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What to do when your baby has heat rashes

One of the most common health issues that your baby often faces it the heat rash.

So, what is this heat rash is? As the skin of the baby is sensitive, it is prone to heat rash and even though these rashes are harmless, they make the baby uncomfortable and restless over time.

It is red or pink rash usually found on body areas covered by clothing. It normally occurs due to sweat when sweat ducts become blocked and swell and often leading to discomfort and itching. It is most common among babies and irritates the baby causing it discomfort.

It normally develops during hot and humid environment, when the body tends to show excessive perspiration. Perspiration allows the dead skin cells and bacteria to clog the sweat glands, trapping the sweat under the skin, resulting in red bumps. A pricking sensation is felt when these bumps burst to release the sweat.

Heat rashes can also develop during winters and this could happen due to overheating the house or if your baby is wearing many layers of clothes, or if he has fever.

Other causes of heat rash:

Baby over-dressed too warmly

Reaction of some cream or powder

Baby is in diapers for long duration

Symptoms of heat rash:

It looks like dots or tiny pimples

Area where heat rash appears itches making uncomfortable.

Treatment for heat rash: Mostly prickly heat rashes heal on its own. If you see red spots and it is not going away for 3 to 4 days, or it appears worse, then here are certain things that are to be done to cure baby of the uncomfortable rashes:

1. Begin by removing or loosening your baby’s clothing and move him/ her to a cool, shady place.
2. Apply little corn starch and avoid baby talcum powder in the area where heat rash is developed
3. Do not use towel to dry the area as towel may cause burning sensation to the baby, instead let the area air dry.
4. Avoid ointments and other lotions as they can irritate the skin.
5. Loosen the baby’s clothes and try to keep him in a cool area
6. Give the baby lukewarm bath using a mild soap.
7. Keep your baby well hydrated by frequently offering breast milk or formula milk. If your baby
Is above 6 months, then you can give little boiled water.

You can prevent the baby from getting rashes by following simple steps:

1. Dressing the child in few clothes as possible during hot weather
2. Keeping the skin of the baby cool and dry
3. Keeping the sleeping area cool.
4. Avoid applying perfumed powders, lotions or oils that tend to worsen the rash by clogging the pores and trapping the moisture.
5. Give nappy free time as much as possible
6. Make use of cotton towel to hold the baby
to help absorb sweat
7. Apply cool, wet clothes on affected areas
8. Avoid holding the baby if you are wearing fabrics like wool. They tend to irritate the
tender skin of the baby.
9. Use fans or air conditioners whenever possible to keep air circulating
10. Keep the indoors cool to have proper ventilation for fresh air to flow in
11. Avoid heavy clothing and prefer loose, light cotton clothes
12. Keep in mind to dress the baby as you dress yourself

Seek medical attention if:

Rash seems worse
It do not subside wi
You should consult the doctor if:
The rash does not heal within three to four days
It pus oozes from it
If baby under 3 months has high fever
Redness extends beyond the affected area

The key lies in keeping the baby cool and is in loose and cool  Clothes in summer and humid seasons.

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