Baby heat rash

Heat rash can be seen in people of all ages, but it is very common in babies. When your little one has a heat rash you may notice a bunch of little bumps on the skin. When your baby is overheated these little red bumps can appear wherever sweat becomes trapped, typically under clothing or in the folds of the skin. A common misconception about heat rash is that it only appears in the summer or out on a hot day but this just isn’t the case. A heat rash can also appear in the winter months when your baby is dressed too heavily or when your baby is running a fever.

Thankfully the heat rash itself is not harmful to your baby. It is possible that the rash can become a bit itchy or sensitive to the touch, but it is not life threatening. However, if you do notice your baby with a heat rash then that means that your baby has become overheated and that can become dangerous. The heat rash should be taken as a warning sign and you should start taking precautions and helping your baby cool down.

To help your baby cool down you can start loosening or removing heavy or restricting clothing. Removing socks, shoes and hats are a good idea since those are places in which your body releases heat quickly. If you are outside you should move to a cooler shaded area. You can fan your baby to get air to the skin that is affected by the rash. Using a cool damp towel to pat the area can also help, but avoid rubbing the rash since it could be a bit sensitive. If you are indoors you can give your baby a lukewarm bath to help cool him or her down. After a baby has developed a heat rash it is important to avoid using any lotions or moisturizers on the skin because these will block the pores and keep the heat and sweat from being able to escape the body.

It is also important to take precautions at nighttime. When your baby is overheated it can cause interrupted sleep and studies have shown that a baby that becomes overheated during sleep can have an increased risk of SIDS. It is not a good idea to over dress your baby for bed. Try to put your baby in light weight clothing that will allow plenty of air flow. If your baby’s room is too warm you should use a fan to allow extra circulation in your baby’s room. You should not put the fan directly on the baby but angle it so the baby can get a bit of a breeze. You want your baby to remain comfortable and not get too chilled by the air.

When dressing your baby, stick to clothing that is made of cotton. Cotton fibers allow for the best air circulation and will also absorb sweat. Avoid dressing baby in polyesters, nylons or plastic materials, such as diaper covers. Be sure to keep your baby hydrated by bottle or breast feeding, possibly feeding more often when out in hot weather to insure your baby is getting enough fluids. If you notice that your baby gets a heat rash in the creases of his legs, arms or neck, you can use a little cornstarch baby powder in those areas to help absorb the sweat.

If you notice the rash does not fade once your baby has cooled down or after a couple days, it may be a good idea to see your pediatrician to make sure the rash is indeed a heat rash and not a side effect of another illness. Also, if your baby starts showing other signs of overheating you should seek medical help immediately.

Last updated on Jun 19th, 2009 and filed under Skin Care. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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