Heat Rash in Children

Heat rash is an itchy rash of little red bumps that often occurs during hot, humid weather. Heat rash is also called prickly heat or miliaria. Anyone can get heat rash, but it is most common among babies and young children because their sweat glands are not fully developed.

Heat rash usually affects:

• Armpits.
• Elbows.
• Groin.
• Neck.
• Torso.
• Shoulders.
• Chest.

What are the causes?

This condition is caused by blocked sweat ducts. When sweat is trapped under the skin, it spreads into surrounding tissues and causes a rash of red bumps.

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to develop in children who:

• Are overdressed in hot, humid weather.
• Wear clothing that rubs against the skin.
• Are active in hot, humid weather.
• Sweat a lot.
• Are not used to hot, humid weather.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

• Small red bumps that are itchy or prickly.
• Very little sweating or no sweating in the affected area.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed based on your child’s symptoms and medical history, as well as a physical exam.

How is this treated?

Moving to a cool, dry place is the best treatment for heat rash. Treatment may also include medicines, such as:

• Corticosteroid creams for skin irritation.
• Antibiotic medicines, if the rash becomes infected.

Follow these instructions at home:

Skin care

• Keep the affected area dry.
• Do not apply ointments or creams that contain mineral oil or petroleum ingredients to your child’s skin. These can make the condition worse.
• Apply cool compresses to the affected areas.
• Make sure your child does not scratch his or her skin.
• Do not let your child take hot showers or baths.

General instructions

• Give your child over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s health care provider.
• If your child was prescribed an antibiotic, give it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop giving the antibiotic even if your child’s condition improves.
• Have your child stay in a cool room as much as possible. Use an air conditioner or fan, if possible.
• Do not dress your child in tight clothes. Have your child wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your child has a fever.
• Your child’s rash does not go away after 3–4 days.
• Your child’s rash gets worse or it is very itchy.
• Your child’s rash has pus or fluid coming from it.

Get help right away if:

• Your child is dizzy or nauseated.
• Your child seems confused.
• Your child has trouble breathing.
• Your child has a fast pulse.
• Your child has muscle cramps or contractions.
• Your child faints.
• Your child who is younger than 3 months has a temperature of 100°F (38°C) or higher.

Summary

• Heat rash is an itchy rash of little red bumps that often occurs during hot, humid weather.
• Heat rash is caused by blocked sweat ducts.
• Symptoms of heat rash include small red bumps that are itchy or prickly and very little or no sweating in the affected area.
• Moving to a cool, dry place is the best treatment for heat rash.
• Do not dress your child in tight clothes. Have your child wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.