Is Heat Rash In Babies A Problem?

When you notice your baby developing a rash in hot weather, all your alarm bells can go off. However, heat rash in babies is a mild, temporary skin condition that shouldn’t be too much of a concern. The skin condition is known by the scientific name miliaria rubra and popularly as a heat rash.

Heat rash in babies is common in hot, humid climates and often affects newborns, especially babies under one year of age. It is caused by blocked sweat ducts. The sweat can therefore not easily get out and this causes a rash or small blisters to form. These can easily be confused with other skin conditions.

So should you be concerned about heat rash in babies?

While it is good to do certain things that will keep your baby comfortable, it is not a serious condition. It will also not lead to other conditions.

What Causes Heat Rash in Babies?

Heat rash in babies is a skin reaction due to a dysfunction of the sweat ducts. It prevents sweat from leaving the body through their skin, leading to the formation of small red or white pimples or blisters.

It generally forms in areas that tend to get sweaty, such as the neck, chest, and back. However, you can observe it everywhere. Because of its appearance, some people assume that it is caused by poor hygiene.

Unlike other skin rashes, heat rash in babies is not accompanied by a fever. It also usually goes away on its own without any treatment. It is also not contagious and usually leaves no traces or scars.

Risk Factors

Babies as young as a few weeks old are more vulnerable to heat rash, especially if they live in a hot, humid climate. It is also more common in babies with eczema or dry skin.

In general, the risk factors are :

• moderate or high fever.
• excessive heat from outside.
• bacteria (staphylococci) on the skin.
• using powders and lotions that clog pores.

Symptoms Of Heat Rash In Babies

The main symptom of heat rash is the rash itself. This looks like small blisters and gives the skin a rough texture when you rub it.

Usually it will occur in areas where there are more sweat ducts, such as:

• the skin folds
• the forehead, eyelids and cheeks
• your baby’s torso
• the back of the body.
• the crotch and thighs.
• the armpits and arms.

Heat rash is not an infection and therefore it does not co-occur with a fever. However, because it itches, the baby may appear restless or irritated.

To rule out other problems, it’s best to see a pediatrician. He or she will be able to determine exactly what is wrong with your baby through a quick physical examination.

Tips To Prevent And Treat Heat Rash In Babies

The best way to prevent heat rash in babies is to keep them from sweating too much. Unfortunately, this is sometimes difficult in the summer. That’s why it’s good to know how to keep your baby cool when it’s hot. 

Here are a few tips:

• Check their diaper often. Change it as soon as you notice it is wet so that the skin is not exposed to heat and moisture for a long time.
• Cool your baby in a lukewarm bath, but don’t use irritating soap.

• Do not dry them too much with the towel, but use dabbing movements to prevent the irritation from getting worse.
• Dress your baby in light clothes made of breathable fabrics or cotton.
• Keep them out of the sun and be careful when going outside.
• Feel your baby’s skin several times a day to check for heat or sweat.
• Make a compress with water, baking soda and gauze or a soft cloth. Apply to the affected areas.
• Don’t pack your baby too warm, especially when it’s hot outside.

How can you treat heat rash in babies?

When you see the little bumps from heat rash, you want to do something about it. However, experts recommend that you simply continue to follow normal hygiene. It disappears in 2 or 3 days.

If this makes your baby very uncomfortable, or develops a heat rash often, the doctor may suggest using a cortisone lotion. Other natural remedies include a chamomile bath or applying aloe vera.

Summarizing…

Heat rash is a mild condition and is not dangerous for your baby. However, as the symptoms can be bothersome for them, it is a good idea to know how to relieve this discomfort for your baby.