If your infant breaks out in a rash, it could be caused by many factors. Heat rashes are caused by heat exposure or high humidity. Heat rashes are not typically serious, but if your child frequently gets heat rashes, consider bringing the issue up with her pediatrician. Heat rashes are especially prevalent in small children under 2 years of age because babies have smaller pores than adults and older children and sometimes have trouble sweating or regulating their own body temperatures.
Appearance
Heat rashes form as small red bumps all over your baby's skin. Heat rashes are most commonly found on a child's lower neck or lower back, although they can appear anywhere on a child's torso. These bumps can turn into blisters. You might notice heat rashes especially where your child's clothes are tight fitting or where he has folds of overlapping skin.
Causes
If your baby breaks out in a heat rash, she is overheated. As her body tries to sweat to cool her off, the sweat becomes blocked in her tiny pores, which leads to the tiny red bumps that form a heat rash. This can occur when your baby is out in hot or humid weather, or when she is bundled up in warm clothing during winter. Some babies also break out in a heat rash as a response to topical cough ointments.
Treatments
If your baby breaks out into a heat rash, help him cool off. Remove excess clothing and take him into an air-conditioned room or shady spot, out of the heat. Place him on a cotton towel and gently rub a cool, wet washcloth over his rash to cool his skin. You can also give him a bath in lukewarm water with 2 tsp. of baking soda added per gallon of water to reduce the rash and cool him off.
Prevention
Dress your baby appropriately to help her avoid heat rashes. Choose soft, lightweight cotton clothing that is not too tight. Avoid putting creams or powders on your baby because they could clog her pores and increase her chances of getting a rash. Use an air conditioner or fan in your baby's room when she sleeps to keep her cool. Allow your baby to air dry after a bath rather than rubbing her dry with a towel, which can irritate her skin. Trim your baby's nails so they are short to prevent her from scratching herself if she develops an itchy rash.
