Rashes of any kind can be frightening to a new parent of a small infant. Heat rash or prickly heat is not a serious illness and is a common ailment in babies and small children. Recognize the symptoms of your infant's heat rash in order to help him feel better quickly.
Rash Characteristics
Heat rash symptoms can occur in infants and babies of any age -- and adults too -- but the rash characteristics may vary. Very young infants may develop red itchy bumps between the first and third weeks of life, in response to a hot environment or perhaps being overdressed. This type of prickly heat is called miliaria rubra. Older infants may also show signs of a heat rash, but the bumps are more clear in color and may ooze like blisters, a condition called miliaria crystallina.
Location
Heat rash and the prickly, itchy feeling can occur anywhere on your infant's body. The most common areas to spot the rash are the torso, face, neck and under the arms. A red raised rash that is located in the baby's diaper area is less likely to be prickly heat, and more likely to be a localized yeast infection or diaper rash.
Irritability
You might notice your infant is irritable when showing signs of a heat rash. The crankiness is most likely because the rash is itchy and uncomfortable. Undress your baby or cover her with light, removable layers of cotton clothing to help her skin breathe. Bathe your baby in a lukewarm tub with either plain water or a mild soap to make her more comfortable.
Considerations
If your baby's rash does not clear over the course of a week, if the rash is paired with a fever, or if general crankiness continues, call your pediatrician. The rash you think is due to the heat may in fact be signs of viral illness or a yeast infection.
