Overview
Mangoes, ice apples, ice cream and vacation, are indicative of the summer season. All these small pleasures have the ability to briefly distract us from the season's dreadful heat. But red patches that appear on the nose or in the centre of the forehead remind us of summer's harsh realities.
These look like pimples and appear on the face and body. Treating the real issue is wise rather than covering up heat pimples with makeup. Give the skin more attention to eliminate the problems rather than avoiding the pimples.
What are heat pimples?
Heat pimples, sometimes referred to as heat rashes or sweat rashes, are tiny, red bumps on the skin. These are common types of skin irritation that can develop when sweat becomes clogged in the pores. Heat pimples come in groups.
The clogging or obstruction can result in inflammation which leads to the development of red bumps or acne on the skin.
It happens as a result of too much heat, pressure, skin rubbing and frictional force. It intensifies when the skin is compressed, overheated, or wrapped in tight clothing or headbands.
When the internal body temperature exceeds the normal temperature (98.6 degrees Celsius), we may experience an unexpected breakout of pimples.
These heat pimples most commonly affect the back, chest, face (on the eye rims, forehead, and lips), buttocks, back of the neck, and shoulders.
Causes of heat pimples
- Hot weather - Heat pimples are more prevalent in humid and hot conditions because the high humidity can cause sweat to get trapped in the pores and form a blockage.
- Heat exhaustion - Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats, which increases sweating and makes us break out in heat pimples.
- Excessive sweating - Heat pimples can develop due to excessive sweating resulting from being in a hot atmosphere for a prolonged time or engaging in physical exercise.
- Tight clothing - A person's clothing exerts pressure and retains heat if it is too tight, as with athletes who dress in skintight sportswear. It is difficult for the skin to breathe when wearing clothing made of leather or synthetic materials, which might cause acne mechanica.
- Tight bags or headbands - Carrying bags with straps that push against the skin, such as backpacks, purses, or other bags. Wearing hats, scarves, or other headwear that is too tight to move.
- Rubbing the skin against clothing or a phone can also cause heat pimples.
- Obesity - Being overweight or obese might increase sweating, which raises the possibility of developing heat rashes.
- Medical conditions - Some illnesses, including Diabetes and hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), make us sweat more and raise the chance of getting skin rash.
- Alcohol consumption - Drinking alcohol might make us sweat more and dehydrate, leading to heat bumps.
- Prescription drugs - Some drugs, including anticholinergics and antipsychotics, also put us at risk of getting heat bumps.
- Not showering after working out - Not taking a shower after working out might cause sweat to dry on the skin, increasing the risk of heat pimples.
Symptoms of heat pimples
Heat pimples, often referred to as sweat pimples or folliculitis, are skin irritation that arise as a result of sweating and germs getting clogged in the pores of the skin.
They usually appear on the body parts that sweat the most, such as the face, neck, back, chest and arms.
The primary signs and symptoms of heat pimples include,
- Small, red skin lumps.
- A burning or itching sensation.
- Swollen or painful areas near the bumps.
- Blisters or lumps filled with pus.
- Flaking or scaling skin.
Remedies to treat heat pimples
Honey
Honey has long been known for its ability to fight infections. Due to its antimicrobial properties, the infection that leads to pimples may be reduced. This golden miracle also cools and relaxes the skin.
For an effective relief, we require
- Honey - 1 tablespoon.
Method
- Apply honey on the pimples directly using the gauze's end.
- Let this dry on the skin for at least 30 minutes. Wash it off from the face after this.
- Use this three to four times every day.
Aloe vera
The skin benefits greatly from the cooling aloe vera gel. The antibacterial properties of aloe vera soothe the skin while also reducing bacterial infections that result in pimples. Aloe vera gel also promotes quicker recovery.
How to use it?
Apply aloe vera gel to the heat bumps. Use natural aloe vera or purchase an authentic aloe vera gel from the market.
Apply the gel to the heat pimples and let it stay all night; wash it off in the morning. Use this on a daily basis.
Castor oil
One of the main components of castor oil, ricinoleic acid, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. This can reduce the heat of pimples along with inflammation.
Ingredients required
- Castor oil - two to three drops.
- Sandalwood oil - few drops.
- Hot water - 250 millilitres.
How to use it?
- Mix sandalwood oil and a few drops of castor oil well.
- Let the mixture cool for 5 to 6 minutes. Add this to boiling water.
