How to Treat Baby Heat Rash

Heat rash is a skin rash that occurs when a baby sweats and the sweat clogs his pores. Heat rash is most common when the weather is hot and humid but can also occur if a baby is overheated due to clothing or a fever. Heat rash, also called prickly heat, appears as small tiny red bumps on the baby's skin. To treat baby heat rash, follow these steps.

Instructions

1. Move your baby out of the sun. If heat rash is caused by hot weather, immediately get your baby into the shade. A cool, indoor location would be a great place to move to.

2. Cool down your baby. Remove your baby's clothing or loosen the clothing so that your baby will cool off.

3. Lay your baby on a towel. Gently pat the affected area to absorb the excess sweat.

4. Place cool, wet facecloths on the affected area. Let the area air dry so you aren't rubbing the rash. Rubbing the rash could cause further irritation.

5. Give your baby a bath. Run a lukewarm bath and add a bit of baking soda. This can help to relieve irritation to your baby's skin.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a fan or air conditioner in your baby's room to keep it cool in hot weather to prevent heat rash from developing.

• Heat rash is a sign that your baby is overheating. Overheating can lead to serious conditions and can put your child at increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome.