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.

 

Several forms of miliaria can be distinguished, differing in the depth of the sweat duct blockage and their clinical presentation:

• Crystalline miliaria: this is a very superficial blockage 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;
• Rubra miliaria: also called "prickly heat" or "bourbouille", it results from a deeper blockage within the epidermis. Sweat becomes trapped in the epidermis and sometimes the dermis, causing small red lesions accompanied by itching and prickling sensations;
• Pustular miliaria: this is a progression of rubra miliaria. It is distinguished by the presence of pustules, that is, small pus-filled lesions, instead of simple inflammatory papules;
• Deep miliaria is the rarest form. It is linked to a deeper blockage, at the junction between the dermis and the 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 is encouraged 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 problem.

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 bumps on your skin
• You feel a tingling or burning sensation
• You experience itching
• The bumps appear 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 effective steps to quickly relieve heat rash

For 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 the symptoms.

Dry without rubbing

After showering, be sure to gently pat your skin dry 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.

Let the skin breathe

When possible, expose the affected areas to the 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 promote moisture buildup.

Heat rash on the face: cleanse gently and moisturize

After sweating, gentle cleansing helps remove sweat, impurities, and residue from the skin’s surface. 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: apply it directly with your hands rather than with a washcloth to avoid rubbing the lesions too much.

 

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

 

The goal is not to use multiple products to make the spots disappear quickly, but to create an environment conducive to their disappearance: skin that is clean, fresh, dry, and sufficiently hydrated. The Grangettes Switzerland soothing cream is your best ally here: it contains hydrating and soothing ingredients that care for your skin, calm it, and limit 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 appears on the body, the Grangettes Switzerland body regenerating milk 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 apply the product delicately and let the skin gradually regain its balance.

What to avoid...

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

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

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