Heat rash

Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, is generally harmless.

It is not considered too serious a health condition, but it is certainly uncomfortable.

A heat rash can appear suddenly and can be quite alarming to look at.

Heat rash occurs when sweat is trapped under the skin.

A heat rash occurs when your baby/child has become too hot and overheated usually in a humid climate or particularly hot weather.

Babies are especially susceptible to heat rash as their sweat glands are still developing.

Due to the smaller and under developed sweat glands a baby is less able to regulate their body temperature.

Additionally, babies tend to have more skin folds which can trap heat and sweat.

This lends to why babies are more vulnerable to heat rash than adults or older children.

There are different types of heat rash and differing severity.

• Damp hot skin is a sign that your child is too hot and it may lead to heat rash.
• Heat rash signs are a red or pink rash with tiny looking blisters on the upper body or in the skin’s creases/folds like the around the nappy area, neck, shoulders, etc.

In most cases the rash will go away on its own without treatment.

However, there are strategies that can aid in ensuring your baby is more comfortable and to treat the symptoms.

• The best way to treat heat rash is to cool them down by removing as much of their clothes as possible.
• If they are overheated a cool bath or sponging them down is a good idea.
• Calamine lotion to treat the rash.
• Lots of fluids. This is important as they need to re-hydrate. If a baby becomes hot and their normal temperature rises they can easily and quickly become dehydrated.

• Dressing appropriately so as not to overheat. If you are worried about warmth or unsure of the weather conditions the best approach is layering so that if it does become hot you can remove a layer.
• Avoid oil based creams and lotions as they can block pores and can help to trigger heat rash.
• Avoid the hot humid temperature if at all possible or take measures to reduce the temperature (such as air conditioning, shade, etc).
• Keep an eye on their overall temperature so as not overheat.
• Be mindful that tight clothes, swaddles, and blankets can also cause heat rashes.

Sometimes other rashes are mistakenly called heat rash so if in doubt it is best to seek medical attention. It is recommended that if it is still there after a few hours to get it checked by a Dr.