Heat boils on face: Causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention

Excessive heat and humidity can lead to uncomfortable and painful skin conditions. One such condition is heat boils, red and swollen bumps that develop when sweat gets trapped in the clogged pores.

Heat boils most commonly occur on the face and can be pretty bothersome. Read on to learn what causes heat boils on the face, their symptoms, treatment options, and tips to prevent their recurrence.

What are the causes of heat boils on the face?

Heat boils, also known medically as miliaria rubra, form when sweat ducts become blocked, and perspiration gets trapped underneath the skin. This causes inflammation and visibly red bumps. There are several potential causes behind clogged sweat glands. Some notable heat boils on the face causes include the following:

  • Hot and humid weather: Excessive sweating in hot and humid conditions can expand the sweat ducts until they close up. This can trap sweat beneath the skin, leading to painful red bumps.
  • Tight clothing and equipment: Tight-fitting hats, helmets, face masks, and headbands can put pressure on the skin and cause friction, leading to blocked sweat ducts.
  • Occlusive skin care products: Heavy creams, ointments, and foundations can clog pores on facial skin, obstructing the sweat glands.
  • Bacteria and fungi: Microbes like staph can infect sweat gland ducts, leading to inflammation and pus-filled pimples.
  • Skin conditions: Eczema, dermatitis, acne, and other skin issues can all trigger heat boils.

Anything that blocks sweat ducts, from hot and humid weather and tight clothing to product buildup and skin infections, can cause uncomfortable heat pimples on the face.

Importantly, do not try to pick on any existing acne. The Pink Foundry offers an Acne Care & Healing Gel Moisturiser with Tea Tree & Cica to help speed up acne healing.

Also read: Link Between Your Diet and Acne: Foods that Causes Acne

Symptoms of heat boils on the face

How do you know if the facial red bumps are heat boils? Some classic symptoms of heat boils include:

  • Clusters of small red bumps on the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead and other oil-prone areas
  • Bumps resemble acne pimples but are uniform in size and more densely clustered.
  • Tenderness, burning or itching sensations in the affected area
  • Pimples filled with clear fluid or pus
  • Worsening symptoms with increased heat and sweating

Heat boils and feels like prickly heat or sweat rashes. The small, uniform pimples are tender to the touch but can itch, burn, or sting. Unlike more chronic acne breakouts, they tend to appear suddenly after heat exposure and improve quickly with cooling.

Heat boils on face treatment

Facial heat boils can be treated by following these tips:

  1. Cool compresses: Apply cool and wet washcloths or ice packs wrapped in cloth to the affected area for 10-15 minutes several times a day. This can help soothe the irritation and promote drainage.
  2. Avoid irritants: Avoid friction from tight clothing and hats. Stop using occlusive creams and cosmetics until the heat rashes resolve. Try wearing loose and breathable clothing.
  3. Gentle cleansing: Use a mild soap-free cleanser and lukewarm water to wash the affected area gently once or twice a day. Avoid scrubbing or popping the bumps, as this can increase the risk of infection.
  1. OTC hydrocortisone cream: Apply a thin layer of 1% hydrocortisone cream two to three times a day to reduce swelling, redness, and itching.
  2. OTC antibiotic ointment: Applying antibacterial ointments like Bacitracin can prevent infection in heat blisters. Seek medical guidance before using antibiotic creams.
  3. Oral antihistamines: Anti-itch antihistamines like Benadryl taken orally can help manage allergic reactions, making heat boils worse.
  4. Medical Treatment: A dermatologist will examine your skin and may collect samples from the lesions to identify the exact cause. Depending on the condition, the dermatologist may prescribe topical antibiotics, anti-inflammatories or drying creams.

Oral antibiotics are prescribed for more severe infected breakouts. Laser treatments help manage recurring bouts of heat pimples for some patients.

Also read: 7 must-follow proper face cleansing steps

How to prevent heat boils on the face

Here are some steps one can take to prevent facial heat boils:

  1. Use oil-free facial products: Avoid thick occlusive creams and cosmetics which can clog facial pores. Instead, try opting for oil-free and non-comedogenic skin care.
  2. Shower after heat exposure: Bathing after being in hot conditions can rinse away sweat, grime, and trapped debris in facial pores.
  3. Exfoliate regularly: Using gentle face scrubs 2-3 times a week helps remove dead skin cells and keep pores clear.
  4. Stay hydrated: Drinking adequate water prevents dehydration and allows sweat to flow quickly, preventing duct blockages.
  5. Manage underlying conditions: Control other acne, fungal infections, and skin conditions to reduce the chances of facial heat boils including the heat boils on forehead.

The takeaway is that keeping cool, wearing breathable clothing, proper skincare, and hydration can help minimise instances of uncomfortable, itchy, and downright painful facial heat boils.

How long does It take for heat boils to go away?

The good news is that heat boils tend to be temporary and usually go away on their own within a few days. To help them heal faster, try staying in cool and dry areas. Avoid tight clothing that could trap heat.

With proper care, heat boils typically clear up within 3-5 days, though the skin may remain a bit sensitive for a couple of weeks afterwards. Staying in air conditioning during hot spells can help prevent frustrating heat boils from popping up in the first place.

Conclusion

Painful red bumps on the face caused by clogged sweat glands can dampen outdoor enjoyment during summer. Learning what triggers heat boils, how to identify symptoms, when to seek medical care, effective home remedies, and preventive steps can help manage this condition. Staying vigilant about heat safety precautions and avoiding occlusive skincare products during hot and humid weather can help nip heat rashes and pimples early.

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