Heat Rash Babies
Heat Rash Babies
Most bumps and blotches on a newborn baby are harmless and clear up by themselves. A rash is any skin bumps or blotches. The rash can be red, skin-colored, or slightly lighter or darker than skin color. By far the most common skin problem in infants is diaper rash.
Another common skin problem that occurs with babies is heat rash. With heat rash babies pores of the sweat glands become blocked. This generally happens when the weather is hot or humid. As the infant sweats little red bumps and possibly tiny blisters form because the blocked glands cannot clear the sweat. When the weather is hot or humid, the infant sweats, but because of the blockage of the sweat glands, this sweat is held within the skin and forms little red bumps, or occasionally small blisters in young infants.
Some helpful suggestions to avoid heat rash are during the hot season dress your baby in light-weight, 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 evaporate moisture and cool the 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 don’t improve or prevent heat rash. Creams and ointments tend to keep the skin warmer and block the pores. Most often, heat rash goes away on its own. Severe forms of heat rash may need medical care, but the best way to relieve symptoms is to cool your skin and prevent sweating.
Heat rash is also known as prickly heat and miliaria and it does not just affect babies. Though it’s most common in infants, heat rash affects up to a third of adults living in tropical climates and can bother anyone during hot, humid weather. Heat rash develops when your sweat ducts become blocked and perspiration is trapped under your skin. Symptoms range from superficial blisters to deep, red lumps. Some forms of heat rash can be intensely itchy or prickly.
Heat rash usually heals on its own and doesn’t require medical care. See your doctor if you or your child has symptoms that last longer than three or four days, the rash seems to be getting worse or there are signs of infection such as increased pain, swelling, redness or warmth around the affected area or pus draining from the sores. Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit, neck or groin and fever or chills are all warning signs of a more serious condition.
Infant Eczema
Infant Eczema
Some of the common childhood diseases and conditions that can cause skin rashes on your baby as well as older children include eczema, poison ivy, and infections like chickenpox. Many other conditions common in infants, such as baby acne, erythema toxicum, and heat rash, can resemble Infant eczema.
The most common cause of dry skin in a baby or toddler skin rash is eczema. Many infants get eczema in their first months of life. Infant eczema is an itchy, red rash that occurs in response to a trigger. It is common in children who have a family history of asthma, allergies, or atopic dermatitis. Eczema is a variety of skin problems that occur throughout infancy.
There are a few various kinds of eczema, the most widespread being “Atopic” which is mainly suffered by babies and children. Eczema may occur on baby’s face as a weepy rash. Over
time it becomes thick, dry, and scaly. You may also see eczema on the elbow, chest, arms, or behind the knees. To treat it, identify and avoid any triggers. Use gentle soaps and detergents and apply moderate amounts of moisturizers.
Nearly 20% of infants develop eczema, and it can be extremely irritating for the infants to have. There is no cure for it, but there are ways to control it. If your child has eczema and scratches a lot or has thickened skin from scratching, it is suggested that you use wet wraps. Wet wraps are wet bandages applied over moisturizers with dry bandages on top. They can be effective in moderate to severe eczema when used intermittently.
When shopping for baby skin care products less is definitely more. Look for items without dyes, fragrance, phthalates and parabens. All of these ingredients could cause skin irritation to your infant. When in doubt, talk to your pediatrician to see if a product is appropriate for newborn skin.
Eczema can also be caused by an infant’s allergy to milk. If breast feeding, the baby can be allergic to what the mother is eating. To find out if this is the cause, a mother may need to take the infant to the allergist to get tested for allergies.
To avoid skin problems at bath time, remember that your newborn’s skin is ultra soft and sensitive. Keep baby’s skin hydrated by bathing in warm water for only three to five minutes. Apply a baby lotion or moisturizer immediately after bath while skin is still wet, and then pat dry instead of rubbing.
