Baby heat rash isn’t generally serious. How’s that for good news? No matter where the rash presents itself on your baby’s body, there are numerous things you can do to resolve it quickly. By knowing the basics of treating heat rash on babies, you can help prevent your child from getting it.
What is a heat rash?
Heat rash is a common skin condition that is seen quite often on children who live in areas with humid weather. When pores are blocked on the skin, sweat has a difficult time escaping. As a result, mild inflammation occurs around the area. Heat rash has the appearance of tiny red bumps that are generally surrounded by redness on the skin. These rashes often occur on clothed parts of the body, such as the stomach, back, armpits and area between the legs on babies. Babies who drool a lot can also develop heat rash on face.
What do you do when you discover a heat rash on baby’s body?
The first thing you can do once you discover a heat rash is to remove all of the baby’s clothing. If you are leaving the house, opt for loose-fitting clothing instead of tight onesies. This will ensure proper airflow between the skin and prevent ducts from clogging. Although a heat rash is not a serious medical condition, it can indicate that your baby is overheating. Avoid excess blankets and clothing. Instead, let the skin breathe to ensure that the pores do not become clogged and irritated.
How do you treat heat rash on face?
A heat rash on a baby’s face often occurs due to heavy drooling or lying on the face while sleeping. It is important to keep the face dry so that the rash can clear up on its own. If your baby uses a pacifier, try taking it away for a few days or switching to one with a more porous top. Applying powder to the rash will help keep the skin dry by absorbing any moisture that develops.
What are some general treatment tips for how to get rid of heat rash?
Treat the affected areas with cold water. Drizzling cold water on the skin will help soothe irritation while effectively cleaning around the rash. Additionally, if you live in a warm area, use air conditioners or fans in your baby’s room. Place the fan blowing in your baby’s direction but not necessarily on him or her directly. The goal is to make your baby as comfortable as possible without causing him or her to become too cold. Lastly, after a bath, allow your baby to air-dry rather than using a towel to dry the skin. This will prevent further irritation from occurring by allowing the pores to drain naturally rather than being rubbed. (Get more natural baby heat rash treatment options.)
What mistakes do parents make when treating baby heat rash?
Although you may have the urge to moisturize a heat rash on baby, this is not a good idea. Applying moisturizer or lotion to an affected area can result in further skin irritation. Instead, it is crucial to keep the area dry and clean.
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