Baby Heat Rash Remedies

Heat rash, also known as prickly heat or summer rash, can occur at any age, but is most common in babies and children under the age of two. It can be itchy and uncomfortable and can last for several days. Heat rash is not serious, but it is an indication that your baby is overheated and that you should take steps to cool her. Overheating can lead to such serious conditions as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

What is Heat Rash?

• Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating in hot, humid conditions. It is identified by little red bumps, and in some cases tiny blisters, that form over blocked glands that cannot excrete the baby's sweat. These little bumps usually crop up in the folds of the skin and in parts of the body where clothing fits snugly and causes sweat to become trapped. Typical heat-rash sites include the chest, stomach, neck, crotch and buttocks.

Remedies

• Most forms of prickly heat do not need any treatment, as the rash will go away on its own eventually. But if you choose to do something about the rash, the first and most important element is to cool down the skin. Remove any clothing that may be causing your baby to sweat and wipe his skin with plain, cool water, patting it dry.

  You can also mix one teaspoon bicarbonate of soda into one cup of water and apply this solution to the affected areas several times a day with an absorbent cotton cloth. A light dusting with cornstarch powder (not talc, which can damage baby's lungs) is another possible treatment. The powder will help keep your baby's skin dry.

  Natural remedies include applying slices of cool cucumber or aloe to the affected skin to soothe and cool it.

  Many over-the-counter creams and medications can aid in clearing up a case of heat rash. Some of these include hydrocortisone cream and calamine lotion. Consult your baby's pediatrician before using such products for heat rash treatment.

How to Avoid Heat Rash

• Whenever the weather is warm, dress your baby in soft, lightweight cotton clothing. Cotton is very absorbent and keeps moisture away from baby's skin.

  A fan may help evaporate moisture and cool your baby. Be sure to place the fan away from the baby, so that the gentle breeze can drift over the infant and help her sweat evaporate.