Heat Rashes in Babies – Causes, Treatments, and Remedies

As the name suggests, Heat rashes are tiny bumps that are red in color. They usually appear in clusters in different parts of the body. This article helps us to understand the causes, treatments, and home remedies available for heat rashes.

Check the below useful links from our blog

• Infant Rashes – Causes & Treatment
• Winter Care for Babies – Skin Care
• 10 Summer Care Tips for Babies and Kids
• White Patches in Kids face – Reason, Care, and Remedy

Living in tropical, humid regions always increases the chances of heat rash. As babies are too small to communicate, they may not be able to express their discomfort during the onset of the heat rash. It is up to the parents to scan the entire body of the baby and remain vigilant.

In general, heat rash can be uncomfortable, itchy, and cause crankiness or restlessness in babies, besides giving a tingling or pricking sensation. However, they are not contagious. Your baby may even be up all night, scratching those red heat bumps. In rare cases, scratching may lead to a secondary skin infection.

Where does this appear?

In infants, the rash usually develops on the neck, armpits, elbow creases, and groin. In older children, it can also occur on the chest and back. The rash does not typically involve the eyes, nose, mouth, palms, or soles.

Causes for Heat rash        
           

1. Hot, humid weather or environment.

2. Fabrics that do not allow sweat to evaporate from the skin.

3. Overdressing a child or dressing in too heavy of fabric for the weather.

4. Sleeping under too many blankets.

5. Use of oils, thick creams, or ointments, which can block the sweat ducts.

6. High fever.

Heat rashes can also be seen in babies during winter. This could happen due to overheating the house or if the baby is wearing many layers of clothes, or if he is running with a fever. At times, a cough ointment rubbed on the baby’s chest may also trigger a heat rash

Treatment for Heat Rashes

1. Keep the Skin Dry 
Do not use a towel to dry your baby’s skin. Let it dry naturally and take the help of a fan to cool the baby down

2. Allow the Skin to Breathe 
This is an important aspect of baby care that many parents neglect. You need to ensure that your baby’s skin is exposed to natural air as much as possible. Keep them naked or make them wear something soft and loose. Do not use powders or oil-based lotions

3. Reduce the Heat 
Remove your baby’s clothing or loosen it. Bathe the baby in cool water to get rid of the sweat and clear the pores. You can also wipe the body with clean and wet washcloths. This will bring down the temperature of the skin as well.

Home Remedies for Heat Rashes

1. Ice Cubes 
Rubbing ice cubes on the rashes can do wonders. Wrap some ice cubes in a cloth and gently press on the rashes. Do not keep it pressed for a long time.

2.Baking Soda 
Make a solution of baking soda and water. Dip a washcloth in the solution and use the cloth to wipe the affected area. This will ease the symptoms considerably. You can also bathe your baby with a bucket of water containing 1 tablespoon of baking soda.

3. Aloe Vera  
The gel from the plant, or chemical-free gel.

4. Cucumber 
Slices or paste

5. Neem 
Paste, rinse and dry

6. Sandalwood paste 
apply, rinse and dry

When to see a doctor for Heat Rashes?

A heat rash is a relatively benign condition that should never make a baby unwell. In rare cases, though, it may develop into a more serious bacterial infection. You should see a doctor if your baby is in pain, develops a fever, or has any discharge from the bumps. In most cases, you can treat heat rash at home and it will clear up within a couple of days. If it hasn’t cleared up or if you’re concerned about it, check with your doctor.

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