How To Avoid Sweat Pimples Year-Round

If you find yourself breaking out in a sweat and covered in pimples, you’re not alone. Sweat pimples become more common with summer heat and physical activity, but they can pop up after strenuous exercise, too.

Dermatologist Sean McGregor, DO, shares why you get sweat pimples and what you can do to avoid them.

Does sweating give you pimples?

Sweat pimples get worse over the summer because of increased oil production, bacteria, heat and friction that work together to clog your pores and cause inflammation. It’s not the sweat specifically that causes tiny red bumps to form, but it’s the combination of environmental factors (like humidity and heat), with skin irritation and inflammation.

“In the summer months, increased sweating can lead to clogged or obstructed pores,” explains Dr. McGregor. “But we also know that certain lotions and moisturizers, especially those that are a little bit thicker, can contribute to more clogging and further the development of acne — especially when you put sunscreen on top of all that.”

But he’s also quick to say that doesn’t mean you should stop wearing sunscreen. Wear it every day, even when you’re indoors, and cut back on all the other products you use when it’s especially hot outside.

Can you only get sweat pimples during the summer?

Sweat pimples can pop up any time of the year. It just depends on the amount of bacteria that gets on your skin and how irritated or clogged your pores become. For example, friction is a common cause of sweat pimples year-round. So, if you exercise often or wear tighter clothing, you can sometimes find sweat pimples popping up along your waistline, groin, chest and back, even in the spring or fall.

Are sweat pimples the same as heat rash?

Heat rash and sweat pimples look similar, but they’re different conditions. A heat rash causes tiny, red bumps to appear in areas that don’t get a lot of oxygen (like your armpits, groin, chest and back).

Unlike sweat pimples, heat rash feels like a prickly, burning itch. It happens when your sweat ducts become blocked, trapping sweat under your skin. If you sweat a lot, a heat rash is a likely occurrence.

Tips to minimize pimples from sweat

If breakouts are bumming you out, there are some helpful solutions. Dr. McGregor suggests the following for reducing the severity of sweat pimples:

• Switch to lighter moisturizers or water-based sunscreens to prevent clogged pores.
• Moisturize twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.
• Shower after working out.
• Shower after being outside for extended periods.
• Change into new clothes after exercising.
• Wipe down exercise equipment between workouts and use a towel to sop up sweat as needed.
• Wear breathable clothing and avoid anything too tight.
• Change your sheets regularly (like every couple of weeks) to reduce the buildup of sweat, oil and dirt on your skin.
• Avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day (usually between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.).
• Don’t pop your pimples. Instead, try products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
• Use cold compresses or cooling cloths for relief and to speed up the healing process.
• If your symptoms aren’t improving, make an appointment with a dermatologist.

“Dermatologists are experts when it comes to skin, hair and nails,” says Dr. McGregor. “If you’re experiencing sweat pimples and have trouble managing your condition with your current regimen, visit a dermatologist.”