Redness, itching, tingling… With heatwave episodes, heat rash reappears. Often benign, these small rashes can quickly become very uncomfortable. Fortunately, a few simple actions can limit their appearance and soothe the skin.
When the heat puts a strain on the skin
With each episode of extreme heat, the skin is subjected to a real challenge. To lower body temperature, it produces perspiration. But when heat, humidity and perspiration accumulate, evaporation no longer occurs properly.
Result: the sweat ducts can become blocked and trap sweat under the skin. These small eruptions, also called crystalline miliaria, then appear in the form of pimples, sometimes accompanied by itching, redness or a feeling of heating.
The most affected areas are those where perspiration is heavy or where friction is frequent: the neck, back, chest, armpits, under the breasts or even the folds of the groin.
Who is most concerned?
Heat rash particularly affects infants and young children, but they are not reserved for them. Athletes, people exposed to hot and humid environments or those prone to repeated friction are also at greater risk.
Dr. Toni Ionesco, dermatologist and medical director of Uriage Dermatological Laboratories, explains that these spots correspond to an obstruction in the elimination of sweat in the superficial layers of the skin. This water retention causes the formation of small vesicles filled with a clear liquid, which rupture easily. In particular, he recommends hydrating the skin, soothing it and preserving its natural barrier in order to maintain comfortable skin and limit the appearance of these breakouts.
Good reflexes to limit heat rash
Faced with high temperatures, several simple actions are recommended by dermatologists to preserve the comfort of the skin:
- Regularly cool the skin when it is heated;
- Limit layers of cosmetic products;
- Wear loose, breathable clothing;
- Reduce moisture in skin folds;
- Prevent repeated friction;
- Avoid textures that are too greasy or occlusive during periods of high heat.
These measures make it possible to reduce the main factors responsible for the appearance of heat rash: heat, maceration, humidity and friction.
In which cases should you seek medical advice?
Most of the time, heat rash goes away with these simple measures. However, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional if the lesions persist, spread, become painful, show signs of infection, or in case of doubt in an infant or young child.
With the increase in heatwave episodes, these skin irritations are becoming an increasingly frequent summer concern. To limit discomfort, the main reflexes remain the same: refresh the skin, reduce maceration, wear breathable clothing, protect areas of friction and use appropriate care to soothe weakened skin.