Can You Prevent Heat Rash in Children When the Weather Gets Hot
As the weather warms up, you might want to collect your kids and get outside for a little while. It’s important to know what to look for in terms of heat illnesses, and heat rash is one of the first signs you might notice that it’s time to head somewhere cooler.
What Causes Heat Rash?
Heat rash happens most often in babies and children when sweat glands become blocked. Sweat and heat then causes irritation and redness. Your child’s skin may start to feel itchy or irritated. Although heat rash happens often in warmer weather, it can also occur in cooler weather if the child is bundled up too tightly and starts to sweat.
Learn to Recognize Heat Rash
The easiest way to spot heat rash is right there in the name. Your child’s skin will suddenly become red and may even have raised bumps that look irritated. Your child might also become restless and start scratching or fidgeting. The rash is more likely to form under clothing, so areas such as the legs, torso, and groin are where you’re most likely to spot heat rash. If your child can’t tell you that she’s uncomfortable, you’ll have to be on the lookout for symptoms.
Treating Heat Rash
Moving the child to a cooler location is the first step to take when treating heat rash. It’s a good idea to dry to keep the area dry and to keep your child from scratching her skin. Deep scratches can become wounds that can lead to infection. Avoid anything moist, such as lotion or creams, because they can contribute to the problem. Moving near a fan can help to evaporate more sweat, which can help to alleviate irritation and keep the child cooler.
When Do You Need Medical Help?
If your child doesn’t seem to be cooling down or becomes lethargic, there may be more going on. If the rash doesn’t go away or appears to become infected, you definitely need to seek medical treatment. Also, if your child develops a fever or otherwise starts to show unusual signs, you should contact her pediatrician. Heat rash on its own is not necessarily a serious condition, but it can lead to bigger problems.
For those times when you all need to get out of the house, it might help to have pediatric home care providers available. They can help you to keep up with watching for the signs of heat rash before things get out of hand.
