Treatments for heat rashes in infants

Heat rash, also known as prickly heat rash, is a common condition, especially during the warmer months. While heat rash affects both infants and adults, given that babies are more sensitive, baby heat rash treatment takes priority. The symptoms of baby heat rash include eruption of small red bumps along the body, especially around the face, neck, abdomen and buttocks, constant itching and irritation.

Heat rash is caused by excessive heat and humidity, and also by dressing the infant in tight clothes. In warm conditions the body sweats. However, an infant’s pores are tiny and the sweat accumulates, and clogs the pores easily.

Also in the case of tight clothing, they tend to block the sweat glands. This results in clogging, which in turn causes inflamed bumps to appear. While baby heat rash isn’t a serious condition, it does cause the baby a lot of discomfort. However, there are some very simple heat rash remedies that you can use to prevent and ease heat rash.

A simple preventive measure is to dress the baby in natural fabrics. Light cotton works the best as it absorbs sweat effectively.

It also absorbs moisture allowing the baby to be comfortable. Avoid synthetic materials at all costs. These tend to trap the dampness instead of absorbing it, thereby causing a buildup of sweat. It is also essential to avoid using talcum powder and creams on the baby to soothe the rash. Talcum could irritate the baby’s sensitive skin further, whereas the creams clog the pores and trap the sweat, further aggravating the rash.

A simple baby heat rash cure is to give the infant a lukewarm bath. Add two spoons of baking soda to the bath solution before soaking the baby in it. The baking soda helps ease inflammation and irritation of the skin. After the bath air dry the infant, as opposed to towel drying. The rubbing action of the towel against the skin could end up causing further irritation and inflammation. In the warm months it also helps if you let the baby’s skin breathe a bit. Place the child on a cotton towel for a little time between changes. The towel soaks in moisture and allows the infant’s skin to dry off before being dressed.

An effective way of treating baby heat rash during the summer months is to keep the rooms cool. Switch on the air conditioner or the fan while the baby sleeps. During the day be sure to pat down the baby using a wet soft towel (air dry the baby after that). Also keep the child well hydrated. During the winter months, don’t over dress the baby. Use softer materials, and ones that don’t snug up and cramp the body.