acne breakouts, your sweat pimples could also be a symptom of heat rash.

You might be able to address both conditions by cooling off and:

avoiding places and activities that increase sweating
washing — but not over-washing or scrubbing — your skin
using gentle antibacterial soaps and non-comedogenic products
cleaning your clothing, bedding, and other materials that come in contact with your skin
wearing loose-fitting, lightweight clothing when the weather is hot

Last medically reviewed on September 13, 2019

How we reviewed this article:

10 things to try when acne won’t clear. (n.d.).
aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/10-things-to-try-when-acne-wont-clear
12 tips to combat acne. (n.d.).
rush.edu/health-wellness/discover-health/12-tips-combat-acne
Acne. (n.d.).
uhs.wisc.edu/medical/common-student-concerns/acne/
Heat rash: What causes heat rash? (2018).
share.upmc.com/2018/06/what-is-heat-rash/
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Heat rash.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-rash/symptoms-causes/syc-20373276
Miliaria. (n.d.).
aocd.org/page/Miliaria

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Owen Kramer, M.D. — By Scott Frothingham on September 13, 2019

Pimples on the body – types, causes, treatment

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life hacks

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Svetlana Misnik In winter, this problem worries us a little, because we wrap ourselves in sweaters and jeans without showing our body to the public. In the summer, when it is customary to be naked, acne on the body can play a cruel joke on you! How to deal with them and where to put yourself? This question was answered by the famous American dermatologist Samantha Banting in her video, the tips from which we share with you.

Why do pimples appear on the body?

The main cause of is excess sebum production, which clogs pores and provokes inflammation (pimples). On the back and shoulders, the density of the sebaceous glands is almost the same as on the face, so it is not surprising that we can see the appearance of acne in these areas.

The second common cause of is improper maintenance. Using body products containing comedogenic ingredients (you should immediately forget about oils in the back and shoulder area), one way or another, will lead to acne. This cannot be avoided! So, as soon as you notice acne on your body, you need to change care products and for the first time use antiseptics with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide in the composition.

The third reason is improper showering. If you wash your body first, and only then your hair, then dirty water with the remnants of shampoo, mask and balm will flow down your back and shoulders, provoking the risk of acne. So – first I wash my hair, and only then – the body.

The fourth reason is self-tanning. Some girls seriously believe that imperfections are not noticeable on a tanned body. And, since many have already figured out that ultraviolet light can provoke the appearance of acne, they switched to self-tanning, which, although it does not cause photoaging of the skin, but acne is easy. The same blockage of the sebaceous glands is to blame.

The fifth reason is hormonal failure. And with this already to the doctor for diagnosis. Only he will determine what exactly caused acne, prescribe the right medications and prescribe the right treatment. A doctor should also be consulted when a change of care does not help. This means only one thing – the problem is not on the surface, but inside.

How to cure acne on the body?

1.

Pay attention to what you wash with. Body cleansers should be gentle, free of harsh ingredients, and preferably contain antibacterial and antioxidant ingredients. The latter will just “monitor” the appearance of new rashes and control the activity of the sebaceous glands.

We advise you to pay your attention to the Juno Sangtumeori Peeling Soap series. It perfectly cleanses the skin of dirt and is suitable for daily use. There are eight products in the series, which differ in the basis and end result. For example, for those who have noticed acne on their body, soap with acai berry extract, aloe vera, charcoal and green tea is ideal.

2.

Mechanical exfoliation should not be abused – it washes away the natural protective barrier from the skin, and can also injure existing pimples on the body, which can lead to infection of the wound and the spread of acne to a larger surface. It is recommended to use a body scrub no more than once a week, wash with a washcloth once every 2-3 days (the rest of the time, just take a shower).

Nice and soft body scrub – Elizavecca Greentea Salt Body Scrub. It consists of 75% sea salt and 25% plant extracts (including green tea), so there is no doubt about its anti-comedogenicity. Scrub qualitatively removes the keratinized layer of cells from the surface of the epidermis, while not injuring the skin. Regular use of the product will help to make the skin clearer, smoother and more even.

3.

Be sure to cleanse the skin after playing sports (again, with gentle means). Sweat is not the best helper in the fight against acne – it only provokes the appearance of new ones, but we generally keep quiet about the unpleasant smell. So immediately after training in the shower, forgetting about embarrassment. Before home, it is better not to endure and wash in the shower of the sports club.

The Saem Body & Soul Cotton Milk Body Wash is ideal for this purpose. It consists of a whole complex of useful components, including milk proteins, argan and cottonseed oils, fatty acids, vitamin E and phytosterols. The gel gently cleanses the skin of sweat, dirt and dead cells, gently cares for and moisturizes the cells. After using the product, you will have only positive impressions, a pleasant aroma, velvety and delicate skin.

4.

Lebelage Moisture Soothing Gel can be applied after cleansing. Any gel from the series is suitable for problem skin of the body, moisturizes, soothes and softens it, as well as relieves rashes and relieves inflammation. The texture of the product is quite light, quickly absorbed and leaves no sticky residue behind.

5.

If you have pimples on your body, tanning, and especially solarium, is contraindicated! The skin under the action of ultraviolet sweats, thereby provoking the appearance of pimples. In addition, UV rays, contrary to the opinion that they dry out pimples, on the contrary, increase the risk of their healing. It’s all about the production of melanin, which significantly reduces collagen synthesis, so scars and post-acne heal much more slowly.

