How to treat prickly heat in an infant. Miliaria in newborns - recognize and treat. Treatment of prickly heat in children

30.12.2023 Communication

Due to constant heat and multi-layers of warm clothing, a red itchy rash appears on the child’s body. Parents, mistaking it for an allergy or infection, often independently take measures to eliminate transparent bubbles and harm the baby. To avoid such troubles, it is useful for adults to know about the causes of rashes and preventive measures.

What is prickly heat

Prickly heat is an unpleasant condition, but not dangerous. It is more common in infants, although it is also familiar to adults. The name of the disease reflects its essence. Normally, sweat is secreted by special glands of the skin, and consists of water and harmful substances dissolved in it: salts, toxins, waste.

Under certain conditions: high temperature, insufficient air exchange, tight, non-breathable clothing, excess weight, sweating increases. Glands clogged with cosmetics or sebum do not cope with their function. As a result, sweat is retained and causes irritation. Untimely removal of its excess creates a favorable environment for the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, which provokes inflammation.

In addition, the ducts of the sweat glands in the baby are finally formed only by the fourth week. And the full development of all layers of the dermis ends by 5-6 years. It also takes time for its correct microflora and neutral reaction to develop. This is why baby skin reacts so much to tight swaddling and heat.

Causes of the disease

The main factor causing heat rash in infants is excessive wrapping. As a result, thermoregulation of the skin is disrupted and a rash appears, accompanied by burning and itching. The baby becomes restless, sleeps poorly, and breaks out of his usual daily routine. Pediatricians warn caring parents not to dress their child like an “onion,” but to create comfortable conditions in the room (temperature from 19 to 22 °C, at which he does not even need a hat).

Miliaria may appear due to parents' failure to follow the rules for caring for a newborn. Until the age of six months, it is recommended to bathe him daily, preferably before bed. You can use decoctions of calendula, thyme, yarrow, oak bark or special herbs to provide a calming effect. They are prepared at the rate of 3 tbsp. l. vegetable raw materials per 1 liter of boiling water. However, you need to know that the series dries out the skin. Before bathing, it is advisable to treat reddened areas with chamomile decoction, but again remember that in some it can provoke allergies. A baby's heat rash will probably go away if he is given baths with walnuts, which contain a lot of iodine.

After water procedures, the baby’s body must be thoroughly blotted, and powder should be applied to the folds with a cotton swab. Some of its types contain panthenol for the regeneration of scratched wounds, as well as anesthesin for a cooling effect. Only after the doctor’s approval can you use Drapolen, Desitin, Bepanten ointments, which accelerate skin healing. We must not forget about air baths in the form of short “walks” naked, which strengthen the child, strengthen his health, and serve as a preventive measure for prickly heat.

A rash is only a consequence, not a cause of prickly heat.. The condition is provoked by:

Diathesis.
Atypical reaction to blood clotting.
Mechanical impact on the baby's delicate skin.
Infections.
Allergy.

Wipe the affected areas with a solution prepared from 250 ml of water and 1 tsp. baking soda.
Every day, give your baby the opportunity to feel the cool air without tight diapers.
In summer, bathe up to 4 times a day. To harden, add sea salt to the water, which will kill germs and also saturate the skin with useful microelements.

But if there is vomiting or bleeding on the rash, seek medical help immediately.

What does sweat rash look like in infants?

Miliaria is often confused with allergies. They actually look the same in the photos. A simple test will help clarify the diagnosis. To do this, the skin with bubbles needs to be slightly pulled. The disappearance of elements on its surface will confirm irritation from impaired thermoregulation.

The appearance of the disease depends on its form. The rash can change throughout the day and respond to care, temperature, and clothing. Pustules indicate the addition of an infection.

Prickly heat on the face

In what places does it happen most often?

Miliaria in newborns, as a rule, occurs in folds of the skin, as well as places of strong friction. With tight swaddling, a rash appears in the armpits. Damage to the face, namely the cheeks, forehead, and less often the chin, occurs when irritation spreads from the head and neck. Rashes in the groin, butt, and back are combined with diaper rash due to the irritating effects of urine and feces.

Types and symptoms of prickly heat

There are three forms of the disease.

