From the Guidelines
To treat baby heat rash, keep the affected area cool and dry, dress your baby in loose, lightweight clothing, and avoid overdressing, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics 1. The goal is to reduce sweating and prevent further irritation.
- Dress your baby in loose, lightweight clothing and avoid overdressing, as this can help keep the skin cool and dry.
- Give your baby cool baths with mild, fragrance-free soap, then pat the skin dry gently rather than rubbing, to soothe the skin and reduce irritation.
- Keep your baby in air-conditioned or well-ventilated environments when possible, to reduce the risk of overheating.
- Apply calamine lotion to soothe irritated skin if needed, but avoid ointments or creams that can block pores and worsen the rash.
- Hydrocortisone cream (0.5-1%) may be used sparingly for severe cases, but consult your pediatrician first, as it may have side effects. Most heat rashes resolve within 3-4 days with these measures. Heat rash occurs when sweat ducts become blocked, trapping moisture under the skin and causing inflammation. Babies are particularly susceptible because their sweat glands are still developing. If the rash worsens, shows signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pus), or if your baby develops a fever, seek medical attention promptly, as these can be signs of a more serious condition 1. It's also important to note that heat rash can be a sign of overheating, which can increase the risk of SIDS, so it's essential to take steps to prevent overheating, such as keeping the room at a comfortable temperature and avoiding overbundling 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Directions for itching of skin irritation, inflammation, and rashes: adults and children 2 years of age and older: apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily children under 2 years of age: ask a doctor Uses temporarily relieves itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to: eczema psoriasis poison ivy, oak, sumac insect bites detergents jewelry cosmetics soaps seborrheic dermatitis
For baby heat rash, the treatment is not explicitly stated in the provided drug labels. However, since heat rash is a type of skin irritation, hydrocortisone (TOP) may be used to temporarily relieve itching associated with minor skin irritations and rashes.
- For children under 2 years of age, it is recommended to ask a doctor before applying hydrocortisone (TOP) 2.
- The drug label does not provide specific guidance for baby heat rash, but it does mention that other uses of this product should only be under the advice and supervision of a doctor 2.
From the Research
Treatment for Baby Heat Rash
The treatment for baby heat rash can be managed through various methods, including:
- Keeping the baby cool and dry to reduce sweating and irritation
- Avoiding tight or heavy clothing that can trap heat and moisture
- Using gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and avoiding harsh soaps or detergents
- Applying topical creams or ointments to soothe and calm the skin
Topical Treatments
Some studies have investigated the effectiveness of topical treatments for skin conditions in infants, including:
- Hydrocortisone 1% ointment, which was found to be effective in treating diaper dermatitis in infants 3
- Calamine lotion, which was found to be effective as an adjunctive therapy to mometasone furoate ointment in the treatment of infant eczema 4
- Human breast milk, which was found to be an effective and safe treatment for diaper dermatitis in infants 3
Prevention
Preventing heat rash in babies can be achieved by:
- Dressing them in light, breathable clothing
- Keeping them in a cool, well-ventilated environment
- Avoiding overheating, especially during babywearing or in warm weather
- Monitoring their temperature and adjusting their clothing and environment as needed, as studies have shown that babywearing can increase a baby's skin temperature by up to 1.1°C on certain body regions 5