Baby Has Heat Rash - What do I Do Now?

My Baby Has Heat Rash - What do I Do Now? Alternate Names – Prickly heat & Red Miliaria

For the benefit of any new mother, I would just like to reassure you that a heat rash is not a terminal illness & it is not a result of neglect!   Rest assured that the problem will be short lived & the information learned from the experience will be beneficial. 

We will discuss what causes the problem, why babies are more susceptible to it, how you can treat the condition & reduce the risks of it reoccurring.

Heat Rash – Too Hot                             

A heat rash is the physical response that results when a baby becomes over heated.  The obvious time for this you may think is in the summer months when the days are hot & humid.  That is partly true.  Please keep in mind that it is caused when a baby over heats & not simply the time of year. 

That being the case this condition can also occur in the winter months as a result of a caring parent over-dressing the baby or applying too many blankets etc.  The last thing wanted is for the baby to be cold so we can tend to think that more clothing is better.  It is easier than you may think.

Be sensible & trust your judgement when dressing your baby.  Monitoring the temperature & feel of baby’s skin will be your most reliable guide.   You can do this by simply placing your hand onto the skin at the chest, the back & groin area.  (You may wish to warm your own hands first).  You will detect whether the skin is feeling warm & dry, hot & clammy or perhaps not warm enough & then act accordingly. 

Over Heated - Why Babies Are Susceptible?

Sweating is the mechanism that our bodies use to cool itself down.  When a baby sweats too much a heat rash may develop.  The sweat glands of a baby are not yet fully developed & this makes it more difficult for their body to maintain the ideal temperature. 

When a baby sweats excessively, the very tiny pores of the skin are too small for the amount needing to flow through.   The pores begin to clog & sweat remains trapped causing a heat rash to develop.

Heat Rash - Sensitive Areas 

Small red bumps begin to develop & may at times become tiny blisters as a result of the sweat build up. 

The rash generally appears

• chest, stomach, back of neck
• little folds of skin on the arms
• the underarms, legs & genital areas
• The rash has a prickly feel to it. 
  
   

Prickly Heat – How Painful Is It?

The parent is likely to be suffering more than their baby.  The areas where the rash occurs may be slightly tender when touched.  The rash is more likely to itch & become an obvious irritation to the child. 

• Cool the baby down by loosening or removing clothing. In hot weather, place baby on a towel to absorb any moisture.  Keep the baby in a cool shaded area. 
• Begin cooling down the rash with damp cloths to help reduce the itching.  Place the baby in a lukewarm bath

Suggestion: Some mothers report using 1 to 2 teaspoons of Baking Soda in the bath water helps soothe the irritation

Caution – Never panic & place baby into cold water. 

After bathing softly pat skin dry.  Do not apply creams & lotions as they are more likely to trap the moisture in rather than allowing it to flow through.   Do not choose fabric & clothing that tends to cling to the baby.  Choose a loose fitting garment for additional comfort & air circulation.

Heat Rash – In Summer Months

Keeping your baby & their room as cool as possible is not always easy.  An air conditioner or fan may be useful.  Do not direct the flow of air onto your baby.  The circulating air will keep your baby more comfortable not cold.   Reduce the likelihood of further aggravating the condition by checking fingernails & trimming them if necessary.

Prevention Better than Cure

During humid Conditions: 

• Choose Lightweight & Loose fitting
• Natural fabrics tend to be more absorbent
• Avoid creams, powders & lotions
• Choose the coolest room / indoors
• Shaded area outdoors

• Monitor fluid intake to maintain hydration

A Visit to Doctor or Pharmacist

If in doubt have it checked out!  Your health practitioner will be able to quickly confirm that it is heat rash & not something more serious.  This may provide an anxious mother a little more peace of mind.  If the rash does not improve, it appears to worsen or a fever is present, definitely seek medical attention.

Experience Gained – Reoccurrence Less Likely 

The emotional distress upon seeing your own beautiful baby suffering from heat rash remains etched in your mind.   Understanding the causes, why babies are more susceptible & implementing a few preventative measures will minimize the likelihood of it reoccurring. 

Do not doubt your judgement & beat yourself with guilt – simply learn to monitor the feel of your baby’s skin & you will act accordingly. 

Your baby is in the very safest hands.  A mothers love, touch & voice are irreplaceable.  You & your baby have an ongoing, learning, adventure ahead! 

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