By Jayden Mark
Working in an industry that requires personal protection equipment (PPE) can make life hard for some people. PPE often includes heavy work boots and wearing them for an extended period can lead to heat rash.
What is Heat Rash?
Heat rash is a skin condition that occurs when sweat cannot evaporate from the skin. When you wear work boots, the layering of the boots can prevent the sweat from evaporating, causing a red rash that is itchy and sometimes painful.
Prickly heat is the most common type of heat rash you can develop from wearing work boots for extended hours. These red bumps may appear all over the skin, but they are concentrated in areas where you sweat the most and often. That’s why the neck, back, chest, and groin areas are highly susceptible to heat rashes.
Sometimes people who are suffering from chronic diseases or are overweight are likely to develop Miliaria. Miliaria is another form of heat rash that can lead to infection and blistering.
People with skin conditions such as eczema are also more prone to this type of heat rash.
Unfortunately, heat rashes cause extreme discomfort and pain.
Can I Develop Heat Rash from Wearing Boots?
If you always wear work boots in a hot and humid environment, the heat, and sweat can accumulate and lead to bacterial growth. This then creates red rashes that can aggravate and become an infection when you ignore the condition for a long time.
Since work boots trap heat and sweat, they can cause heat rashes quickly.
While such a condition could occur in any type of work boot, it is more common when the work boot you wear is made of synthetic materials.
If you cannot avoid wearing work boots every day, here are some remedies you can try to prevent heat rashes.
Ways to Prevent Heat Rash
The best way to prevent heat rash is to allow the skin to breathe. But how could you do that when you need to wear PPEs and work boots for at least eight hours?
Choose Boots Made from Breathable Materials
Choose work boots that are made of breathable materials. That way you can prevent sweat buildup and lower your feet’s temperature no matter what the weather.
Your work boots should allow air circulation, even if the material isn’t highly breathable. In such cases, you can wear them looser to allow your skin to breathe.
Use Foot Powder or Foot Antiperspirant Spray
Foot powders and sprays can prevent heat rash because they can keep your feet dry. They can absorb any moisture from sweating and therefore keep your feet odor-free.
But it is best to use only one product at a time.
Using both products at once can make your feet sweat more. Consult your local dermatologist and choose a solution that works best for you.
Wear Moisture-absorbent Socks
You could also wear moisture-absorbent socks. These are often made of wool or cotton, and keep your feet dry. It’s best to choose this when you are prone to sweaty feet.
Keep Your Feet Clean and Dry Before Wearing Your Work Boots
You need to wash your feet with soap and water before and after you use your work boots. Dry your feet thoroughly before you put on your socks or shoes. Maintaining personal hygiene is often the best cure for skin problems.
You could also disinfect your work boots once you remove them. Doing this regularly will lessen the likelihood of you developing a heat rash.
Wear Shoe Inserts that Absorb Moisture
You can wear shoe inserts that are designed to absorb sweat. They can keep your feet dry and cool, but you need to choose the right one that suits you.
If you are prone to sweaty feet, choose an insert made of a material that can absorb sweat. If you are already prone to heat rash, choose inserts that can keep your feet cool.
Don’t Let Heat Rash Ruin Your Feet
Working in any environment or industry can make your feet sweat. So, knowing the best way to care for them when wearing work boots can go a long way in protecting your feet against heat rash. If you happen to develop heat rashes, do not ignore the condition and consult your dermatologist at the earliest.
Jayden Mark has gained a wealth of knowledge about safety protocols in industries while working in a steel mill as well as a welder in the construction industry. He is the content editor for comfortworkboots.com where he shares his insights and expertize in his related field.
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