Heat rash in babies is a common problem during summers. Hot whether can lead to formation of rash which might spread over any part of your baby’s body. Keeping their body cool is the best way to treat this condition. This article provides some information on the same.
Heat rash, also referred as prickly heat, summer rash, or miliaria, is a problem most of the babies are affected from, during the summers. It leads to the formation of tiny blisters like bumps over the baby’s skin, which look like skin rash when it dries up. These are usually red in color, especially in the case of fair babies and become dark after drying.
This condition in babies mainly develop in the skin creases and areas where the clothing fits tightly over the skin. It is commonly formed due to the blocking of skin pores. It usually develops on their neck and spreads further upwards and downwards. Though the rash is not much harmful, controlling these skin eruptions is essential as it might cause a lot of skin irritation. Trying to keep the baby cool is important to control and prevent this condition.
Treatment Options
- The first step is to bathe them with cool water. Do not use hot water for bathing them. Make sure you soak them in cool water for enough time and not just finish up in a hurry. Completely dry their skin after bath.
- While bathing your baby add about 2 tsp. of baking soda to the water. This will help a lot to soothe the prickly rash. Make sure you give him/her a lot of water to drink so as to keep them hydrated and cool.
- Baby clothing makes a lot of difference. Use thin pure cotton clothing for babies and this condition is sure to be in control. Most of the other fabrics irritate their skin and the rash further increases as these do not absorb sweat and are more breathable. Cotton absorbs sweat and thin cotton will help keep them cool. Also the baby bedding must consist of cotton bed sheets.
- Washable baby diapers made of cotton fabric are the best to be used in case a rash develops. This treatment will help them stay comfortable and avoid irritation.
- If possible it is best to keep babies in cotton towels instead of any clothing and nappies. Also applying wet compress over the rash is believed to be the best home remedy. You can wrap an ice pack in a towel and rub it over the rash, this is one of the best remedies you can try at home.
- Keep the air conditioner on to maintain the room temperature and provide a cool atmosphere to the baby. Else you can also switch on the fan and lay your baby right below it to keep him/her cool. The cool breeze is sure to make them feel best. Keep the baby’s room cool at night. Make sure the room doesn’t become too cold.
Precautions
Make sure that you do not apply any ointments or moisturizing baby lotions over your baby’s skin while he/she is affected by this skin problem. These can lead to oily skin causing more rash. Do not use talcum powder on their skin to soothe rash. Also, other herbal remedies like using aloe vera or essential oils must be avoided as these might lead to an allergic reaction worsening the baby’s rash. Keep their nails short, so that they do not scratch the rash.
If the rash worsens, take you baby to a doctor to know about the right ointments to be used. Do not opt for an ointment on your own. Following the aforementioned remedies for a few days will help cure the problem soon. Heat rashes should not be ignored as it can lead to serious problems like heat exhaustion which can cause an increase in their body temperature and dehydration as well in rare cases.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
