How To Treat Heat Rash In Babies
Dealing with a heat rash on your little one can be tricky, but do not worry! There are plenty of gentle and effective home remedies for a prickly heat rash that can help soothe their skin and bring relief. These natural solutions can make all the difference in keeping your baby comfortable and happy.
1. Cold Compress
A cold compress or ice pack You can do this 2-3 times a day. A cold compress can help in cooling and soothing the affected area. It relieves the symptoms of inflammation while also healing the rash faster.
2. Essential Oils
a. Tea Tree Oil
1 drop of tea tree oil 2-3 teaspoons of coconut oil
You can do this once daily until you notice an improvement in the symptoms. Tea tree oil exhibits antiseptic and anti-inflammatory activities (1). This graph from a 2022 study published in Molecules shows the disc diffusion activity of tea tree oil. TTO was found to be more effective against gram-negative bacteria than S. aureus in DD (disk diffusion) experiments. TTO’s in-vitro effectiveness in VP (vapor phase) assays was lower than that in DD analysis. However, TTO retained its activity against gram-negatives, particularly CR-Ab (Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii), which displayed 20 and 15-mm inhibition zones in DD and VP assays, respectively.
Disk Diffusion Activity Of TTO
It can help in soothing the redness and discomfort associated with heat rash. Do not include tea tree oil in baby skincare routines if the babies are younger than 6 months. Also, never use this oil undiluted.
b. Chamomile Oil
1 drop of chamomile oil 2-3 teaspoons of coconut oil
You can do this once daily for best results. Like tea tree oil, chamomile oil also possesses anti-inflammatory properties (2). These properties can help to provide relief by soothing the symptoms associated with heat rash. Do not use this oil undiluted and on children below 6 months of age.
3. Cucumber
Sliced cucumber You can do this 2-3 times daily. Cucumber contains flavonoids and tannins that exhibit analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties (3). These properties may help in calming heat rash in babies.
4. Oatmeal
1 cup of powdered oatmeal Water
You can do this once daily. The anti-inflammatory nature of oatmeal plays a significant role in treating many skin disorders (4). It can also help soothe the heat rash and speed up its healing.
5. Fuller’s Earth
½ tablespoon of Fuller’s earth Water (as required)
You may do this once every 2 or 3 days. While there are no studies to back this claim, anecdotal evidence suggests that Fuller’s earth can help soothe heat rash in babies as well as adults.
6. Aloe Vera
Freshly extracted aloe vera gel You may do this once daily for best results. Aloe vera gel extracts exhibit anti-inflammatory activities that can help soothe the heat rash and improve its symptoms (5). If you are trying to figure out how to get rid of heat bumps, applying aloe vera gel can be an effective and natural remedy to calm the irritation and speed up healing. While heat rash usually eases away on its own, these natural remedies may help speed up healing. Before you decide to use them, it’s important to understand what are these rashes and why they develop. This may help you take precautionary measures to prevent them. Scroll down to learn more.
What Is A Heat Rash?
Heat rash is one of the most common types of rashes. This skin condition is also referred to as miliaria, and it is often found to affect both children and adults alike when the climate turns hot and humid. The clogging of pores is one of the main causes of heat rash. Friction on the skin’s surface can also trigger heat rashes. Babies often develop such skin rash on their neck. However, heat rash can also develop in other skin folds, such as the thighs, armpits, and elbows. Jessica, a blogger, shared her concern for her baby, Garrett, who had a rash on his face, ears, and neck. The rash appeared to be more severe on the back of his neck and was diagnosed to be prickly heat rash. She writes, “ I was putting too much clothes on him and keeping him swaddled with a blanket and had a hat on him. His immature skin had pores that got clogged easily and he had very sensitive skin. His rash resolved within hours by keeping him out of clothes and keeping him cool and taking him into lukewarm baths with me (i).” There are different types of heat rash that not only look different but also range in their severity and symptoms.
