What is “Sweat Rash”?

Sweat rash also known as “Miliaria rubra” is a condition that occurs as tiny red pimple-like spots on the body where there is excess sweat production and blockage of the skin pores. It is also commonly known as heat rash or prickly heat. It can occur in a humid and tropical climate, where it is common to experience excessive sweating and heat.

It is commonly noticed in adults working in hot environments like factories, in gym-goers or commonly in women working in the kitchen. This can also occur in babies in young children as their sweat pores are still developing. Excessive humidity and heat can result in heat rash in young children.

It appears as itchy, red, tiny bumps on the skin in the closed areas of the skin like the neck, chest, lower back and body folds. Sometimes it can appear on the forehead when it is known as sweat pimples. The use of tight clothing, and the application of thick moisturizers and oils on the body and face, could increase the clogging of the skin pores and worsen the symptoms.

The sweat rash could be managed with anti-inflammatory gels and antihistamines to prevent redness and inflammation. Applying an ice pack, being in an air-conditioned environment, and cold showers will help with calming and soothe the skin. Taking cold showers after a hard workout or being in a humid climate will help with reducing the pores clogging and will calm the skin down. Cold compress when having a high body temperature like fever will help prevent sweat rashes. Increasing the intake of fluids will improve the hydration of the skin. Avoid occlusive clothing, wearing cotton clothing during summers could prevent heat rash. Maintaining a reasonable cold room temperature with air-conditioning during sleep will especially prevent heat rash on the lower back, lying in a supine position.

Sometimes the heat rash could be complicated with secondary bacterial infection due to excessive scratching on the affected area. It can develop as pus, redness, and crusting with pain in the area. Definite medical advice is required in such a situation. Antibacterial gels and oral antibiotics will help in such infected rashes.