Heat rash, also known as prickly heat is a common skin problem in children, especially babies. Babies are likely to get heat rash because they are not good at regulating their temperature yet.
It is easy to develop heat rash in hot and humid weather. Wearing too much clothing or too tight will make the heat rash worse. If your baby has the following symptoms, he or she may have a heat rash:
- Head or neck is damp from sweat
- Flushed cheeks
- Rapid breathing
- Appearance of tiny, moist red bumps on the face and in the skin folds of the neck, arms, legs, upper chest and diaper area
Having a heat rash can make your baby fussier than usual because it is itchy and uncomfortable. But don’t worry mommies, heat rash does not require medical care and it will clear up on its own when your baby remains dry and cool.
Here is what you can do to prevent heat rash:
- Dress your baby in loose, lightweight and breathable clothes made of cotton, like Gauze Undershirt.
- Place a Gauze Sweat Pad on your baby's back to absorb sweat and keep your baby's body cool and dry.
- Clean your baby's face, neck, arms, legs and chest with Wet Cleaning Cotton, Antibacterial Cut Cotton, Gauze Handkerchief or Cotton Sheet to wipe off sweat.
- Avoid the use of powders, creams, and ointments.
- Let your baby have some diaper-free time.
- Check and change your baby’s diaper regularly. Avoid your baby laying in wet diapers for prolonged periods.
- Cool off with fans or air conditioning when possible.
However, it is good to check with your healthcare professional if you are in any doubt, or if any of the following occur:
- The bumps fill with pus – this may indicate an infection and will require further treatment.
- The rash lasts more than 2-3 days.
- The rash is accompanied by a fever or your baby is not feeding well.
