How to Treat a Baby's Heat Rash

Heat rash is a condition in which tiny, red bumps appear when a baby or child becomes overheated either due to hot weather conditions or snug fitting clothing. This condition may occur primarily in the summer months when temperatures are hot and humid, but it can happen in winter, also."Prickly heat" or "summer rash" are commonly used names for heat rash. Although children of all ages can develop heat rash it is mostly seen in babies.Babies have smaller pores than adults and when they sweat a lot it is harder for the sweat to be released from his body, so the pores clog and heat rash develops. Usually the rash appears on the chest & stomach, the folds of the legs or arms, crotch area and buttocks. Although heat rash isn't a painful condition, it is itchy and can be very irritating to a small baby. The bumps can become tender to the touch.

Instructions

• 1

  Get the baby cooled off. Remove or loosen clothing and put the baby in a cool room or shady spot. Placing the baby on a cotton towel can help absorb and excess sweat.

• 2

  Cool down the rash. Use cool, wet cloths on the rash to help cool it down and ease the itching. Giving the baby a lukewarm bath with about 2 teaspoons of baking soda mixed in can feel soothing. Do not dry the baby with a towel, but let him air dry which prevents irritating the rash.

• 3

  Keep the baby's room cool at night. Use an air conditioner or fan, but be sure not to let the cool air aim directly at the baby or they will get chilled. Keep them comfortably cool, not cold.

• 4

  Trim the baby's fingernails. It's important to keep the baby's fingernails short to prevent scratching himself if the rash itches. At night you can put baby socks on his hands to help protect against scratching in his sleep.