Crystalline

It mainly affects newborns. It appears in the form of small (1-2 mm), pearlescent or white bubbles, which can merge, forming extensive lesions. Peeling appears in place of damaged pimples. Elements of the rash dry out on their own or under the influence of a number of drugs:

Bepanten, which has a regenerating, anti-inflammatory effect. Increases the strength of collagen fibers, normalizes metabolism in the dermis. The duration of use is determined by the pediatrician. Apply to clean, dry skin during each diaper change procedure.
Desitin with zinc oxide as an active component to provide adsorbent, disinfectant, and antiviral effects. Used to treat affected areas.
Sudocrem, which has antibacterial, antifungal, and softening properties.
D-panthenol to stimulate epithelization processes and restore the skin. Used after water procedures.
Antihistamines (Tavegil and Suprastin) to relieve itching and swelling.
When rashes spread, ointments containing glucocorticosteroids (Triderm, Advantan) are sometimes used.

Red

Consists of individual non-merging nodules with cloudy contents surrounded by a burgundy crown of hyperemic skin. Appears on the neck, armpits, and groin. Typical for adults. It is characterized by deep blockage of the ducts of the sweat glands, pain when touched, severe itching, and duration of the course (1-2 weeks).

Papular

How the heaviest is formed in the deep layers of the dermis. It appears on the sides of the abdomen, chest, back, groin, and also on the limbs immediately after profuse sweating. The elements are huge in size, accompanied by pain and intense itching, but disappear quickly and without a trace.

The addition of a secondary infection is the cause of diaper rash, weeping, and fever. Wounds on the body become “entry gates” for opportunistic microbes - ordinary inhabitants of human skin, which instantly turn into insidious enemies. This is how an infected miliaria appears, requiring immediate medical attention.

Complicated forms of prickly heat include some more of its varieties, for example, yellow and white with the contents of bubbles of the corresponding color.

Treatment of heat rash in newborns

To prevent infection, the baby's nails are cut, which can scratch the skin due to unbearable itching. Clothing must be appropriate for the weather. If it’s cool, the best option would be 2 thin blouses instead of one warm one. If necessary, you can always remove something and avoid overheating. You should look out for hiccups and a cold nose as signs of discomfort from hypothermia.

Bath your baby daily. Up to 2 months of age with boiled water or with the addition of a pinch of potassium permanganate, which provides an antiseptic effect. Do not dress immediately, but give the baby the opportunity to dry off and take an air bath.

Wash after every diaper change. A “small shower” will refresh you better than wet wipes. Choose only high-quality diapers; if they leave traces, change the model or brand. To avoid prickly heat, it is also recommended:

Instead of cream, use potato starch or talcum powder, as fatty products form a film on the skin that prevents sweating. Ordinary powder will remove excess moisture better than other formulations and reduce irritation. Greasy lotions and oils will only make the problem worse.
Choose clothes and bedding from breathable fabric made from natural fibers.
During treatment, continue breastfeeding to provide the baby with the substances necessary for a speedy recovery.

The treatment will relieve the unpleasant condition in 1-2 days. If the redness remains and the baby continues to cry, then you should not hesitate to visit the pediatrician. If damaged vesicles become infected, he prescribes antibiotic therapy, and an alcohol solution of salicylic acid is used to treat the affected areas.

When to see a doctor

Emergency medical care or consultation with a pediatrician will be needed if additional symptoms appear with the bubbles:

Swelling of the skin.
Unpleasant-smelling sores and cracks.
Strong pain.
Burning, itching.
Fever.

Prevention of heat rash in children

This common, unpleasant condition has a favorable prognosis. After treatment, symptoms quickly disappear. Help to avoid prickly heat:

Daily air baths in stuffy hot weather and when the baby is extremely active.
Regular water procedures with inspection of all folds, behind the ears and in the armpits.
Buying high-quality diapers, which are recommended to be changed every 2 hours, and preferably used only during sleep and walks. In hot weather, abandon diapers in favor of convenient and comfortable baby clothes that will replace diapers.
To prevent dermatoses, give the baby time to harden in the nude.
Change underwear daily.
Apply a thin layer of special anti-diaper rash ointment or oil under the diaper to prevent blockage of the ducts and the appearance of prickly heat.
Wash children's clothes with hypoallergenic detergents.
Use water-based compounds. Instead of cosmetic oil, it is better to use baby milk.

By following the rules of caring for a newborn, parents will protect their child from prickly heat and themselves from unnecessary worries.

No matter how you care for your baby’s delicate skin, unfortunately, you are not immune to irritation on it. Heat rash in a newborn can occur from overheating or improper use of a diaper; the child may have a sensitive skin type that is prone to irritation and rashes.

In any case, you need to understand the reasons and take all the necessary preventive and therapeutic measures.

What is commonly called prickly heat?

The formation of small spots or pimples of pink and red color, which are located in the folds of the skin and in areas of increased sweating, is called prickly heat.

