Heat rash is a common skin condition among babies and children.  It is characterized by a patch of pink or red bumps, and usually appears on body areas covered by clothing.  It develops when the sweat glands become blocked and swell, which leads to redness and itching.  In babies, heat rash is typically caused by parents that dress their babies too warmly, but it can happen to any baby in very hot, humid weather.  A baby should be dressed similar to an adult to be comfortable, given the same activity level.

There are three types of heat rashes: milaria crystallina, milaria rubra, and milaria profunda.  They are similar in appearance and symptoms.  Milaria crystalline appears like a scaly cluster of small water blisters on your babies’ skin.  This occurs when the sweat glands become blocked and rupture.   This type of rash usually develops on the babys’ head, neck or upper chest.  Prickly heat, or milaria rubra, is the most common form of heat rash.  The sweat glands become red and inflamed, and may cause a “prickling” or stinging sensation, as well as itching.  The inflamed sweat glands appear as groups of small bumps with a red circle around them, and are typically found in the folds of the skin.  Milaria profunda is characterized by small, flesh-colored bumps, and is more common is adults than children.  In rare cases heat rash can become infected secondary to scratching, and this is called milaria pustulosa.

In order to avoid heat rash, the prevention of overheating is vital.  Dress your child in weather appropriate, loose fitting clothing. Lightweight fabrics, such as cotton will keep your child cool and dry.   Avoid the use of moisturizers and oil-based products, which can block the sweat glands.

If you or your child develops heat rash, it is usually self-limiting and will go away on its own.  Treatment is warranted on occasion, and includes moving indoors to an air-conditioned environment and dressing in looser fabrics.  If the rash becomes itchy and/or inflamed, over- the- counter steroid creams or calamine lotion can be used to decrease these symptoms.  Cool compresses or a tepid bath can also alleviate this itchy, red rash.  Topical and/or oral antibiotics are used if the rash becomes infected.

Heat rash can be very uncomfortable for you and your baby.  Using the appropriate creams can help to prevent it from developing.  BabyGanics™’ Smooth Moves™ Moisturizing Lotion contains an all natural formula, that keeps your child’s skin smooth and healthy.  It is infused with special ingredients that nourish your infant’s skin while also keeping it cool and dry, even when exposed to the sun and heat.  It is free of harmful ingredients and toxic chemicals, which makes it safe to use on your child as well as yourself.