Heat rash on the face: what to know

Sweating, humid weather, exercise, fever, or a covering can leave facial skin hot and damp. When sweat cannot move freely through the ducts, small bumps may appear on the forehead, cheeks, nose, hairline, or around the mouth. They may be skin-coloured, pink, red, or darker than nearby skin, with a prickling sensation. Facial heat rash is not the same as an allergic reaction or acne. The condition presents with a rash when sweat and heat are the trigger, but similar-looking skin bumps can have other causes. New cosmetics, shaving, medicines, and infection should also be considered if the pattern does not settle.

Cool the room, stop strenuous activity, and rinse sweat away with water or a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Pat the face dry and use a cool damp cloth briefly if it feels uncomfortable. Keep hair and headwear away from the affected skin where possible, and choose breathable materials. Avoid thick oils, occlusive makeup, exfoliating acids, scrubbing, and fragranced products until the skin is calm. Do not scratch or squeeze the bumps. If scaling or dryness remains, ask a pharmacist or clinician about a suitable emollient. Facial topical corticosteroids should only be used when a healthcare professional has selected the medicine and directions, because facial skin can be sensitive to these treatments.

Seek medical advice when facial bumps last despite cooling, spread, recur often, or become tender, hot, crusted, or pus-filled. Get urgent help for swelling of the lips or eyelids, breathing difficulty, eye pain, widespread blistering or peeling, or fever with a person who seems very unwell. A clinician can examine the distribution and separate heat rash from other skin rash, skin redness, or a product reaction.

What features support heat rash in my case? Could a cosmetic, medicine, or face covering be contributing? What can I safely use on my face, and when should I return if it does not improve?