Treat Baby Heat Rash at Home

Babies can develop baby heat rash for several reasons, not the least of which is having the baby out and about in hot humid temperatures.

Heat rash on a baby will show up as tiny clear or reddish bumps on the surface of the skin on the back, buttocks, crotch, legs, or neck, stomach, and sometimes the chest.

Sometimes the rash is itchy and can make the baby very uncomfortable. Your child may cry more often when that area of the skin is touched or handled, especially during diaper changes.

What Causes this Rash on Babies?

Babies wear diapers regardless of the weather and temperatures. Moist, well-fitting diapers can create moisture in the spots it comes into contact with the skin, blocking the sweat from escaping, which then creates the heat rash.

Moms also tend to dress their babies in too much clothing in the hot weather, thinking that they need more clothes than adults. It's true, you should protect your baby's skin, but putting too many snugly fitting clothing on could cause heat rash to develop.

Infants' sweat glands are not fully developed, so they can get baby heat rash simply because their sweat glands cannot function properly just yet.

Prevention of Heat Rash on Babies' Skin

How can you prevent a heat rash from developing on your little one? It's very simple really. Dress your baby in lightweight clothes that fit somewhat loosely so air can circulate and the sweat can evaporate from the skin.

Keep the baby inside where it is cool during the hotter months of the year.

Hydrate your baby as much as possible, especially when outside in the hot weather.

Don't overdress your child in the winter. She can wear the same layering of clothing you do to stay warm and she will be plenty warm. Otherwise, bundling your child could cause heat rash to develop even during the winter months.

Home Remedies and Natural Approaches to Treat Baby Heat Rash

What can you do to make your baby more comfortable and heal faster if she does develop a heat rash?

• Give her a cool bath and then allow her to air dry
• Don't slather lotions and creams over her heat rash - products with lanolin, petroleum jelly, or mineral oil will block sweat glands
• Dress her in lightweight and light-colored cotton clothing that doesn't fit snugly
• Cool compresses on the affected area feel good and take away some of the sting
• Add a few Tablespoons of ground up oatmeal or baking soda to the baby's bath water
• Cucumber pulp can be passed gently over the area affected with the rash - it has natural cooling properties
• Apply pure aloe Vera to the heat rash a few times per day
• Keep her out of direct sunlight
• Bathe your baby regularly to prevent sweat from building up on her body
• Apply pure olive oil over the rash
• Keep her fingernails trimmed so she doesn't scratch herself when the rash itches
• Enjoy the outdoors by sitting in the shady areas
• If you're without air conditioning in your home, go to an air-conditioned or cooler place during the hottest hours of the day.

Heat rashes typically disappear on their own within a few days to a week if treated properly. Never hesitate to contact your physician however if you aren't sure the rash your child has is indeed a heat rash.

There are a few potential medical issues that can arise in conjunction with heat rash in babies.

Complications of Heat Rash in Babies

Heat exhaustion can be associated with heat rash, but not always. It is still important to keep an eye on your baby to see if any other symptoms arise after your child has developed the heat rash.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion in babies can include red skin, a high temperature that seems like a fever but without sweating, vomiting, rapid pulse, restlessness, lethargy, and breathing that is shallow and unusually quick, and even unconsciousness. Babies exhibiting any of these symptoms should be seen by a physician immediately.

Heat rash bumps can get infected sometimes. The bumps will become inflamed and red and itchy, causing the baby's skin to be very tender. See your physician if this happens or is suspected.

Baby heat rash is a common frustration for parents with little ones, but thankfully it can almost always be treated right in the comfort of your own home and will heal pretty quickly if properly treated.