Small pimples on face due to heat. Sweat Pimples vs. Heat Rash: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

06.08.202319.07.2023 by alexxlab

What causes small pimples on the face due to heat? Explore the differences between sweat pimples and heat rash, including their causes, treatments, and prevention tips.

Understanding Sweat Pimples and Heat Rash

When the temperatures rise and the sweat starts flowing, many people may find themselves dealing with small pimples or bumps on their skin. These breakouts can be caused by two distinct skin conditions: sweat pimples and heat rash. While they may appear similar, it’s important to understand the differences between these two skin irritations in order to properly treat and prevent them.

Sweat Pimples: Causes and Treatment

Sweat pimples, also known as acne mechanica, are a type of acne breakout that can occur due to a combination of sweating, heat, and friction. When sweat mixes with bacteria and oil on the skin, it can clog pores and lead to the formation of pimples. Sweat pimples are more likely to appear in areas where sweat and friction are present, such as under headbands, hats, clothing, or backpack straps.

To treat sweat pimples, the key is to gently cleanse the affected area twice a day, using non-comedogenic and oil-free products. Avoid touching or picking at the pimples, and use acne medication as needed. It’s also important to wash any clothing, sheets, or pillowcases that come into contact with the acne-prone skin.

Preventing Sweat Pimples

To prevent sweat pimples, maintain a regular acne treatment routine of washing and using medication. After periods of heavy sweating, be sure to shower with an antibacterial soap. Wash your workout clothing regularly, and avoid tight-fitting clothes and accessories that may contribute to the breakout. If possible, try to seek out cooler, less humid environments, especially during the hottest parts of the day.

Heat Rash: Causes and Symptoms

Another skin condition that can be mistaken for sweat pimples is heat rash, also known as miliaria. Heat rash is caused by excessive sweating, typically in hot, humid weather. When the sweat ducts become blocked, the perspiration becomes trapped under the skin, leading to the formation of small, red bumps that can resemble pimples.

The two most common types of heat rash are miliaria crystallina and miliaria rubra. Miliaria crystallina appears as small, clear or white, fluid-filled bumps on the skin’s surface, while miliaria rubra presents as red, itchy bumps. Heat rashes are typically found on the back, chest, and neck.

Treating and Preventing Heat Rash

The treatment for mild heat rash is to remove yourself from the hot, humid environment and allow your skin to cool down. If the rash is more severe, your doctor may recommend topical treatments such as calamine lotion, anhydrous lanolin, or topical steroids.

To prevent heat rash, it’s important to take steps to avoid excessive sweating in hot, humid conditions. This includes wearing lightweight, breathable clothing, seeking out shade or air-conditioning, and avoiding working out during the hottest parts of the day. When showering or bathing, use a gentle, non-drying soap and allow your skin to air dry instead of using a towel.

Distinguishing Sweat Pimples from Heat Rash

While sweat pimples and heat rash may appear similar, there are some key differences to look for. Sweat pimples are more likely to appear in areas where friction and pressure are present, such as under headbands or clothing. Heat rash, on the other hand, is more commonly found on the back, chest, and neck.

Another distinguishing factor is the presence of itching or prickly sensations. Miliaria rubra, the more severe form of heat rash, can cause these uncomfortable symptoms, while sweat pimples typically do not.

Seeking Medical Advice

If you’re unsure whether your skin condition is sweat pimples or heat rash, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist or other healthcare provider. They can properly diagnose the issue and provide the appropriate treatment recommendations. In some cases, the condition may require a more specialized treatment plan, particularly if it is severe or persistent.

By understanding the differences between sweat pimples and heat rash, as well as their respective causes, treatments, and prevention strategies, you can better manage these common skin irritations and keep your skin healthy and clear, even during the hottest and sweatiest of days.

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

Why heat causes acne and what to do about it

Fighting imperfections

Tags:

Skin care

summer care

Hot summer is not only an excuse to put on your favorite light dresses, but also a reason for the deterioration of the skin condition. When the thermometer crosses the 25°C mark, acne and irritation worsen not only in those whose skin is prone to it, but also in those who do not encounter such a problem at all throughout the year. And since we have not yet learned how to influence the weather, we have to restructure our skin care. Here’s what you can do to deal with acne in the heat.

Why does acne appear in hot weather?

To begin with, let’s figure out what happens in the summer that even the owners of the most even and clean skin get acne. Firstly, at high temperatures, sweating increases significantly. Wet skin becomes more vulnerable, more dust and dirt “sticks” to it, which, together with sweat, ends up in the pores. And if on top, to get rid of the oily sheen, you also cover it all with powder, the appearance of acne cannot be avoided. In addition, drying in the sun, sweat leaves small particles of salt on the skin, which cause additional irritation.