Sometimes small pimples may contain a small amount of fluid and become crusty when damaged. This type of rash most often forms in the summer or after sleep, when the child is exposed to the greatest sweating process.

Miliaria can form in the first days after birth and in the absence of proper care for the child, the manifestations become systematic.

Most often, a newborn shows virtually no signs of heat rash, however, there may be cases when a newborn becomes less active, this is due to the formation of a large area of skin lesions.

Varieties

Crystalline - rashes in the form of small bubbles with liquid, which unite with each other into large spots, after 2-3 days they burst and dry out.
Red - individual red nodules and bubbles filled with opaque liquid. The nodules do not merge with each other and cause discomfort to the baby with severe itching.
Papular - small colorless blisters that form most often in the summer and are accompanied by dryness and flaking of the skin.
Yellow and white are a more complex type of prickly heat, because A secondary infection occurs, the rash turns into pustules and crusts.

Appearance of the rash with chickenpox in a child

Why are infants most susceptible?

Miliaria can develop at almost any age, however, most often this type of skin rash occurs in infants.

The following features contribute to this:

Children's skin is much thinner than adult epidermis;
There are many small vessels on the skin of newborns, which leads to the rapid spread of the slightest inflammatory formation;
The newborn quickly overheats, this is due to the poor functioning of the sweat glands;
The skin of newborns is very sensitive and reacts to sweat;
The child's skin does not produce pigment, so the reaction to thermal influences is the formation of prickly heat.

The epidermis of newborns is very sensitive and when various irritants in the form of dust come into contact with the skin, protective functions may manifest themselves in the form of increased sweating, which leads to the formation of prickly heat.

What is prickly heat

Under certain conditions: high temperature, insufficient air exchange, tight, non-breathable clothing, excess weight, sweating increases. Glands clogged with cosmetics or sebum do not cope with their function. As a result, sweat is retained and causes irritation. Untimely removal of its excess creates a favorable environment for the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, which provokes inflammation.

Causes of prickly heat

The following types of causes most often contribute to the occurrence of prickly heat on the skin of a newborn:

Use of diapers;
Tight and uncomfortable collar on things;
Swaddle the baby too tightly;
Using warm clothes during the hot season;
Using baby cream in large quantities;
Finding a newborn in a stuffy room;
Keeping the baby in one position for a long time;
The child’s hair is too long and hangs loosely on the shoulders;
Poor quality material from which the newborn's clothes are made.

In the summer, it is necessary to avoid dense fabrics that contribute to poor air penetration. At a young age, when using a stroller, it is not recommended to cover it with a cover during long walks.

Prevention of heat rash in children

This common, unpleasant condition has a favorable prognosis. After treatment, symptoms quickly disappear. Help to avoid prickly heat:

Daily air baths in stuffy hot weather and when the baby is extremely active.
Regular water procedures with inspection of all folds, behind the ears and in the armpits.
Buying high-quality diapers, which are recommended to be changed every 2 hours, and preferably used only during sleep and walks. In hot weather, abandon diapers in favor of convenient and comfortable baby clothes that will replace diapers.
To prevent dermatoses, give the baby time to harden in the nude.
Change underwear daily.
Apply a thin layer of special anti-diaper rash ointment or oil under the diaper to prevent blockage of the ducts and the appearance of prickly heat.
Wash children's clothes with hypoallergenic detergents.
Use water-based compounds. Instead of cosmetic oil, it is better to use baby milk.

By following the rules of caring for a newborn, parents will protect their child from prickly heat and themselves from unnecessary worries.

Types of prickly heat and symptoms

Miliaria in newborns can be of several types:

Red;
Crystalline;
Deep.

Miliaria rubra

It appears in the form of small inflammatory formations, red in color. Most often it forms in the armpits, groin and on the inside of the arms.

Most often it manifests itself with the following symptoms:

The rash is red;
Increased body temperature;
Slight swelling of the epidermis;
Painful sensations when touched.

This type of prickly heat most often appears in the summer and can occur not only in newborns, but also in older children. The duration of such a rash is more than 14 days.

Very often it develops into more complex types of diseases and contributes to the formation of red pimples with purulent patches.

Miliaria crystalline

It manifests itself as a small rash, which most often goes away within a few days and does not cause discomfort to the child. This type of heat rash can be white or yellow.

It differs from prickly heat due to the substance contained in the blisters that appear with prickly heat.

Symptoms of manifestations:

The formation of bubbles that are located close to each other and contain liquid;
Redness of the skin;
The appearance of slight swelling.

Miliaria profuse

It is observed in older children and adults.

It appears in the form of red spots that form in places of greatest accumulation of sweat glands.

