From the FDA Drug Label
Adults and children 2 years of age and older: shake well before using. Cleanse the skin with soap and water and let it dry before each use. Apply lotion to the affected area using a cotton or soft cloth, as often as needed for comfort. Children under 2 years of age: Consult a doctor before use.
For a 5-year-old child, the treatment for heat rash using calamine lotion is to:
- Shake the lotion well before using
- Cleanse the skin with soap and water and let it dry before each use
- Apply the lotion to the affected area using a cotton or soft cloth, as often as needed for comfort 1
From the Research
To treat heat rash in a 5-year-old child, focus on cooling the skin and reducing irritation, as this approach has been shown to be effective in managing similar skin conditions 2. The most recent and highest quality study on antipruritic effects of transient heat stimulation suggests that counterstimuli can inhibit itch, but the mechanisms behind this are unclear 2. When treating heat rash, consider the following steps:
- Move the child to a cool, dry environment and remove excess clothing to allow the skin to breathe.
- Gently clean the affected areas with cool water and mild soap, then pat dry.
- Apply calamine lotion to soothe the rash, or use 1% hydrocortisone cream sparingly for itching (once or twice daily for up to 3-5 days).
- Avoid thick ointments or creams that can block pores.
- Dress the child in loose, lightweight cotton clothing and ensure they stay hydrated.
- Cool baths with colloidal oatmeal can provide relief. Most heat rashes resolve within 2-3 days with these measures. Heat rash occurs when sweat ducts become blocked, trapping perspiration under the skin and causing inflammation. If the rash worsens, shows signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, pus, or fever), or doesn't improve within a few days, consult a healthcare provider. It's essential to note that while the provided studies do not directly address heat rash treatment, the principles of managing skin irritation and itch can be applied to this condition, prioritizing the child's comfort and preventing potential complications 3, 4, 5, 6.