Hot, humid conditions that cause your child to sweat are the culprits behind heat rash -- also known as prickly heat. Excessive sweating blocks skin pores, causing the rash. Ointment that traps moisture on the skin also can cause heat rash. Infants are especially prone to the skin condition. The rash appears as tiny bumps and, in some cases, blisters. The bumps may be red, particularly on fair skin. Heat rash can be exacerbated by diapers or overdressing, as when a child is bundled up during winter. Heat rash isn't a serious condition on its own, but an overheated child can suffer more serious problems like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Step 1
Wash the skin in cool -- not cold -- water without soap every two to three hours. Allow the skin to air dry. Smaller spots of heat rash can be treated with a cold compress in lieu of a bath; apply the compress for five to 10 minutes every few hours. Bathing the child in lukewarm water with 2 teaspoons of baking soda per gallon of water can also help.
Step 2
Run an air conditioner or fan in your child's room to circulate air and keep the room cool. Make sure the airflow is in the direction of your child but not directly on her.
Step 3
Apply a 1 percent hydrocortisone cream to itchy areas only. Apply the cream three times daily. If hydrocortisone cream is not an option, calamine lotion can be used in its place.
Step 4
Dress your child in loose-fitting clothing, or remove the clothing entirely to let the skin breathe. Make sure your child is in a shaded area where he can cool off.
Step 5
Lay children over 1 year of age on a cotton towel to absorb perspiration from the skin.
Tips and Warnings
- If your baby scratches the heat rash, clip his fingernails or place socks over his hands at night to protect the rash from being irritated, worsening the condition.
- Do not use ointment in place of hydrocortisone cream. Ointments and other types of heavy lotions can block your child's pores. Some cases of heat rash may require medical attention. Contact a doctor if the rash shows no sign of healing after three days, or if your child develops any of these conditions: a fever along with the rash; wet, oozing or red areas that may indicate infection; spreading of the rash outside of the diaper area; worsening of the rash in skin creases; or blistering. Seek medical help immediately for a child under 3 months old who develops heat rash.
Things You'll Need
- Baking soda
- Washcloths
- Water
- Air conditioner or fan
- Hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion
- Loose-fitting clothing
- Cotton towel
