Heat rash, also known as sweat rash, or prickly heat, can appear anywhere on the body. Heat rash happens when sweat cannot escape from the sweat ducts to the surface of the skin and the pores get clogged.It often presents as a red rash, or small red bumps that look like beads of sweat or acne. People may experience uncomfortable, itchy, burning, or prickly sensations. Heat rashes can be are one of the most common skin issues that babies experience.
Babies have extremely sensitive skin and external factors, like climate change or transition from one place to another, also affect babies’ skin. Since it is almost summer, babies are at a higher risk to experience heat rashes making it extremely uncomfortable time for your little ones and you. You can use home remedies to soothe the rash or even take precautionary measures to avoid the rash.
Whilekeeping your child in cooler surroundings to prevent or heal heat rashes and to avoid direct exposure to sun are the first steps which you might want to take; Here are a couple of useful tips which can help treat heat rashes in your baby:
* Cold CompressIf your baby is struggling with rashes, there is only one thing that gives a quick relief. You can wrap ice in a soft cloth and dab it on the affected areas. Cold compresses can soothe the burning and itching sensations in no time.
* CucumberCucumber also provides quick relief from heat rashes. One good thing is that you can put slices of cucumber or cucumber paste directly on your baby’s delicate skin. Try not to rub the slices or the paste.Press them gently to get some of that cucumber juice on to your baby’s skin to soothe the itching or burning sensation while hydrating your little one’s skin.
* Tea Tree oilTea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is extremely helpful in soothing your baby’s skin rashes. Use a diluted version of chamomile essential oil by adding a drop or two of the oil in 2 teaspoons of coconut oil. Then, all you need to do is apply this to the affected area on your baby’s skin and let it heal.
* Gram Flour (Besan)Mix gram flour (besan) with some water and make a smooth paste. Apply it on the affected area and let it sit for about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, you can either bathe your child with lukewarm water or wipe down the gram flour paste with a soft damp towel.
* Multani MittiMultani Mitti is rich in magnesium, quartz, calcite, and dolomite and also has antiseptic and healing properties. Since it is a natural element, there are no side effects even if you use it on babies. You can either mix it in cool filtered water or in some rose water. Apply the paste on the rashes. Let it sit for 4 to 5 minutes and wipe it with a soft damp cloth.
* HoneyHoney also has healing properties and can heal heat rashes in a short time. You can apply honey directly on to your baby’s skin and leave it for 5 to 7 minutes before your baby’s bath time.
* OatmealOatmeal also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Take a soft muslin cloth, pour 1/2 a cup of oatmeal in it and tie a bundle. Now, soak the bundle in cold water and gently dab it on your baby’s skin. This remedy can reduce itching in a short time and bring about faster healing. Repeat once or twice a day to soothe the heat rashes.
* Aloe VeraAloe vera has cooling and healing properties and can soothe the itching and discomfort as soon as it is applied. You can either buy aloe vera gel from the market or remove some fresh gel from the aloe vera plant at home. Apply a little aloe vera gel to the affected area and leave it for as long as you want. Then, either wipe it with a soft damp towel or give your baby a soothing bath.
If you want your child to have a comfortable summer,avoid clothes that are too tight and warm. Always keep a batch of breathable, loose-fitting cotton clothing for the summers.Use a talcum/ baby powder to keep your baby’s skin dry. While you can use lukewarm water to bathe your baby, you should avoid cold compress if your baby is prone to catching cold even in summer.