Hyperhidrosis Related Issues: Heat Rash

Living with hyperhidrosis has its challenges. One of these is heat rash, that prickly, uncomfortable feeling on your skin that comes from the mix of extreme sweat, raised temperatures, and high humidity.

You won’t get a heat rash from sweating alone, but as soon as the weather turns hot and humid, you are more at risk for developing one. Understanding how a heat rash develops will help you protect yourself from getting it or help you manage it better if you do.

Hyperhidrosis, characterized by excessive sweating beyond the body’s need for temperature regulation, can lead to the development of heat rash, also known as prickly heat or miliaria. Read further as we explore the intricate relationship between hyperhidrosis and heat rash to understand the causes and symptoms of heat rash and gain practical insights into its prevention and management.

Understanding Heat Rash

Prickly heat or heat rash is a common skin condition caused by sweat getting trapped under the skin and inside the sweat ducts. The skin becomes inflamed which shows up as a rash. A heat rash can manifest as either tiny, red bumps or blisters. These bumps can be intensely itchy and cause general discomfort, or a prickling feeling under the skin. The trapped sweat creates the perfect environment for the growth of bacteria that makes the inflammation and itching worse.

Identifying Heat Rash

Being able to identify heat rash as soon as it occurs is the first step to effective treatment. The appearance of the rash varies depending on the type of heat rash.

Miliaria crystallina, the mildest form, appears as small, clear blisters that break easily.
Miliaria rubra, the most common form, manifests as red bumps and may be associated with itching and discomfort.
Miliaria profunda, the least common but most severe form, results in deeper, flesh-colored lesions.

Heat Rash from Sweating

While heat rash can be caused by a variety of factors, one of the primary culprits is, indeed, excessive sweating. When the body produces more sweat than can evaporate from the skin’s surface, the sweat ducts can get clogged up. In people with hyperhidrosis, overactive sweat glands produce more sweat than the body needs. This increases the likelihood the sweat ducts will become blocked.

Other Causes of Heat Rash

Other than developing rashes from heat and sweat, this skin condition can also be caused by other factors. High temperatures and humid environments combined with the friction caused by tight clothes or folds in the skin can lead to miliaria. Infants are particularly prone to heat rashes because their sweat ducts are not yet fully developed.

Some other causes could be prolonged bed rest where heat is allowed to stay trapped under the covers, or even by sleeping under too many blankets. A heat rash could simply be caused by exercise that leads to sweating more than usual. Certain medications and creams can block the sweat glands or reduce the skin’s ability to breathe which may then also cause a heat rash.

Hyperhidrosis and Heat Rash

Unfortunately, hyperhidrosis offers the perfect conditions for heat rash to develop. Because hyperactive sweat glands are always producing sweat, there is very little time for the sweat to evaporate efficiently. It then accumulates beneath the skin’s surface, and the sweat ducts become blocked. This is fertile ground for heat rash.

For anyone with hyperhidrosis, heat rash is an unwelcome side effect, especially when it occurs in areas where sweat accumulates or where there is skin friction. The underarms, neck, chest, back, and groin are common areas where heat rash can manifest, mirroring the primary zones of hyperhidrosis-induced sweating.

Heat rash can have a huge impact on daily activities and general quality of life due to the persistent itching, tingling, and prickling sensations it causes. This in turn leads to self-limiting behaviors such as avoiding social interactions or restricting choices in clothing due to worry that they will exacerbate the heat rash symptoms.

Addressing the connection between hyperhidrosis and heat rash needs a multi-faceted approach. Managing hyperhidrosis itself, through medical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and specialized antiperspirants, can play a pivotal role in reducing the excessive sweating that contributes to heat rash. Dermatologists and healthcare professionals can provide personalized insights into managing both these conditions together. They can offer advice on suitable skincare products, recommend tailored treatments to alleviate heat rash symptoms, and explore options for managing rashes from heat and sweat.

Prevention and Management

Individuals with hyperhidrosis can take specific steps to minimize their risk of developing heat rash.

These steps include:

Regular showers or bathing can help to cleanse the skin of excess sweat and any bacteria. Mild, fragrance-free soap is recommended.
Loose-fitting, breathable fabrics and clothing allow sweat to evaporate more effectively. It is best to avoid tight clothing that can trap sweat against the skin.
When possible, choose to be in air-conditioned or cooler, indoor, or shaded environments, especially when the weather is hot and humid. Use fans or air conditioning to help maintain a cooler body temperature.
Talcum or cornstarch-based powders can help absorb excess moisture and reduce friction in areas prone to rashes from heat and sweat.
Drink lots of water. Staying well-hydrated supports overall skin health and can help regulate the body temperature. A spray bottle of water works well for refreshing spritzes of water on the skin as needed.

Treatment Options

For mild cases of heat rash from sweating, self-care measures can often provide relief. Applying cool compresses to the affected areas, avoiding tight clothing, and using over-the-counter creams containing hydrocortisone or calamine can help reduce itching and inflammation. However, it’s important to avoid heavy creams or ointments that can block sweat ducts even further.

In more severe or persistent cases of heat rash, it is recommended you consult a healthcare professional. A doctor can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatments. These may include prescription-strength creams or ointments, oral medications to reduce inflammation, or antibiotics if an infection develops.

When a Heat Rash Could Be Something More Serious

While heat rash is typically a benign skin condition, there are times when it could be indicative of a more serious underlying issue. It’s essential to recognize the signs that warrant medical attention.

If you experience the following, it is best to consult your healthcare professional:

If the rash becomes increasingly red, swollen, and painful.
The presence of pus or fluid-filled blisters.
If you develop a fever alongside the heat rash.
If the rash spreads rapidly or becomes more intense despite home care.
If the itching, discomfort, or pain persists for an extended period.
If the lymph nodes under the arms, in the neck, or in the groin become swollen.

Heat rash and hyperhidrosis don’t need to ruin your quality of life. The Center for Hyperhidrosis offers professional support for hyperhidrosis and related conditions.