Heat Rashes

Prickly Heat occurs when sweat glands get blocked and sweat is trapped under the skin. Prickly heat, which is also known as miliaria rubra, is one of the most common types of heat rashes. In this form of heat rash, the sweat duct becomes red and inflamed and manifest as small bumps with a red halo around them. They can be found grouped together inside the folds of his or her skin, such as the neck, armpits, and groin. Symptoms are itching, redness of the skin and tiny blisters.  It’s most common in hot humid weather. Anyone can develop it and it usually only lasts a few days. When the skin is cool and dry, it will disappear.

Although heat rash usually goes away on its own in a few days, some children do require treatment.  This may be as simple as removing the child from the environment that triggers the rash.   Moving the child inside to a cooler, air conditioned environment also goes a long way to easing their discomfort.  Mild strength topical steroids, although these usually aren’t needed can be used for treatment if necessary. Calamine lotion is another remedy often used on itchy baby heat rashes.  Another option to try is compresses with cool water.  In the event a secondary infection does occur, antibiotics will probably be needed to treat it.  Another alternative is to dress the child in less clothing.

Heat rash is also called miliaria. Heat rash is most common in babies and young infants when they become overheated.  This happens either because it is too warm outside or they are simply overdressed.  It could also be because they have a fever.  Miliaria profunda occurs in people who have experienced repeated episodes of prickly heat.

Miliaria crystallina is another type of heat rash. In this particular rash the skin doesn’t get inflamed, leading to the standard appearance of small clear vesicles. These are without any redness or other symptoms.

A key factor in preventing heat rashes like these is avoiding excessive heat and humidity when possible. Some ointments, including moisturizers, or oil based products can block the sweat ducts and should not be used on a child’s skin. Most methods of preventing heat rash start with the goal of keeping your child from getting overheated. Take steps to dress your child in weather appropriate, loose fitting clothing, so that he doesn’t get overheated.  These things go a long way to prevent the discomfort of getting heat rashes.