Types And Symptoms Of Heat Rash In Babies
There are three types of heat rash. They include:
Miliaria crystallina: This is the most common and mildest kind of heat rash. This type is characterized by clear or white bumps on the skin that are filled with fluid. Such heat bumps often burst but do not pain or itch. This type of heat rash is much more common in babies than in adults. Miliaria rubra: This type of heat rash is also often referred to as prickly heat. It is more common in adults although children may also develop it. Miliaria rubra causes more discomfort as compared to miliaria crystallina as it often occurs deeper in the outer layer of the skin. The symptoms exhibited by this type of heat rash include: An itchy or prickly sensation in the affected area Red bumps on the skin Lack of sweating in the areas of the rash Inflamed and sore skin
In some instances, these bumps may also progress and become filled with pus. The doctors then refer to this rash as miliaria pustulosa.
Miliaria profunda: This is the least common type of heat rash. It has high chances of recurrence and may take several weeks to heal. Miliaria profunda usually occurs in the dermis, which lies deeper in the skin. It typically occurs in adults and surfaces after a period of physical activity. This type of heat rash is characterized by large and tough, skin-colored boils. Since it prevents sweat from leaving the skin, it can also trigger symptoms of nausea and dizziness in the affected individuals. In severe cases, a heat rash in adults may also lead to complications if not managed properly. So, you can only imagine how badly it will affect babies.
Are you wondering what contributes to the development of such rashes in babies? Let’s find out.
What Causes Heat Rash In Babies?
As already mentioned, heat rash is a result of clogged skin pores that cannot expel sweat. Many factors can contribute to this. They include:
A hot and humid climate Wearing clothing that traps heat Use of thick lotions and creams Overheating of the body due to multiple layers of clothing
Since babies have underdeveloped skin pores, they are more likely to develop a heat or sweat rash or diaper rash. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1791 full-time diaper-wearing babies from the USA, China, and Germany. As per the study, the prevalence of diaper rash in babies between 2 and 8 months of age was 1.3% in China, 8.7% in the USA, and 14.9% in Germany. While babies’ heat rash can be managed with natural remedies, if the symptoms become advanced, immediate medical attention might be needed. Scroll down to learn when to consult a doctor for help.
When To Seek Medical Help
See a doctor if the rash does not get better after a few days, increases considerably outside the affected area, or exhibits symptoms of infection including increasing redness, swelling, or pus. If your baby gets a fever or seems abnormally irritable, these may indicate a more serious condition that needs quick medical evaluation. If the symptoms are still new or you would like to supplement the treatment suggested by the doctor, try the following remedies.
Treatment For Heat Rashes In Toddlers
Here are various ways to treat heat rashes in babies. However, consult a pediatrician first. They may recommend the following treatment options (6):
Calamine lotion Over-the-counter corticosteroids Antihistamines
Usually heat rashes in babies resolve on their own within a week. If the rashes do not heal within that time period and appear inflamed, consult a doctor immediately. Other than these treatment methods, you may also give your child cool baths. However, ensure to use mild, fragrance-free baby products to soothe their skin. Loosening the dapper also helps prevent friction and minimize irritation. You may trim your child’s nails to prevent them from scratching the heat rash. In addition to these remedies, here are some useful tips that can help prevent the recurrence of heat rashes in your baby.
How To Prevent Heat Rash In Babies
Protect your baby and keep them indoors and away from the scorching heat to avoid developing a sun rash on skin. Keep your baby indoors and in air-conditioned rooms, especially during summers. Dress your little one in breathable and loose clothing, especially in summers. Wash areas like your baby’s neck, armpits, and groin with cool water. Pat these areas dry after washing. Check the temperature of your child’s skin every now and then. Apply a cold compress or give them a quick bath if you notice an increase in the temperature. Avoid using thick lotions and creams on your little one. Use a mild soap that doesn’t leave your child’s skin too dry.
When should I worry about baby heat rash? If your baby’s rash lasts for more than three days or is paired with an infection, fever, or swelling, you should consult a doctor immediately. What can be mistaken for heat rash? In children, eczema is commonly mistaken for heat rash due to their similar signs and symptoms. Does breast milk help heat rash? Breast milk may help soothe skin irritation associated with heat rashes. Is baby powder good for heat rash? It is not recommended to use baby powder if your child has heat rash as it can dry out the skin. Is Vaseline good for heat rash? Yes. Vaseline can moisturize the skin and soothe the irritation caused by heat rashes.
Illustration: Baby Heat Rash: What Is It Causes And How To Prevent It
Curious about prickly heat rash? Explore the causes behind this pesky skin condition in this video. Check it out to gain valuable knowledge to prevent and soothe the discomfort caused by this common summer ailment.
