Heat rash (or prickly heat) is a frequent skin condition seen in babies, particularly in hot and humid weather. It happens when the sweat glands are obstructed and the sweat gets trapped beneath the skin. It creates tiny red spots and mild irritation and occasional itching. Heat rash generally develops on the neck, chest, back or the diaper area where the sweat can collect. It can appear painful, but most cases are mild and can be easily treated at home with careful attention.
Keeping Your Baby Cool and Comfortable
Keeping your baby cool and comfortable are two of the best ways to treat heat rash. Provide baby with lightweight and loose-fitting cotton clothes so that skin can breathe. Keep from wearing too much clothing when the weather is hot; heat and sweat will be trapped by clothing. It may also make irritation less if the room is kept cool and airflow through a fan or through air circulation is active.
Bathing and Skin Care
Bathing regularly can help cool skin and eliminate sweat that can lock pores. Wash your baby’s head and neck, then, in a lukewarm bath with water or a mild baby soap. Instead of rubbing, pat your skin gently dry with soft towel after bathing because the skin may get irritated. Rubbing is irritant too sensitive for our skin, and therefore soft, and soft soothe may irritate delicate skin in particular.
Natural Remedies
Use natural remedies to help calm heat rash. Adding a thin layer of regular coconut oil may help with moisturization/hygiene of the irritated skin or calm and help settle it. Coconut oil also has mild antibacterial action helping the skin to be healthy. Just as importantly if applied clean and pure on the part of the affected skin, the aloe vera gel can bring with it a cooling effect and also calm redness and the irritation.
Allowing Skin to Breathe
Enabling the baby’s skin to breathe is important as well for quicker healing. Spend some diaper-free time on your baby during the day so your skin can stay dry. Steer clear of tight clothing or synthetic fabrics that can trap heat and sweat on the skin. Avoid heavy creams, thick lotions or powders that will either clog the sweat glands or make the rash worse. Clean, dry and cool skin is generally enough for the rash to heal naturally within days.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If the rash doesn’t improve, spreads and is associated with fever, swelling or signs of infection, contact a pediatrician for appropriate medical advice.
Note: This should not be used as the sole source of information for professionals. Always see a pediatrician before trying home remedies, especially when symptoms worsen or do not improve.