6.

You also need to pay attention to what you eat and what you sleep on. It is recommended to exclude foods with a high glycemic index from the diet – chips, sweets, baked goods, chips, carbonated drinks. It is also advisable to drink less dairy products, minimize sugar and salt intake. The fact is that the metabolic rate and the activity of the sebaceous glands directly depend on nutrition.

7.

Breathable and natural fabrics are recommended as synthetics increase perspiration, cause friction and further irritate the skin causing acne. As for bed linen, it should be changed every two weeks. While we sleep, our microbes colonize the linen and periodically migrate to our skin, provoking the appearance of acne. Such is the cycle.

Items from article

Why pimples appear on the body and how to deal with them

February 15, 2023

Acne and rashes are more commonly associated with facial skin. However, they also occur in other parts of the body, causing discomfort, itching, bad mood and affect self-esteem. Even if they are not noticeable, acne is a problem, as it often signals various diseases or inappropriate skin care.

Before you figure out what to do if acne appears on the body, you need to find out the cause of their occurrence. Perhaps a beautician will find a solution to the problem. Or maybe in your case you need the help of a gastroenterologist or endocrinologist.

What causes pimples on the body

Why do pimples appear on the body? The cause of acne in different areas of the skin can be a number of factors:

Poor body skin care. As a rule, inflammations of various types are manifested due to clogging of pores. Dust and dirt from the street, the remnants of body lotions and creams, sweat – all this clogs the skin, preventing it from updating properly. As a result, the production of subcutaneous fat increases, which leads to the appearance of acne.
Improper maintenance. Perhaps you cleanse your skin daily and thoroughly. However, you use unsuitable mass-market products for this, from which acne appears on the body. Choose products with natural, safe, non-comedogenic ingredients.
Hormonal failure. Another reason why acne appears on the body. It is hormones that affect the production of subcutaneous fat, disrupt the metabolic process in cells. For the same reason, teenagers, women during pregnancy or breastfeeding are more likely to face the problem.
Unbalanced nutrition. What we eat reflects on our skin. You have probably noticed that after some products, the very next day, the skin becomes covered with acne. Take the time to establish the right lifestyle. Make a diet according to the principle of proper nutrition, reduce stress levels and provide yourself with a full healthy sleep.

What to do if pimples appear on the body: acne remedies

How to get rid of pimples on the body at home? Forget about folk recipes – they are ineffective compared to modern skin care cosmetics. The natural cosmeceutical brand MyIDi offers a range of products aimed at deep cleansing of the skin. And the main thing here is the right choice of products for daily care.

Try Phyto Bath Foam Oil. It not only has a rich pleasant aroma, but also contains lactic acid, which can moisturize and protect the skin, restore it after damage and even out the color.

What if the pimples on the body do not go away after regular daily care? Perhaps a deep cleansing is required. For this, peels and scrubs are used. The MyIDi brand offers several types of products: coffee scrub, honey scrub, citrus scrub, etc. They provide a rejuvenating and modeling effect and remove dead skin cells.

How to get rid of acne on the body: regular skin care

Before you figure out how to get rid of acne on the body, reconsider whether there are any mistakes in skin care. Give preference to natural care cosmetics enriched with vitamins, extracts of useful plants, acids. If your skin is prone to breakouts and breakouts, minimize products containing essential oils. They can provoke acne on the body, how to get rid of acne so that there are no scars after it?

Shower daily with gentle skin cleansers made from natural ingredients. Apply them with massaging movements, rinse thoroughly with water.
Keep your towel clean at all times. Change it every 2-3 days.
Apply moisturizing lotions or creams every day after showering.
How to quickly get rid of acne on the body? Use scrubs once a week. They not only exfoliate dead cells, but also enhance the effect of using moisturizing care cosmetics, allowing the lotion to penetrate deeper into the skin cells and tissues.

How to get rid of acne on the body forever: practical recommendations

To get rid of acne on the body once and for all, it is not enough to use cosmetics. It is necessary to completely rethink the principle of skin care, adhering to the basic recommendations:

Choose non-aggressive soft products: shower gels or creams.
Give preference to a shower over a hot bath.
Shower or bathe with warm water. A contrast shower will also be useful. Excessive exposure to hot water on the skin of the body leads to increased production of subcutaneous fat.
Do not overdo it with scrubs and strong mechanical effects on the skin. It can injure her and provoke more inflammation.
After exercising, and at the end of the day, be sure to take a shower.
Improper nutrition is another reason why acne appears on the body, how to get rid of them? Change your lifestyle towards health. Eat more fruits and vegetables, take a preventive dose of vitamin D and Omega-3.

Heat pimples on body: Sweat Pimples vs. Heat Rash: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Sweat Pimples vs. Heat Rash: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Heat rash symptoms can look like pimples

How we reviewed this article:

Read this next

Sweat Pimples vs. Heat Rash: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Heat rash symptoms can look like pimples

How we reviewed this article:

Read this next

Pimples on the body – types, causes, treatment

Why do pimples appear on the body?

How to cure acne on the body?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Why pimples appear on the body and how to deal with them

What causes pimples on the body

What to do if pimples appear on the body: acne remedies

How to get rid of acne on the body: regular skin care

How to get rid of acne on the body forever: practical recommendations

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