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Heat Rash

Heat rash is the eruption of reddish bumps on your baby skin that usually appear after your child has been overheated. This rash, also known as 'prickly heat', occurs most often in babies, babies with fair skin and during the hot and humid months.

Heat rash usually appears in the folds of your baby skin, especially the neck area, between their thighs and anywhere that was constricted by tight fitting clothing.

Heat rash is cause by clogging of pores when your child is sweating excessively. The application of ointments such as diaper cream and the application of sunscreens or lotions can clog pores. Some babies get heat rash simply because their pores are smaller than those of adults and more easily clogged.
Heat rash is not a serious illness, however it can be quite uncomfortable for your baby. Heat rash can be itchy and sometimes sensitive to the touch. And overheating, which causes heat rash, can be dangerous for your child. Overheating can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Treatment for heat rash includes…

• Airing your child out. This can be done by removing your child's clothing and by placing them in an airy, shady environment.

• Cooling your child off with a wet clothe. Use a cool, damp cloth to wipe your child's skin to remove any sweat and to cool the skin.

• A lukewarm bath. You can try placing your child in a lukewarm bath to sooth their rash and cleanse their pores.

• Allow your child to air dry. Instead of drying your child off with a towel, which may irritate the rash, allow your child to dry naturally before you dress them.

• Use a fan to keep baby cool. If your baby is uncomfortable, you can use a fan to cool the temperature in their room. Just make sure that you do not allow the temperature to get to cold.

• Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to the rash. It is best to call your doctor before you apply either of these, but the application of these medications can help to heal the rash and relieve any itching that your child may be experiencing.

You can also try to prevent heat rash in your child by doing the following.

• Dress your child in loose fitting clothes, especially when the weather is warm. Make sure that your child's skin can breathe by allowing room between their clothes and their skin.

• Choose natural fabrics to dress your child in. Natural fabrics such as cotton will allow your child's skin to breathe and allow for the dissipation of sweat.

• Apply cornstarch to the creases in your baby's skin. The cornstarch is safe for use on babies and it will help to absorb any sweat present on your baby's skin, which will help prevent the development of heat rash.

• Keep your baby well hydrated by offering them plenty of liquids. Breast-fed or formula-fed often and offer bottles of water is possible on especially hot days.

• Check your baby's external temperature often. On hot days, touch your baby's skin frequently. If their skin feels hot or damp to the touch, then take them indoors to cool them off before heat rash can appear.

You should not have to take your baby to the doctor each time he or she gets heat rash, Heat rash should clear up on its own within two to three days. However, if the rash persists for longer than a week, gets worse or is accompanied by a fever, then you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

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