Is it a heat rash, or something more serious?

Know what a heat rash looks like

According to senior sister JSH van Wyk, a registered nurse with the South African Nursing Council, the first thing you need to do is know what a heat rash looks like, so you can determine whether you need to investigate further.  

“Heat rash, also referred to as prickly heat or miliaria, is a skin flare-up that occurs when the skin gets too warm. These rashes can feel itchy, uncomfortable, and prickly, and appear when sweat gets trapped under the skin. Because babies have smaller sweat glands and are less adept at regulating their body temperature, they are more prone to this affliction than adults,” says Nurse Van Wyk.

“There are three common types of heat rash that each presents a little differently. Miliaria ruba is caused by a blockage of the sweat glands near the skin surface, and presents as red, itchy bumps. Miliaria crystallina is a less severe version of this type of rash, and presents as tiny white or clear blisters. The worst kind is called Miliaria profunda - this is when sweat in the dermis leaks into the skin, causing burning and heavy flushing. The rash can also sometimes become infected.”

Know how to treat a heat rash 

Nurse Van Wyk says that when a parent has determined that they are indeed dealing with a less severe form of heat rash, they should know how to treat it at home and give the symptoms some time to abate. 

“Creams and salves do not help in the case of a heat rash, since it's not an allergic reaction or dryness causing the condition. In fact, it could worsen the condition of the skin. Instead, move the child to a cool area, apply a cooling compress to the affected area, rinse away any oil or sweat with cool water and gently pat the area dry. Keep a close eye on skin folds to ensure that there is no trapped sweat or oil. Remove all your baby's clothing and put on a fan to keep the area cool. Ensure that your baby is well hydrated - offer water regularly,” recommends Nurse Van Wyk. 

When in doubt, check in with your paediatrician

When it comes to administering salves or medications to address a rash that is not caused by heat, Nurse Van Wyk urges parents to consult with their paediatrician before purchasing and using any over-the-counter preparations. 

“If you’re not quite sure whether you’re dealing with heat rash or something more serious, it’s always best to consult with a registered healthcare provider who knows your child and sees them for their well-baby assessments on a regular basis before you administer any medication or use any salves. You will definitely be able to get a lot of recommendations from friends, family and online platforms, but it’s always the safest course of action to get input from a trained medical professional who knows your child’s medical history,” cautions Nurse Van Wyk.