How to Prevent and Treat Heat Rash in a Baby

Heat rash, also known as miliaria or prickly heat, is a rash of red or pink dots that appear on your baby's body. These dots, which often look like pimples, appear most often on the baby's head, neck or arms. This rash develops often when mothers overdress the baby. However, it can also appear when the baby is dressed appropriately and it is really warm outside. The following steps may help prevent and treat heat rash in your baby.

Things You'll Need

• Shade device
• Cool cloth
• Calendula oil

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Instructions

• 1

  To prevent your baby from developing heat rash, do not overdress him. Your baby can be dressed just as lightly as an adult and will be just as comfortable. If it is really hot outside, dressing him in a T-shirt or other light outfit will work.

• 2

  Avoid bringing your baby in direct sunlight for long periods of time. If you are going to be outside, make sure that you can shade your baby. Using a stroller with a cover or even an umbrella will work. The idea is to keep your baby's skin cool.

• 3

  Bring your baby inside for her nap and make sure that her sleeping area is relatively cool and not in direct sunlight. Sweating makes this condition worse.

• 4

  If your baby develops this rash, place a cold cloth over the area that seems irritated. Do not rub. Just let it sit there for a few minutes, so that it can cool the skin off.

• 5

  If you can find calendula oil, mostly sold at health food stores such as Whole Foods, apply it liberally over the area. Calendula is an herb which has healing properties and can help soothe the irritation.

• 6

  Most times, heat rash will disappear after just a few days, however, you should watch for symptoms that may signal an infection. Symptoms may include the rash draining fluid or pus or your baby developing a fever or showing signs of an illness. If any of these symptoms occur, you should consult with a healthcare provider.