What is the treatment for heat rash in a baby?

From the Guidelines

Heat rash in babies can be effectively treated by keeping the affected skin cool and dry, as recommended by recent guidelines 1. To achieve this, it's essential to move your baby to a cooler, less humid environment, with a temperature range of 23°C to 25°C, as suggested in the 2020 international consensus on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care science 1. Dress them in loose, lightweight clothing, ensuring they are not overdressed, which can be a common mistake, as highlighted in the study on SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths 1. Gently wash the affected areas with cool water and mild soap, then pat dry thoroughly. Avoid using oils, lotions, or powders on the rash as these can block pores and worsen the condition. For immediate relief, apply a cool compress to the affected areas for 5-10 minutes several times a day. Calamine lotion can be applied sparingly to soothe the skin if the rash is causing discomfort. Make sure your baby stays well-hydrated, especially in hot weather. Heat rash typically clears up on its own within a few days once the skin is kept cool and dry. This treatment works because heat rash (also called miliaria) occurs when sweat ducts become blocked and sweat is trapped under the skin, causing inflammation and the characteristic tiny red bumps. Some key points to consider in the treatment of heat rash include:

• Keeping the environment cool and dry
• Avoiding overheating and overbundling
• Using cool water and mild soap for washing
• Avoiding oils, lotions, or powders on the rash
• Applying a cool compress for relief
• Ensuring the baby stays well-hydrated If the rash doesn't improve within 3-4 days, appears infected (with pus, increasing redness, or swelling), or if your baby develops a fever, contact your pediatrician promptly, as hyperthermia (greater than 38.0°C) should be avoided due to potential associated risks 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Directions for itching of skin irritation, inflammation, and rashes: ... children under 2 years of age: ask a doctor Uses temporarily relieves itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to: ... rashes For heat rash in a baby, the treatment is not explicitly stated in the provided drug labels. However, since heat rash is a type of skin irritation, it can be inferred that hydrocortisone may be used to relieve itching associated with it.

• For babies under 2 years of age, it is recommended to ask a doctor before applying any treatment, including hydrocortisone 2.
• It is essential to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and guidance on treating heat rash in babies, as the provided drug labels do not directly address this specific condition 2.

From the Research

Treatment for Heat Rash in Babies

• The treatment for heat rash in babies typically involves cooling measures, as stated in the study by 3.
• According to the study by 3, miliaria rubra, also known as heat rash, usually improves after cooling measures are taken.
• There is no specific medication mentioned in the studies for the treatment of heat rash in babies, but rather an emphasis on cooling the baby down, as noted in the study by 4.
• It is essential to keep the baby cool and dry to help clear up the heat rash, as implied by the study by 3.
• The study by 5 mentions that miliaria and milia, which are caused by sweat retention, resolve spontaneously, suggesting that heat rash may also resolve on its own with proper care.

Management and Prevention

• Keeping the baby's skin cool and dry can help prevent heat rash, as suggested by the study by 3.
• Avoiding overheating and ensuring good airflow can also help prevent heat rash, as implied by the study by 4.
• The study by 6 discusses the importance of maintaining normal body temperatures in infants, which can help prevent heat-related illnesses, including heat rash.

Additional Considerations

• If the heat rash persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever or irritability, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance, as noted in the study by 5.
• The study by 7 discusses the treatment of atopic dermatitis, which is a different condition from heat rash, but may be relevant for babies with sensitive skin.