Heat Rash in Babies: Symptoms, Risks & Treatments

A heat rash in babies can appear suddenly and look frightening but is usually not a cause for concern. Babies have delicate skin and are more vulnerable to get a rash than adults. Heat rashes in babies can feel itchy, prickly and uncomfortable. In this article, we will discuss the different types of heat rashes in babies, their symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention.

Different types of heat rash

A heat rash or miliaria tends to occur when the skin traps sweat, which irritates the outer layer and causes a rash. Doctors divide heat rash in babies in three types depending on their severity.

1. Miliaria Rubra

Miliaria rubra or prickly heat is among the most common types of heat rashes in babies and usually affects newborns. It occurs when there is a blockage in the sweat glands close to the surface of the skin and the layer underneath the tissue.

The symptoms of miliaria rubra include small, red bumps or blisters on the skin, redness and itching. If a baby has miliaria rubra, then he/she may constantly scratch their skin. If the rash develops pus, it is called miliaria pustulosa, which may indicate a bacterial infection.

2. Miliaria Crystallina

Miliaria crystallina is a common type of heat rash in babies, especially newborns aged 2 weeks or under. It occurs when there is a blockage in the sweat glands and is the least severe form of heat rash.

The symptoms of miliaria crystallina include small clear or white blisters similar to water droplets, which are usually not red or inflamed. This type of heat rash in babies usually resolves within a day as soon as the affected layer of skin rubs off.

3. Miliaria Profunda

Miliaria profunda, although an uncommon type of heat rash in babies, is the most severe of them all. It occurs when sweat repeatedly enters the dermis, which caused intense flushing and burning. Babies with severe miliaria profunda may also develop some signs of heat exhaustion because their blocked sweat glands stop producing sweat to cool down the body.

The symptoms of miliaria profunda include large and firm flesh-coloured spots resembling pimples and mild to intense itching. If a baby scratches their rash, it may turn into an infection.

Symptoms of heat rash in babies

The main and only symptom of heat rash in babies is a rash on parts of their body that have been exposed to heat. Warm clothes, swaddling, poor ventilation and being close to heat surfaces can increase their risk of a heat rash. Additionally, heat rashes in babies are more likely to appear in skin folds in the neck or groin.

Diagnosis of heat rash in babies

The signs and symptoms of heat rash in babies are obvious, especially in the hot season. However, if you are unsure whether it is a heat rash, you can consult a doctor or pediatrician. A doctor will be able to diagnose the heat rash by examining the skin and judging from the appearance of the rash.

If the baby has a heat rash along with a fever or seems sick, then it may be a sign of an infection. In such a case, you must consult the doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. The doctor may also prescribe some antibiotics to clear up the infection.

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Treatments for heat rash in babies

Heat rashes in babies usually go away on their own within a few days and rarely require treatment. You should not use a rash cream on the skin unless it is recommended by the doctor. The doctor may prescribe a steroid cream for a severe rash or if the rash does not go away on its own.

You can try the following home remedies to soothe your baby’s discomfort and accelerate the healing:

• Shift the baby to a cool area upon noticing the first sign of a heat rash and keep their skin cool and dry.

• You can also apply a cool compress on the affected areas of the body.

• Rinse away any oil or sweat on the affected area with water and gently pat dry the skin.

• You can also allow the baby to remain naked for some time to keep their skin cool.

• Placing your baby in an air-conditioned room or under the fan may also help cool down their skin and body temperature.

• Make sure to keep the baby well-hydrated. This means breastfed babies should be fed on demand and older babies should have constant access to water.

Risk factors for heat rash in babies

Here are some factors that may increase the risk of developing a heat rash in babies:

• Wearing excessively warm or thick clothes in a hot season

• Living in a place with a very warm climate

• Sitting close to heat sources such as heaters or heat lamps

• Swaddling the baby, especially if the weather is warm or the baby is sweating

• Applying thick creams or oils on the skin that may block the sweat ducts

You may also like to read : Skincare tips for Your Newborn

Prevention of heat rash in babies

To minimise the risk of heat rashes in babies, you can adopt the following strategies:

1. Dress your baby appropriately

Dressing the baby in seasonally appropriate clothing is important. Choose comfortable and airy clothing for your baby. Pure cotton clothes are more absorbent than clothes made of synthetic fibres such as nylon, polyester or rayon. Avoid swaddling the baby or keeping them in a blanket all the time, especially in warm weather.

2. Keep your baby hydrated

Make sure your baby gets enough to drink to replace all the fluids they might be losing through sweat. To prevent dehydration, offer your exclusively breastfed baby, more breastfeeds in summer. Breastfed babies do not need extra water in hot weather as breastmilk itself is mostly water. Babies on formula and solids can have cooled, boiled water. Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids so they don’t get dehydrated.

3. Monitor the skin from time to time

Look for signs of excess sweating in your baby and if the baby looks flushed or is sweating, shift them to a cooler area. If you aren't sure whether they’re overheated, touch the skin. Damp-hot skin is a sign that the baby is too warm. Cool the affected areas or give your baby a tepid (lukewarm) bath or shower.

Heat rash in babies is usually not harmful. However, it can indicate a baby’s risk of overheating, which can cause serious health issues. So, make sure to keep your baby cool and comfortable. If the rash does not resolve on its own within a few days or the rash begins to spread, you should consult a doctor instantly.