How to Treat a Heat Rash on the Face in Babies and Adults
Medically reviewed by Josephine Hessert, DOMedically reviewed by Josephine Hessert, DOA heat rash, otherwise known as prickly heat or miliaria, occurs when sweat gets trapped in the skin, causing inflammation. It can develop anywhere on the body, but on the face, it typically develops due to blocked sweat glands from wearing a face covering, such as a mask.A heat rash is often painful and occurs in humid or hot weather. Anyone of any age can be affected by heat rash.This article discusses what a heat rash looks like, its symptoms, and how to find relief.
PeopleImages / Getty Images' title='Close up of woman's face sweating '>
PeopleImages / Getty Images
What Does a Heat Rash on the Face Look Like?A heat rash will look similar regardless of the area of the body in which it develops. When it's on the face, it will likely be red and have raised spots that may or may not be filled with fluid.In people with darker skin tones, the spots may appear white or gray, and the rash will be less visible.There are three types of heat rashes, each categorized by severity based on how deep in the skin the trapped sweat is. They include:
Learn More: What a Heat Rash Looks Like on Darker Skin (and What to Do Next)
Miliaria CrystallinaMiliaria crystallina is a mild form of heat rash that occurs when the sweat ducts nearest the skin’s surface are obstructed or blocked.It presents as 1–2 millimeters (mm) superficial clear blisters that are easily broken and could look like beads of sweat. Once broken, they develop into a scale-like patch on the skin. These typically develop on the head, neck, and upper torso.Miliaria RubaMiliaria ruba is the most common heat rash and often develops in people who have recently moved to tropical climates. It appears as redness with 2 to 4 mm itchy papules (bumps). These often develop on the torso, neck, scalp, and skinfolds.Miliaria ProfundaMiliaria profunda is the rarest and most severe type and is typically only found in adult males. It develops as 1–3 mm diameter elevated papules without other symptoms. They are typically the same color as the skin and develop on the torso, arms, and legs. What Type of Heat Rash is Most Common on the Face?Miliaria crystallina and miliaria ruba are more likely to develop on the face than miliaria profunda.
Learn More: Heat Rash: What It Looks Like and How to Treat It
How Long Does a Heat Rash Last? Once you begin treating a heat rash, it typically takes one to two days to go away.In severe cases, the rash could last a week or longer.
Related: Heat Rash vs. Sun Poisoning: What’s the Difference?
How to Find Relief From a Heat Rash on the FaceYou can find relief from a heat rash on the face in various ways. They revolve around cooling down and preventing irritation.BabiesIf your baby has a heat rash on their face, you can help reduce irritation and discomfort by:Cooling off the skin using a cool and wet washcloth for up to 10 minutes before letting the skin air dryDressing them in as little layers as possibleLowering the temperature within the home to provide a cool environmentUsing a fan for sleepingUsing baby-approved over-the-counter creams for itching or calamine lotionAdultsAdults can find relief from a heat rash by:Using a fan or air conditioner and staying in cool areas while the rash healsTaking a cool shower and completely drying off the skin afterwardsApplying a cool compress to the area of the face that’s affected by the rashAvoiding wearing tight-fitting clothes made of synthetic materials that trap heatUsing over-the-counter anti-itch creams or calamine lotion to curb itchiness while the rash heals Can Heat Rash Get Worse?In some cases, a heat rash can become infected. If this happens, it can spread, or there will be pus in the bumps. A heat rash infection, especially in children, often requires prompt care from a medical care provider. Other signs that indicate the rash needs medical attention include:FeverIncreased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the rash areaRed streaks extending from the areaSwollen lymph nodes
Learn More: Heat Rash in Children
Other Heat Rash SymptomsAside from the rash and itchiness, other symptoms may be present if you have a heat rash on the face. They can include:Prickly pins-and-needles feeling in the areaWater blistersSwelling Heat Rash ComplicationsComplications can arise from a heat rash in rare cases. Those complications can include:Secondary bacterial infectionsImpaired body temperature regulationExcessive sweating in areas not affected by the rash
How to Prevent a Heat RashThere are ways to prevent heat rash from developing in the future. They are typically the same for adults and children and can include:Dressing yourself or your child or infant in as few clothes as possible in hot weatherChoosing light, loose-fitting clothing made of cotton or other breathable materialsKeeping the skin cool and dry at all timesStaying in cool and well-ventilated areas as much as possible Getting Acclimated If you have recently moved to a warmer climate and developed a heat rash, your body likely needs time to adjust to the heat. After the rash has healed, you can gradually expose yourself or your child to warmer temperatures so the skin can acclimate over time, reducing the risk of a heat rash developing again.
When to Contact a Healthcare ProviderA heat rash can generally be treated at home and isn’t always a cause for concern. In some cases, however, seeing a healthcare provider is crucial, as is the case if you suspect an infection has developed. You should see a healthcare provider for a heat rash if:It doesn’t go away or improve after a week of at-home treatments.It becomes more and more painful.The itchiness intensifies over time.You’re generally worried about your baby’s heat rash, even in the absence of typical signs of infection.
Learn More: A Guide to Which Rashes You Should Worry About
SummaryA heat rash is not usually a cause for concern, but it can lead to pain, discomfort, and itchiness, which can be treated using at-home remedies. These include using a cold compress on the area to cool down the skin, letting the skin breathe, and avoiding heat exposure.If your child develops a heat rash on their face, the treatment protocols are typically similar, but if it worries you, you can make an appointment with your healthcare provider for tips on how to ease symptoms while the rash heals.In some cases, complications can arise, such as infections and excessive sweating in other areas of the body. If you suspect your or your child's heat rash is infected, contact your healthcare provider. They will be able to provide suitable treatments depending on the severity of the infection. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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