Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, is a red, pimply skin eruption that can occur when your child overheats. It typically appears in skin folds and areas where clothing fits snugly, such as the chest, stomach, neck, crotch and buttocks. The rash may even spread across the scalp or forehead if your child wears hats. While heat rash most commonly affects babies, children of all ages and even adults can develop it.
Is heat rash serious?
Heat rash is generally considered a mild condition. However, it indicates that your child is too warm, which can lead to more serious conditions like heat exhaustion or heat stroke if not addressed.
What causes heat rash?
Heat rash occurs when the body sweats excessively and the sweat ducts become blocked, preventing sweat from escaping. This can happen in hot weather or when a child has a high fever that causes heavy sweating. Children are more prone to heat rash due to their smaller pores compared to adults.
Is heat rash uncomfortable?
Yes, heat rash can be quite itchy and uncomfortable. While it usually isn’t painful, some pimples may be tender to the touch.
How should I treat heat rash?
Take these steps:
Cool your child down. Loosen or remove clothing and move them to an airy room or shady spot.
Cool the rash areas. Use wet washcloths or give a tepid bath. Let the skin air-dry as much as possible.
Relieve itching. Apply calamine lotion to the worst spots and use anhydrous lanolin to prevent duct blockage and spread of the rash.
Avoid ointments and heavy lotions. These can make the rash worse.
Use air conditioning or a fan. Especially if the weather is hot at night.
Manage fever. If associated with a fever, give fever-reducing medicine. Avoid aspirin in children under 20 due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
How can I prevent heat rash?
Apply cornstarch. Use in body creases (avoid talcum powder).
Keep your child cool. Don’t overdress them, especially in warm weather. Use breathable fabrics like cotton.
Monitor overheating. Touch your child’s skin to check for dampness and warmth.
Limit outdoor time in extreme heat. Keep your child in cool, shaded, or breezy areas and encourage plenty of water intake. Avoid caffeinated sodas.
When should I take my child to the doctor for heat rash?
Consult your pediatrician if:
The rash doesn’t improve after a few days
The rash worsens
Your child has a high fever that doesn’t respond to medicine or cooling techniques
Your child shows additional symptoms such as a cough, enlarged lymph nodes or muscle aches
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
