Helping a Baby With a Heat Rash

A heat rash, also known as prickly heat or millaria, is a skin rash that appears as small red bumps, often accompanied by a stinging or prickling feeling. People of all ages can suffer from heat rashes. If your baby has a heat rash, there's no reason to worry. You can take steps to reduce your little one's discomfort.

  1. Causes of Heat Rash

    • Heat rashes are usually caused by excessive sweating. When the sweat glands are blocked, the sweat becomes trapped underneath the skin, leading to irritation and the appearance of small raised spots, which sometimes resemble tiny blisters. A heat rash can appear anywhere on the body, but is most common on the face, neck and back. According to the UK's National Health Service, a baby often suffers from heat rashes because her sweat glands are not yet completely developed. It is common for a baby to have heat rashes in the folds of her skin, wherever her clothes are tight and on her scalp or forehead if she wears hats.

    Keep Baby Cool

    • A heat rash is a sign that your baby is too warm. Heat rashes are most common in hot temperatures, but a baby may also develop a heat rash in winter if he has a fever or is wearing too much clothing. Removing some layers of clothing, loosening tight garments and taking him into a well-ventilated room will help cool your baby down.

    Soothe the Skin

    • Applying a cool soft cloth to your baby's skin will help to ease pain and discomfort. BabyCenter, the award-winning pregnancy and parenting website, recommends a lukewarm bath with two teaspoons of baking soda per nine quarts of water. It is not advisable to rub your baby's skin dry with a towel; instead place her on a clean towel and let her skin air-dry. Creams and ointments are not advisable when she is suffering from heat rash, as these can trap moisture and exacerbate the problem.

    Further Precautions

    • If your baby's room is hot at night, a fan in his room will keep it cool. The fan should be directed near his sleeping area, but not directly on him. The idea is for your baby to be comfortable, but not cold. Keeping your baby's fingernails trimmed means he cannot scratch himself to relieve the itch of a heat rash, which can make his skin bleed and cause further discomfort.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • What age can you have a baby at?
      Its impossible to give a definitive age for having a baby. Heres why:* Biological Factors: Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have. The quality of these eggs declines with age, making it more difficult to conceive and increasing the r
    • What do you if your baby is ugly?
      Its important to understand that judging a babys appearance is never okay. All babies are beautiful in their own way, and its essential to embrace their individuality. Instead of focusing on physical appearance, consider these points:* Every baby is
    • At what age are babies ready to eat?
      Its important to talk to your babys doctor about when theyre ready to start eating solid foods. However, the general recommendation is around 6 months of age. Here are some signs your baby might be ready:* Can sit up with support: This helps them co