- Apply this oil to the face.
- Wash it off and pat the face dry the following morning.
- Use this remedy twice a week.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice is an effective natural treatment for reducing hot pimples on the face because of its acidic and exfoliating qualities. The high vitamin C in lemon juice and antimicrobial properties help heal acne and soothe the skin, preventing inflammation and scarring. Regular application can give the skin a nice glow.
How to use it?
Apply the mixture to the pimples with a cotton ball and a teaspoon of honey and lemon juice. After letting it dry on the pimples for five minutes, rinse with cool water. Using this once a day helps heat pimples from developing.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar's antibacterial properties allow it to successfully fight bacterial infections. This might help in heat pimple relief and hastens to heal.
Water and 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar are all required for this remedy.
- Add water to a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
- Apply a cotton ball dipped in this solution to the heat bump.
- Wash this after a couple of hours.
- This can be done once every day.
Turmeric powder
Turmeric is an effective natural home remedy that has been used for centuries to cure several skin issues. Turmeric contains a substance called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can eliminate bacteria that cause acne.
It prevents outbreaks with its antibacterial properties. Additionally, using turmeric on the skin can give it a healthy glow.
How to use it?
- Make a thick paste by combining 1–2 tablespoons of curd with 1–2 teaspoons of turmeric powder.
- Apply this to the heat pimples and leave it on the face until it dries. Then use cold water to rinse it off.
Sandalwood oil
Heat rash may benefit from the anti-inflammatory and cooling properties of sandalwood oil.
Ways to apply sandalwood oil
- Combine a few drops of sandalwood oil with carrier oil (coconut or jojoba oil).
- Massage the affected region gently with this oil combination.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes on the skin and rinse it off.
- Use this once a day.
A patch test should always precede the use of sandalwood oil because certain persons can experience skin sensitivity when exposed to it. Consult a dermatologist and discontinue taking the oil if itchiness or other negative effects occur.
Cucumber
Being rich in bioactive ingredients, cucumber extracts help reduce the effect of heat pimples and scars that develop as a result of body heat. It has a cooling effect on the skin.
Ingredients
- Fresh cucumber
How to use it?
- Grate a fresh cucumber and remove the pulp.
- Apply this on the heat pimple.
- After 15 minutes, rinse it off with cool water.
Use this paste once daily for quick results. For a cooling impact on the skin and to heal pimples, place the cucumber pulp in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
Neem leaves
Neem powder, prepared from dried leaves of the neem tree, offers several medical benefits that could be useful for treating heat rash.
Neem powder has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help reduce inflammation, swelling and infection.
Neem powder for heat rash,
- To make a paste, combine one teaspoon of neem powder with a few drops of water.
- Apply the paste to the affected area and let it sit there for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Rinse the paste with cool water.
- Repeat this procedure a couple of times a day.
Preventing heat pimples
Preventing heat pimples from developing involves practising the following preventive measures.
- Adequate hydration is rendered by consuming 3–4 litres of water daily, lowering body temperature and managing pimple outbreaks.
- Exercise has been shown to lower body temperature inside and also aid in removing toxins from the skin.
- Avoid popping or attempting to extract these pimples because doing so could leave scars. Keep the fingers away from them and allow them to heal without intrusion.
- Consume a lot of water-rich fruits and vegetables. Eat foods like melons, tomatoes, cucumbers, oranges, and coconut water.
- Never use hot water to cool down. It is always recommended to use lukewarm water. The body may become warmer when using hot water, which could lead to additional breakouts.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, preferably cotton. Avoid wearing clothing with too many layers, synthetic materials, or clothing with a tight fit.
- Avoid going outside in the sun as it will not only make us sweat more and become hotter, but it will also raise the risk of getting sunburn, rashes or heat pimples.
Conclusion
Heat pimples are a condition that manifests as tiny, red bumps which go away in a few days. It can be painful and itch or irritate.
Maintaining the affected region cool and dry, avoiding hot baths and showers, using mild, unscented skincare ingredients, and other measures might help manage the discomfort of heat pimples and hasten the healing process.
FAQs
How do you get rid of heat pimples fast?
2. Use oil-free, non-comedogenic, and acne-resistant products.
3. Don't touch or pick the heat pimples.
4. Wash any bedding, clothes, or pillowcases that come into contact with the acne-prone skin.