In addition to sweat, the sun itself has a bad effect on the condition of the skin. There is a common myth that sunburn dries up acne and helps get rid of them, but this is not at all true. Ultraviolet has a detrimental effect on the skin, not only destroying collagen, but also seriously injuring the protective barrier. Thus, it becomes easier for bacteria to penetrate the skin and cause inflammation.

What to do about it?

So, as we said above, ultraviolet radiation adversely affects the protective barrier of the skin, which means you need to protect yourself from it. Sunscreen for the summer should be chosen with a protection degree of at least SPF50, while trying to use light, moisturizing products that suit your skin type. Otherwise, the product will certainly protect you from the sun, but the skin condition may worsen. We talked about how to choose the right sunscreen here.

Don’t forget to cleanse and tone your skin in the morning before sunscreen and in the evening after. If you have such an opportunity, it is better to wash your face also in the middle of the day, before that carefully removing the remnants of SPF from the skin, and then renew it. In addition, if you really want to get rid of oily sheen, you should not use powder: it will only clog pores more, mixing with sweat, dirt and sunscreen residue. For this purpose, matting wipes are better suited.

If in hot weather inflammations appear not on the face, but on the body, this can also be fought. Firstly, try not to wear synthetic fabrics during the hottest days, they do not breathe and provoke even more inflammation. The same goes for tight-fitting clothing. A loose-fitting dress or suit made of linen or cotton is the best thing to wear in thirty-degree fat. By the way, the same applies to underwear. After each shower, do not forget to carefully moisturise – microcracks form in dry skin, which are easier for bacteria to penetrate. In addition, special lotions with BHA acids can be used in the most “dangerous” areas.

Why hot spots appear and how to get rid of them. Pimples in the heat

Why can pimples appear in summer even for those who are not prone to acne and acne? Summer acne – are they special? And how to deal with acne on the face in the heat?

Causes of pimples in the heat

Unfortunately, a very common misconception is that exposure to the sun helps get rid of rashes, dry and make the skin clearer. This is wrong. On hot and fine summer days, the risk of exacerbation of various rashes increases sharply. Pimples can appear even in those who are not prone to acne or acne. And there are several reasons for this:

Increased perspiration: when the skin is sweating, it becomes more vulnerable, more dust and dirt “sticks” to wet skin, in addition, wet areas are quickly damaged by friction (of hands or clothes). Micro-wounds that form on wet skin are like a gateway to the depths for microbes and bacteria that “stuck” along with dust. Also, when sweat dries, it leaves behind particles of salt, which lead to irritation.
Toxic load on the skin: in urban conditions it is hot and stuffy on the street, there is no wind, so smog and various harmful impurities accumulate in the atmosphere. They cover our skin with an invisible layer from the outside and sometimes stay there all day long. Such long-term pollution gives an additional toxic load on the skin (in addition, the substances that make up smog can enter into chemical reactions on the skin), which provokes rashes.
Sun: increased ultraviolet radiation reduces skin immunity, which makes it easier for various bacteria and microorganisms to provoke rashes. There is a very dangerous belief that sunburn can reduce the number of pimples. In fact, this is not so. At first, it is quite possible that after exposure to the sun, the rashes will dry out and visually they will become less. But then, the action of solar radiation will reduce immunity and inflammation will return back with a triple force. Moreover, there is a kind of disease that is called “solar acne”. Here, inflammation appears precisely after exposure to the sun.

How to get rid of acne in the summer and prevent their appearance

Proper care will help prevent the appearance of unwanted elements on the face:

Prevention measures definitely include daily creams with a sunscreen filter. They significantly reduce the negative effect of solar radiation on the skin.
Proper cleaning is also necessary. When the skin is sweating or stuffy outside and smog, then cleansing should be not only in the evening, but also in the middle of the day. During the day, wipe your face several times with a cotton pad moistened with tonic or thermal water. These products will wash off salt, sweat and smog particles well. After that, a cream with SPF should be applied to the skin.
Morning and evening cleansing should also be enhanced with tonics and moisturizing ingredients. These products are used after washing and before applying a day / night cream.
In the summer, exclude scrubbing products from your home cosmetic bag, they cause additional damage.

If the “terrible” has already happened and every day the rashes are getting more and more, you need to contact a specialist. Self-treatment in this case is dangerous: irregularities similar to craters (post-acne) and even age spots may remain on the face.

Most often, the problem of pimples is solved with the help of products containing acids – but in the summer they cannot be used.

Small pimples on face due to heat. Sweat Pimples vs. Heat Rash: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Understanding Sweat Pimples and Heat Rash

Sweat Pimples: Causes and Treatment

Preventing Sweat Pimples

Heat Rash: Causes and Symptoms

Treating and Preventing Heat Rash

Distinguishing Sweat Pimples from Heat Rash

Seeking Medical Advice

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

Why heat causes acne and what to do about it

Why does acne appear in hot weather?

What to do about it?

Why hot spots appear and how to get rid of them. Pimples in the heat

Causes of pimples in the heat

How to get rid of acne in the summer and prevent their appearance

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