Heat rash or "summer rash" is a skin eruption characterized by little bumps or tiny blisters that surface on your baby's skin, including the scalp, due to overheating. All children, regardless of age can have heat rash, but it is most common in infants. Although heat rash itself is not serious, it does indicate that your baby us too warm. Overheating can lead to serious health conditions including heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
Causes
Sweating is an essential function that cools down body temperature and helps prevent overheating. Increased sweating can lead to heat rash if it is accompanied by clogged pores in your baby's skin. Clogged pores prevent sweat from leaving your baby's body and can trigger heat rash. Infants are more prone to heat rash because their pores, or sweat ducts, are smaller and immature. They can easily rupture, which traps sweat beneath the skin, according to the MayoClinic.com. Heat rash can occur in a hot and humid summer weather, as well as during winter months when your baby is wearing layers of clothing. Fever can also cause heat rash due to increased body temperature and sweating that usually follows.
Symptoms
Heat rash usually surfaces around the neck, chest, shoulders, elbow creases, groin and armpits. However, wearing a hat can also cause heat rash on your infant's scalp. Milaria crystalline is the mildest type of heat rash that only affects your baby's topmost layer of skin. It is characterized by tiny bumps and blisters that easily break. Milaria rubra occurs deeper in the epidermis and is characterized by itchy red bumps and mild or no sweating in affected areas. Milaria profunda is the least common form of heat rash and occurs mainly in adults, according to the MayoClinic.com. Symptoms include firm and flesh-colored lesions and lack of sweating that can lead to heat stroke.
Treatment
Treat heat rash by first cooling your infant. Remove or loosen up unnecessary clothing, especially any hats or other head covers, and move your baby into an area that is shady and airy. Wrapping your infant with a cotton towel can also help absorb excess sweat. Apply damp and cool washcloths to affected areas. A warm bath with 2 tsp. of baking soda per gallon of water can also relieve discomfort, according to the Babycenter.com. Allow your baby to air dry instead of rubbing him with a towel. Do not apply creams and ointments on heat rashes because these can worsen the skin condition by clogging pores and trapping in moisture.
Considerations
Prevent heat rash by keeping your baby cool and comfortable. Use lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, especially during hot and humid weather. Wash your baby's hair if it is sweaty and don't use a hat when it is not necessary. In addition, use absorbent cotton and other natural fabrics rather than clothing made from synthetic fabrics. Lightly dust your baby's creases with cornstarch to prevent heat rash. If the heat rash lasts more than few days, is getting worse or your baby is running a fever, consult your pediatrician.
