Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAppearanceDurationReliefOther SymptomsPreventionSeeking Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Appearance
Duration
Relief
Other Symptoms
Prevention
Seeking Medical Care
A heat rash, otherwise known asprickly heator 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.
This article discusses what a heat rash looks like, its symptoms, and how to find relief.
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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 discolored and haveraised spotsthatmay or may not be filled with fluid.
In people with light skin, the rash will appear red. In those with darker skin tones, the spots may appear white or gray, and the rash will be less visible.
What a Heat Rash Looks Like on Darker Skin (and What to Do Next)
Miliaria Crystallina
Miliaria 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) superficialclear blistersthat 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 Ruba
Miliaria ruba is the most common heat rash and often develops in people who have recently moved to tropical climates. It appears as discoloration with 2 to 4 mm itchypapules(bumps). These often develop on the torso, neck, scalp, and skinfolds.
What Causes Heat Rash?
Miliaria Profunda
Miliaria 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.
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.
What Does a Heat Rash Look Like and How Is It Treated?
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.
Heat Rash vs. Sun Poisoning: What’s the Difference?
How to Find Relief From a Heat Rash on the Face
You can findrelief from a heat rashon the face in various ways. They revolve around cooling down and preventing irritation.
Babies
Adults
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, skin discoloration, or warmth around the rash areaDiscolored or red streaks extending from the areaSwollen lymph nodes
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, skin discoloration, or warmth around the rash areaDiscolored or red streaks extending from the areaSwollen lymph nodes
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:
Heat Rash in Children
Other Heat Rash Symptoms
Aside from the rash and itchiness, other symptoms may be present if you have a heat rash on the face. They can include:
Heat Rash Complications
Complications can arise from a heat rash in rare cases. Those complications can include:
How to Prevent a Heat Rash
There are ways to prevent heat rash from developing in the future. They are typically the same for adults and children and can include:
Getting AcclimatedIf 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.
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 Provider
A 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:
10 Warning Signs to Seek Immediate Care for a Rash
Summary
A 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.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.UK National Health Service.Heat rash (prickly heat).DermNet.Heat rash (miliaria).Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School.Heat rash: How to spot it and what to do.Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Foundation.Heat rash.Health Link BC.Heat rash.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.UK National Health Service.Heat rash (prickly heat).DermNet.Heat rash (miliaria).Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School.Heat rash: How to spot it and what to do.Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Foundation.Heat rash.Health Link BC.Heat rash.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
UK National Health Service.Heat rash (prickly heat).DermNet.Heat rash (miliaria).Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School.Heat rash: How to spot it and what to do.Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Foundation.Heat rash.Health Link BC.Heat rash.
UK National Health Service.Heat rash (prickly heat).
DermNet.Heat rash (miliaria).
Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School.Heat rash: How to spot it and what to do.
Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Foundation.Heat rash.
Health Link BC.Heat rash.
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