Babies are susceptible to tons of rashes , including diaper rashes, cradle cap and more. But one rash that can seem pretty alarming to parents is baby heat rash. These red bumps can show up fast—and even turn blistery. Read on for what causes heat rash on baby, how to relieve it and more.
In this article: What is baby heat rash? What causes heat rash on baby? Symptoms of baby heat rash What does baby heat rash look like? Baby heat rash treatment When to reach out to your pediatrician
What Is Baby Heat Rash?
Many babies experience heat rash, also known as prickly heat or miliaria . It’s most common in newborns between 1 and 3 weeks old , but can affect baby at any stage. Heat rash occurs when sweat gets trapped in the skin and can cause bumps, irritation and even blisters, says Mayo Clinic.
What Causes Heat Rash on Baby?
Baby heat rash is caused by blocked sweat ducts, explains Hannah Kopelman , MD, a dual-trained dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery in New York City. When these ducts become clogged, sweat traps under the skin and causes small red bumps and irritation. Heat rash on baby often happens in hot, humid conditions or when baby is overdressed.
“Babies are more susceptible to heat rash because their sweat ducts are not fully developed,” Kopelman adds. “This makes it easier for their sweat glands to become blocked.”
Symptoms of Baby Heat Rash
You can typically find baby heat rash in creases of the skin or parts of the body where clothes are tight, says Joel Warsh , MD, a board-certified pediatrician in Los Angeles specializing in parenting, wellness and integrative medicine. Symptoms can range from small bumps to large blisters. According to Seattle Children’s Hospital , symptoms in babies can include:
- Tiny pink or red bumps
- Rash on the neck, chest and upper back
- Itchiness
- Small fluid-filled blisters
- Rash can happen with no fever or sickness
What Does Baby Heat Rash Look Like?
Baby heat rash often looks like small red bumps, and is usually found on the neck, shoulders and chest, but it can also appear in skin folds like the armpits, elbows and groin, says Kopelman. “The rash can be itchy and uncomfortable, and the skin may feel prickly or irritated,” she says. Warsh adds that it can also look like blisters.
Related VideoBaby acne vs. heat rash
Baby acne and heat rash can look similar, but there are key differences. “Infant acne is characterized by white or red bumps predominantly on the cheeks, nose and forehead, and is not exacerbated by heat,” says Warsh. Baby acne is also typically not irritated or itchy.
Baby Heat Rash Treatment
Even though baby heat rash usually goes away on its own, there are some things you can do to help alleviate it. “Keeping baby cool, dry and in loose clothing usually allows the rash to clear up without further intervention,” says Warsh.
Here are a few other home remedies Kopelman and Warsh recommend:
- Give baby a lukewarm bath
- Avoid lotions or ointments, since these may worsen pore blockage
- Use a cool, damp cloth to pat the rash
If the heat rash is more severe, Kopelman suggests contacting baby’s pediatrician, who can recommend applying a mild topical steroid to reduce inflammation.
How long does heat rash last on baby?
If you keep baby cool and dry, heat rash will typically clear up on its own within a few minutes or hours, says Warsh. However, every baby is different, and some cases of heat rash can last up to three days, says Seattle Children’s Hospital.
When to Reach Out to the Pediatrician
If baby’s heat rash doesn’t improve after three days, call the pediatrician, says Seattle Children’s. Other warning signs to watch out for are fever, infection, swelling or pus in the rash area, says Warsh. The bottom line? If baby seems to be in serious discomfort, reaching out to your doctor is always a great call.
