BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

How to treat heat rash in babies

Heat rash normally goes away without treatment. However, there are medicines available from a pharmacy to ease the symptoms of itching. These include calamine lotion (which helps ease itching) and antihistamine medicines. Your pharmacist may recommend a low-strength hydrocortisone cream, which is a type of steroid cream used to treat inflammation.

How to treat heat rash in babies

4/6/2023 1:45:50 PM

What is heat rash?

Heat rash — sometimes called prickly heat, sweat rash or miliaria, is a harmless but very itchy skin rash. It causes small red spots in places where sweat collects, such as the armpits, back, under the breasts, chest, groin, elbow creases and back of the knees, and the waist.

It happens when the body sweats more than usual, and is more common during summer months or in a hot climate.

What are the symptoms of heat rash?

Heat rash causes:

  • tiny red spots or clear blisters. In babies, these are often in the skin folds, on the face or in the nappy area

  • an irritating itch and prickling sensation

  • redness and mild swelling of the affected area

Symptoms of heat rash last 2 to 3 days.

What causes heat rash?

Heat rash is caused by a blockage and inflammation of sweat ducts in heat and high humidity.

It is common in newborn babies as their sweat glands haven’t developed properly yet. It can also happen in older children.

When should I see my doctor?

If the area becomes infected, you or your child may need antibiotics. See your doctor if:

  • the blisters fill with pus

  • the area is getting red and swollen, or feels warm

  • the rash lasts more than 3 days

  • you or your child are unwell or have a fever

  • you or your child have swollen lymph nodes

How is heat rash diagnosed?

Your doctor will diagnose heat rash by looking at the rash. They may take a swab to rule out an infection.

How is heat rash treated?

Heat rash normally goes away without treatment. However, there are medicines available from a pharmacy to ease the symptoms of itching. These include calamine lotion (which helps ease itching) and antihistamine medicines. Your pharmacist may recommend a low-strength hydrocortisone cream, which is a type of steroid cream used to treat inflammation.

Speak to your pharmacist for further advice and to make sure any medicines you take are suitable for you.

You may need antibiotics if the area becomes infected.

If you’re experiencing heat rash, here are some things that may help:

  • Cool down to avoid sweating. Try to avoid heat and humidity; stay in air conditioning or near a fan, and make sure there is good ventilation.

  • Keep the skin dry.

  • Try to wear loose cotton clothing which can help prevent you overheating and making the itch worse. Avoid fabrics which irritate your skin, like wool or scratchy fabrics.

  • A cool bath or shower may help provide short-term relief from any itching, but excessive showering or bathing should be avoided as this can reduce the natural oils that protect the skin and may make it worse.

How to treat heat rash in babies and children

If your child has a heat rash, try to keep them cool and dry. Dress them in light cotton clothing and avoid too many layers when you dress them.

You can help to ease the itching with a lukewarm bath, though avoid using soap as this can make the skin irritation worse. You can also press a cool, damp cloth on the spots for relief.

You can talk to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your child scratching, such as by using calamine lotion or corticosteroid cream. This will avoid the spots getting infected.

Change sweaty clothes and wet nappies regularly. Make sure you dry in their skin folds after a bath and avoid using a plastic mattress.

Related posts

What To Do When Your Baby Has A Heat Rash?
If you have no idea of looking after your child with heat rash in the right way, you should spend time on reading these helpful tips which is shared by Dr. Pham Thi Thuy Trang – Head of Pediatric of CarePlus.

By Dr. Pham Thi Thuy Trang

Recent posts

Thyroid Gland – A “Small” Organ with a Vital Role in Metabolism and Overall Health
Despite its small size, the thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and maintaining overall health. However, thyroid disorders tend to be more common in women than in men. Why is that? This article will provide clear explanations while also reminding us that although women are more prone to thyroid diseases, men should not overlook their thyroid health either.

COMPREHENSIVE DENTAL CARE – A SMALL INVESTMENT FOR GREAT BENEFITS!
Oral health care is the first step to maintaining overall health and ensuring quality of life. Explore CarePlus' comprehensive dental care services in the article below.

UNPROTECTED SEX AND THE IMPORTANCE OF TIMELY STD TESTING
Unprotected sex refers to vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse without using protective measures. Getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) at the right time is crucial to avoid false-negative results, prevent missing infections that could lead to complications if left untreated, and reduce the risk of spreading diseases.

By Specialist Doctor. NGUYEN THI THUY LIEN

ENDOCRINE-DISRUPTING CHEMICALS – THE SILENT CULPRITS BEHIND PRECOCIOUS PUBERTY
Precocious puberty in children is a growing concern worldwide. Research has documented a decline in the age of puberty onset, particularly in thelarche (breast development) and menarche (first menstruation), over the past century—estimated to decrease by about 2-3 months per decade.

By Dr. Lai Thi Bich Thuy

COMPREHENSIVE MUSCULOSKELETAL HEALTH CHECK-UP & SCREENING AT CAREPLUS
Get a musculoskeletal health check-up and screening as soon as you notice any unusual symptoms to detect risks, receive timely treatment, and plan for better health. Explore musculoskeletal consultation and diagnostic imaging services at CarePlus today!

Related Products

Pediatrics healthcare teleconsultation
Consultation and treatment of common diseases in children, development, and immunization consultation. ₫300,000

{{currentDoctor.Name}}
*{{ errors.first('form-1.Register name') }}
*{{ errors.first('form-1.Phone') }}
*{{ errors.first('form-1.Email') }}
Patient info:
*{{ errors.first('form-1.Patient name') }}