Heat Rash

Is this your child's symptom?

• A fine pink rash caused by overheating
• Mainly on the neck, chest, and upper back

If NOT, try one of these:

• Rash or Redness - Widespread

Symptoms of Heat Rash

• Tiny, pink bumps
• Mainly on the neck, chest and upper back
• Occurs during hot, humid weather or after lots of sun
• Heat rash can be itchy
• Older children may have a "prickly" pins and needles feeling
• In babies, the rash can have some tiny water blisters
• No fever or illness
• Also called "prickly heat"

Causes of Heat Rash

• Heat rash is caused by blocked-off sweat glands.
• Hot Weather. Hot, humid weather can cause the sweat glands to be overworked.
• Ointment. Babies can also get it in the wintertime from ointments put on the skin. Reason: Ointments can block off sweat glands.
• Location. Heat rash of the forehead can be caused by oil or ointment on the hair. Heat rash of the face of a breastfed baby can be caused by lanolin put on the nipples. Heat rash of the chest can be caused by menthol ointments put on for coughs.
• Exercise. Older children can get heat rash with hard exercise.

When to Call for Heat Rash

Care Advice for Heat Rash

1. What You Should Know About Heat Rash:
   • Heat rash is caused by blocked-off sweat glands.
   • It's common in hot, humid weather.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Cooling the Skin:
   • Cool off the skin to treat and prevent heat rash.
   • For large rashes, give your child a cool bath without soap. Do this for 10 minutes. (Caution: Avoid any chill.) Let the skin air-dry. Do this 3 or more times a day.
   • For small rashes, put a cool, wet washcloth on the area. Do this for 5 to 10 minutes. Then let the skin air-dry.
   • Dress in as few layers of clothing as you can.
   • Lower the temperature in your home if you can.
3. Sleeping Cooler:
   • When your child is asleep, run a fan in the bedroom.
   • During sleep, have your child lie on a cotton towel to absorb sweat. (Note: Only for older children age over 1 year.)
4. Steroid Cream for Itching:
   • Use 1% hydrocortisone cream (such as Cortaid). No prescription is needed.
   • Put it on itchy spots 3 times per day.
   • Avoid hydrocortisone ointment.
   • Calamine lotion can also work.
5. Do Not Use Ointments:
   • Avoid all ointments or oils on the skin. Reason: They can block off sweat glands.
   • Be sure the rash isn't caused by a menthol ointment being used for a cough.
6. What to Expect:
   • With treatment, heat rash will clear up in 2 to 3 days.
7. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Rash lasts more than 3 days on this treatment
   • Rash starts to look infected
   • You think your child needs to be seen
   • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Copyright 2000-2023. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.