Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, is a very itchy form of skin rash that is caused by a blockage of the sweat glands due to excessive perspiration. It may recur from time to time, particularly when the weather is hot and humid, but it is not known to have any long term ill effects.
Symptoms
Tiny red bumps appear all over the skin when babies develop heat rash. Lesions of rashes commonly appear around the neck, folds of the arms and legs and the armpits where most perspiration takes place, though it may also be widespread across the body.
Causes
As its name implies, heat rash is typically caused by high humidity. Hot weather puts a strain on your baby's underdeveloped sweat glands as he is unable to regulate his body heat efficiently. An overdressed baby can also suffer from heat rash.
Treatment
It is not necessary to give your child any medication for heat rash. The key treatment is in keeping your baby cool and comfortable by removing excessive clothing and minimising body heat.
Prevention
1. Taking a bath twice a day helps keep baby cool but be careful not to use water that is too hot as high temperature can cause rashes to flare up. Keep bath time under 10 minutes using only lukewarm water.
2. Choose bath products wisely and use only those that are mild, unscented, and hypoallergenic. You may also use an oatmeal-based bath lotion to help relieve the itch. Alternatively, add some household table salt to a tub of water and dissolve it completely before bringing baby to the bath. Salt has anti-bacterial effects but take care not to scrub the skin.
3. When drying off baby, simply pat down with a towel as rubbing causes friction which may aggravate the skin problem. Pay extra attention to the folds of the skin.
4. Daily moisturising helps keep baby's skin well-moisturised. Pick a good moisturiser containing petroleum jelly for best effect and apply immediately after a bath while the skin is still wet for best absorption.
5. Do not use talcum powder - or snake powder - to relieve itch on your baby as he may breathe in the fine particles of the powder.
6. A post-bath or pre-bedtime massage is great for relaxing your baby and improving blood circulation. Simply apply some baby oil and gentle strokes to help baby calm down and sleep better.
7. Dress baby comfortably. Loose-fitting - but not oversized - cotton garments are best in minimising skin irritation caused by chaffing. Do not over swaddle your newborn.
8. New clothes should always be washed prior to first wear. Remember to remove clothes tags that may irritate the skin. Check for embellishments and stitching that may also irritate the skin.
9. Scratching can aggravate an existing rash. To prevent baby from scratching, trim and file baby's nails regularly and put on mittens. If your baby has outgrown the mittens, try putting on a pair of comfortable, snugly-fitted long socks on the hands so baby can't pull them off.
10. Dress baby sensibly for bed to keep him cool and comfortable. Fleece blankets and quilts make nice gifts but are often unsuitable for the high humidity of equatorial countries.
11. Keep your baby in a cool environment with ample air circulation and breeze. If you have to bring baby out in the day, remember to put on a hat and slap some sun screen on baby's face, hands and legs.
When to visit the doctor
Heat rash may be mild but infection can set in when there is excessive scratching. Broken skin from incessant scratching can lead to bacterial infection. This may result in the development of pus-filled blisters, swelling, or crusting of the skin, which calls for a visit to the doctor. Watch out also for signs of increased irritability, crying, lethargy, loss of appetite and fever.