During the summer, heat rash in babies is a common skin manifestation. Also called miliaria or miliaria, these skin eruptions appear in the form of pimples or plaques at the level of fold areas and areas where humidity persists (scalp, inner thighs, elbow crease, forehead, torso, buttocks, etc.). ). These colored blisters are not contagious but can cause discomfort in your little one such as mild itching. But rest assured, heat rash is benign and disappears in two or three days . Téane explains the causes of heat rash and how to relieve baby!
What is a heat rash?
A heat rash is simply a reaction of the skin to heat or humidity . Why are babies more prone? Because their body temperature regulation system is still immature. Result: under the influence of heat, their adrenal glands become blocked, which prevents the skin from sweating and causes small pimples. It is estimated that between 3% and 4% of babies are affected by heat rash in the summer!
There are different types of heat rash:
- Crystalline or superficial miliary: this is the most common form which triggers small pink spots or spots filled with clear liquid. They disappear within 24 to 48 hours without treatment!
- Red miliaria, also called miliaria: these are heat rash accompanied by itching.
- Purulent or deep miliaria: this manifestation is rarer and is accompanied by inflammation of the skin, sometimes with lesions and pus. In this case, we advise you to consult a healthcare professional quickly!
Most of the time, this skin manifestation is benign and disappears within three to four days . However, it should be noted that heat rash can cause itching and therefore discomfort in babies. This is why it is important to identify these rashes and provide relief to your child!
A natural routine for baby
How to recognize heat rash?
As their names suggest, heat rash appears on hot or humid days . It is also possible to observe these rashes when baby is too bundled up or dressed in clothes that are too tight! Concretely, heat rash manifests itself as small patches of red or pink colored spots. It is also possible to observe white spots containing fluid or pus which are accompanied by itching.
Heat rash in babies can be seen on several parts of the body:
- Forehead
- Neck
- Torso
- Hands
- Feet
- Armpits
- Elder
When to consult a doctor ? If heat rash remains benign, they can be confused with other skin rashes such as atopic eczema (characterized by large red patches, itching, dry skin). The difference between heat rash and baby acne is that baby acne looks like small red, pink or white bumps with blackheads on the face (forehead, cheeks, chin) compared to heat rash. heat that appears almost everywhere on the body.
If you have the slightest doubt or associated symptoms (fever, unexplained crying, eating disorders, etc.), it is best to consult your doctor or pediatrician!
How to treat heat rash in babies?
In themselves, heat rash in children is harmless and disappears on its own within a few days, or even 24 hours! There is no specific treatment for heat rash , but small actions can help relieve your little one's itching and discomfort.
- Apply cold compresses to heat rash
- Give a shower or bath with lukewarm water: you can wash your baby with our very gentle cleansing product , soap-free and allergen-free to clean the scalp, hair and body
- Prefer drying in the open air or by blowing on the baby's skin: do not dry your child with a towel
- Discover your child
- Put your baby in a cool, ventilated room
Point of attention: heat rash forms due to obstruction of the sweat glands. Therefore, do not apply any cream or ointment for a few days as this risks blocking the canals even more!
Our advice for preventing heat rash in babies
Laboratoires Téane is an adventure created for mothers and babies. Our goal is to offer you respectful and effective care products, but also to support you in your daily life with little advice. Concerning heat rash, here are the right actions to prevent their appearance :
- Avoid exposure to the sun as much as possible
- Dress baby in light clothing on very hot days: we prefer loose clothing and breathable materials such as linen or organic cotton
- Be careful not to cover your child too much (especially in the car) and avoid clothes that are too tight.
- Make sure to maintain a good ambient temperature in his room for nighttime and naps
- Also make sure your baby is well hydrated.
- Be careful of creams that are too rich in summer
- Use gentle cosmetics without essential oils, without alcohol and preferably certified organic
Don’t hesitate to discover our pretty boxes to take care of your baby every day! The products are suitable for infants, babies and children affected by skin problems such as dry skin with atopic tendency (itching, redness, dry skin).
If in doubt, do not hesitate to consult a health professional such as a dermatologist or pediatrician. Do not hesitate to seek advice from a pharmacist.