Heat Rash In Children: How To Prevent And Treat Heat Rash In Children

Heat rash (also known as prickly heat) in children is highly frequent in our country because the summer months are long and the weather is hot and humid. Heat rashes may cause uncomfortable feelings, but they are nothing to be concerned about. They are easily treatable, and your children will get relief from them.

This article discusses the causes of heat rash in children, as well as home remedies and preventive measures to treat it.

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What Is Heat Rash, Or Prickly Heat, And How Does It Appear?

Heat rash, often known as prickly heat, is a common skin condition that usually appears during the summer. It looks like tiny spots or bumps surrounded by red or pink skin. It is very common among children, yet it is also treatable.

What Is Heat Rash And What Are Its Symptoms?

Heat rash begins when sweat glands become blocked, causing sweat to become trapped under the skin, resulting in tiny spots or bumps.

Causes Of Heat Rash

For newborns, heat rash is quite frequent in their first few weeks of life, because their sweat glands have not fully developed.

It occurs in toddlers as a result of :

--> overdressing(wearing multiple layers of clothing)

--> hot or humid weather

--> heavy sweating because of physical activity

--> cloth material (fabric) that does not allow sweat to evaporate from the skin

--> sleeping with multiple blankets

Symptoms

--> Tiny bumps surrounded by red or pink skin

--> Sometimes it causes itchy, painful, and burning sensations

--> For infants, heat rash usually appears on the neck, armpits, and skin folds

--> For toddlers, it occurs on the chest and back

What Are The Ways To Cool Down Your Child's Heat Rash?

In fact, heat rash can heal on its own in a few days, but it causes uncomfortable feelings in children. So, here are some suggestions for treating your child's heat rash.

1. Giving a cool bath

Actually, a cool bath lowers body temperature and helps relieve itchy skin. Giving mild pressure during a cool bath can help to unblock pores, making children feel more comfortable and relaxed.

2. Always dress up in a loose cotton cloth

When wearing loose cotton clothing, air can easily circulate throughout the body. A breathable cotton cloth helps in the absorption of sweat from the skin.

3. Do not apply heavy personal care products

Heavy personal care products, such as moisturizers, baby cream, and baby lotions, might clog their pores, worsening their heat rash.

Note: In hot weather, consult your child's doctor and apply heat rash products as suggested by the doctor.

Home Remedies To Treat Heat Rash In Children

1. Cold compress using a soft cotton cloth

When your child is struggling a lot with heat rashes and itching, the best thing to do in that situation is to wrap some ice cubes in a soft cotton cloth and dab them on the affected area. Your child will feel relaxed and soothed from the itchy, irritating sensation.

2. Cucumber Juice

The cooling and hydrating properties of cucumber give a relaxing feeling as well as instant relief from heat rash. Dip a cotton cloth in cucumber juice and apply it to the affected area.

Note: Do not rub the juice into the affected area; a gentle press is enough.

3. Aloe Vera gel

The cooling property of aloe vera helps to relieve itching and discomfort feelings on the skin as soon as it is applied. Just apply aloe vera gel to the affected area and leave it for 5 to 10 minutes, then wipe it with a soft cotton cloth.

Note: You can use store-bought aloe vera gel or directly extract it from the aloe vera plant.

Parenting Tips: How To Prevent Heat Rash In Children

* Try to keep your child in a cool environment, which means avoiding exposing your child to extreme heat for long periods of time.

* Avoid wearing too tight clothes, because tight clothing is not breathable.

* Keep your child's skin dry by using prickly heat powder or baby powder.

* Include cooling food items in your toddler's healthy eating routine and frequently remind them to drink water

* Try to keep your child's body areas such as the neck, armpits, and skin folds dry

When Is It Important To Consult A Doctor?

Always keep an eye on your child. If you notice any kind of skin problem in your child, you should consult your child's doctor to make sure that your child's skin condition (heat rash) is treatable.

Final Thought

Finally, pay more attention to your child during the scorching summer months because heat rash is common in babies and toddlers at this time. Sometimes, even adults can suffer from heat rash from time to time in hot weather.

By considering the above-mentioned suggestions and home remedies to keep your child cool, you may help them avoid heat rash or stay rash-free throughout the summer, no matter how hot it gets in our country.

Disclaimer: The home remedies mentioned in this article are based on my personal experience. Please consult your child's doctor before following any of them.