Heat Rash in Babies

Heat rash, also referred as prickly heat, summer rash or miliaria, is a problem most of the babies are affected from, during the summers. It leads to formation of tiny blisters like bumps over the baby's skin, which look like skin rash when it dries up. These are usually red in color, especially in case of fair babies and become dark after drying.

Heat rash in babies mainly develop in the skin creases and areas where the clothing fits tightly over the skin. It is commonly formed due to blocking of skin pores. It usually develops on their neck and spreads further upwards and downwards. Though heat rash in babies is not much harmful, controlling these skin eruptions is essential as it might cause a lot of skin irritation. Trying to keep the baby cool is important to control and prevent the baby heat rashes. Let us know more about some baby heat rash remedies.

Baby Heat Rash Cures

Remedy # 1
The first step towards treating heat rash in babies is to bathe them with cool water. Do not use hot water for bathing them. Make sure you soak them in cool water for enough time and not just finish up in a hurry. Completely dry their skin after bath. This is one of the best heat rash cures.

Remedy # 2
While bathing your baby add about 2 tsp. of baking soda to the water. This will help a lot to soothe the prickly heat rash. Make sure you give him/her a lot of water to drink so as to keep them hydrated and cool.

Remedy # 3
Baby clothing makes a lot difference in treating the heat rash. Use thin pure cotton clothing for babies and heat rash is sure to be in control. Most of the other fabrics irritate their skin and the rash further increases as these do not absorb sweat and are more breathable. Cotton absorbs sweat and thin cotton will help keep them cool. Also the baby bedding must consist of cotton bed sheets.

Remedy # 4
Washable baby diapers made of cotton fabric are the best to be used in case a rash develops. This heat rash treatment will help them stay comfortable and avoid irritation.

Remedy # 5
If possible it is best to keep babies in cotton towels instead of any clothing and nappies. Also applying wet compress over the rash is best home remedy for heat rash in babies. You can wrap an ice pack in a towel and rub it over the rash, this is one of the best heat rash remedies you can try at home.

Remedy # 6
Keep the air conditioner on, to maintain the room temperature and provide a cool atmosphere to the baby. Else you can also switch on the fan and lay your baby right below it to keep him/her cool. The cool breeze is sure to make them feel best. Keep the baby's room cool at night. Make sure the room doesn't become cold.

Baby Heat Rash Precautions

Make sure you do not apply any ointments or moisturizing baby lotions over your baby's skin while he/she is affected by heat rash. These can lead to oily skin causing more rash. Do not use talcum power on their skin to soothe rash. Also other herbal remedies like using aloe vera or essential oils must be avoided as these might lead to an allergic reaction worsening the baby's rash. Keep their nails short so that they do not scratch the rash.

If the rash worsens take you baby to a doctor to know about the right ointments to be used. Do not opt for an ointment on your own. Following the aforementioned baby heat rash remedies for a few days will help cure the problem soon. Heat rash in babies should not be ignored as it can lead to serious problems like heat exhaustion which can cause an increase in their body temperature and dehydration as well in rare cases. Take care of your baby!