What is heat rash?
Heat rash - also known as prickly heat, sweat rash or miliaria
(Harding 2016) - is a mild and usually harmless condition
(Harding 2016, NHS 2018a) that often affects young babies
(Oakley and Eshraghi 2018).
It's not contagious, and it usually clears up on its own within a few days
(NHS 2018a). The main way to treat and prevent it is simply to keep your baby cool
(NHS 2018a).
What causes heat rash?
Heat rash is common in babies because their sweat glands are still developing
(Harding 2016). When your baby gets hot and sweaty, the sweat can build up in his skin instead of coming out through his pores. This can cause tiny patches of swelling, which appear as a rash
(Harding 2016).
How can I tell if my baby has heat rash?
It can be difficult to tell the difference between heat rash and other
common newborn rashes. One obvious clue is if the rash appears when your little one is particularly hot and sweaty
(Harding 2016).
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Heat rash looks like lots of tiny bumps, which can sometimes be a bit red
(Harding 2016, NHS 2018a, Oakley and Eshraghi 2018). It can appear anywhere on your little one's body or face. In newborns, it often crops up on the head, face, neck or chest
(Oakley and Eshraghi 2018). Older babies may be more prone to getting it in skin folds, such as around the neck, armpits or nappy area
(Miller 2017, Oakley and Eshraghi 2018).
Heat rash may not bother your baby at all
(Harding 2016), but it can sometimes be a bit itchy and uncomfortable
(Harding 2016, Miller 2017, Oakley and Eshraghi 2018). It usually clears up within a few hours or days
(Harding 2016, NHS 2018a, Oakley and Eshraghi 2018).
Is heat rash serious?
Not usually. In most cases, heat rash is just a minor annoyance, that should soon get better once your baby cools off
(Harding 2016).
(However, it can be a sign that your baby is too warm. If your baby gets too hot for too long, it can increase the risk of dehydration
(NHS 2018a) or heatstroke
(Harding 2016). If your baby also seems generally unwell, or has
symptoms of dehydration, and cooling him down doesn't help, call 111 for urgent medical advice
(NHS 2018b) (in Wales call 0845 46 47, and in Northern Ireland call your local GP surgery to find your out-of-hours service).
How can I prevent and treat heat rash?
Your baby's heat rash will probably clear up on its own within a few hours or days
(NHS 2018a, Oakley and Eshraghi 2018). In the meantime, here's what you can do to relieve any itching or discomfort:
- Try to reduce heat and humidity (Harding 2016, Oakley and Eshraghi 2018). Move into an airy room or a shady spot. Try using a mini fan if you're out and about in a hot country or in the summer heat. If the weather stays hot at night, open windows and doors to circulate the air.
- Take off his clothes or dress him in cotton (Harding 2016, Oakley and Eshraghi 2018). Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester and nylon, trap heat. Opt for natural fibres instead. Where possible, loosen or remove his clothing and give him as much nappy-free time as you can.
- Keep his skin cool (Harding 2016, Oakley and Eshraghi 2018). Cool the affected areas directly using cool, wet flannels, or give your baby a tepid bath or shower.
- Keep him hydrated (NHS 2018a). If your baby's breastfed, offer extra breastfeeds to reduce the risk of dehydration. If he's formula-fed, offer extra drinks of water in a separate bottle or cup. Don't add extra water to your baby's formula (NHS 2017), as this can mean he doesn't get all the nutrients he needs.
A note of caution: don't drape a muslin or blanket over your baby's pram to cool him down. This will trap heat, and is likely to make your baby much hotter, rather than cooler
(Studman 2017). Instead, try to keep your baby's pram in the shade. Check on him often while he's in his pram or pushchair, to make sure he's not getting too warm
(Studman 2017).
If the rash is bothering your baby, speak to your pharmacist
(NHS 2018a). She may recommend calamine lotion or a moisturiser (emollient) to soothe your baby's skin
(Harding 2016).
If your baby has particularly bad heat rash, and creams from your pharmacist don't help, see your GP. He may prescribe a mild steroid cream that can help to reduce inflammation and itching, and make your baby feel better
(Harding 2016).
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