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Babies and heat rashes

Heat rashes and babies; Prickly heat rash; Red miliaria

 

Heat rash occurs in babies when the pores of the sweat glands become blocked. This happens most often when the weather is hot or humid. As your infant sweats, little red bumps, and possibly tiny blisters, form because the blocked glands cannot clear the sweat.

Information

 

To avoid heat rash , keep your baby cool and dry during warm weather.

Some helpful suggestions:

  • During the hot season, dress your baby in lightweight, soft, cotton clothing. Cotton is very absorbent and keeps moisture away from the baby's skin.
  • If air conditioning is not available, a fan may help cool your infant. Place the fan far enough away that there is only a gentle breeze drifting over the infant.
  • Avoid the use of powders, creams, and ointments. Baby powders do not improve or prevent heat rash. Creams and ointments tend to keep the skin warmer and block the pores.

 

 

References

Goddard DS, Gilliam AE, Frieden IJ. Vesiculobullous and erosive diseases in the newborn. In: Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Schaffer JV, eds. Dermatology . 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 34.

Martin KL. Disorders of the sweat glands. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St Geme JW, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 661.

 
  • Heat rash - illustration

    To prevent or treat heat rash in an infant, dress the baby in light-weight cotton, use a fan with a gentle breeze (if air conditioning is unavailable), and avoid the use of powders.

    Heat rash

    illustration

  • Infant heat rash - illustration

    The best way to prevent heat rash is to keep the baby's skin cool and dry during warm weather. Also dress the infant in light cotton clothing to help absorb excess moisture.

    Infant heat rash

    illustration

    • Heat rash - illustration

      To prevent or treat heat rash in an infant, dress the baby in light-weight cotton, use a fan with a gentle breeze (if air conditioning is unavailable), and avoid the use of powders.

      Heat rash

      illustration

    • Infant heat rash - illustration

      The best way to prevent heat rash is to keep the baby's skin cool and dry during warm weather. Also dress the infant in light cotton clothing to help absorb excess moisture.

      Infant heat rash

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Babies and heat rashes

         

           

          Review Date: 11/19/2015

          Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

          The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

           
           
           

           

           

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