May be accompanied by unpleasant symptoms, such as high fever and the formation of ulcers on the epidermis.

Symptoms of miliaria may vary depending on the individual characteristics of the newborn.

Effective treatment for certain types of rashes

There are several types of rashes on the skin of babies.

Each of them has certain symptoms and requires slightly different treatment. Knowing how to treat different types of heat rash, you can quickly get rid of unwanted manifestations and prevent possible complications.

How to treat diathesis

Quite often, an infant develops crystalline prickly heat. This type of disease is characterized by the formation of white (sometimes pearlescent) blisters. The rash is usually not very large, up to 2 mm in diameter, but the rashes often cover a large area of skin and can merge to form large spots. Affected areas are most often observed on the face and neck of newborns. Miliaria of this type in most cases does not require treatment with pharmaceuticals and goes away quickly. If the rash is still noticeable after a few days, you should consult a doctor.
If skin irritation is accompanied by itching, and the slightest touch causes pain, the child has developed prickly heat. Painful sensations in this form of the disease intensify at high air temperatures and excessive humidity. The rash consists of small blisters with a red border, which need to be treated with medications selected by a doctor. Affected skin must be treated with disinfectant solutions, for example, potassium permanganate. In addition, baths with the addition of decoctions of plants such as chamomile and calendula are useful. After water procedures, Bepanten powder or zinc ointment is applied to the rash. If traces of prickly heat are visible on the child’s arms, legs and buttocks, it is worth using products based on dexpanthenol or zinc oxide. Often, the doctor may prescribe antihistamines, for example, Fenistil drops.

As a result of wearing a warm cap, overheating occurs, as a result of which signs of heat rash become noticeable on the face of newborns. Having noticed such a manifestation, it is necessary to eliminate the influence of factors that influence the formation of the rash.

First of all, you need to stop swaddling your baby tightly and forcing his sweat glands to work hard. Treatment of prickly heat is also impossible without maintaining careful hygiene - every mother should remember this.

To prevent your child from overheating while sleeping, you need to maintain the temperature in the room that is optimal for his body (from 20 to 22 degrees)

Places of localization of prickly heat

May appear in various parts of the body.

However, the most common locations for miliaria in a newborn are:

Face– the appearance of such a rash on the face of a newborn is very rare, the causes of the occurrence are the transfer of infection from the neck to the face;
Head– this type of rash occurs due to increased moisture in the epidermis. This rash occurs when wearing tight hats and too long hair;
Neck– in newborns, the neck area most often sweats due to folds of skin and too tight collars;
Groin and butt– this rash appears as a result of excessive evaporation. The most common causes are diapers, improper body hygiene;
Armpits– the armpit area sweats most often due to increased activity of the sweat glands and the skin’s reaction to sweat.

In addition to the main places of localization, prickly heat may appear under the knees, on the bends of the elbows and on the back.

In newborns who are overweight, heat rash can form in all folds of the skin. Therefore, parents should carefully examine the body after bathing the baby in order to eliminate the problem in a timely manner.

In what places does it most often occur?

The distribution of this disease throughout the body can be very heterogeneous. The rash can appear almost all over the body, or it can be located locally in one of the areas most susceptible to its occurrence. It is not uncommon for prickly heat to appear in the groin, which causes additional discomfort to the child. As a result, disturbed sleep and capricious behavior.

Where do rashes most often occur?

As mentioned earlier, heat rash is the result of high activity of the sweat glands when the baby overheats. The most vulnerable areas for her are the neck, back and face. At the same time, there is a lot of controversy regarding the appearance of prickly heat on the face. Each of these places is at risk for certain reasons that you should know.

Prickly heat on the neck of a baby.

Since the newborn’s neck is quite short, it is at risk. Miliaria can form on it if the swaddling is too tight and due to the accumulation of saliva on the chin. Typically, the catalysts are high room temperature and improper child care.

Prickly heat on the back.

In addition to overheating, risk factors include poor hygiene, too much diaper wear without resting the skin, and incorrectly selected biocreams. If you add sleeping linen and clothing made of synthetic materials to this, then the active spread of prickly heat is guaranteed.

Prickly heat on the face.

The face is the most controversial area for the manifestation of heat rash, according to pediatricians. Some of them are of the opinion that there is no heat rash on the face and all redness and changes in the skin indicate the presence of an allergy.

The other part talks about the possibility of heat rash spreading to the face from the neck or ears if the child is too often wearing an overly warm and uncomfortable headdress. It is best to fight prickly heat on the face by wiping it with a decoction of string and chamomile or a weak solution of soda (no more than 1 teaspoon per 1 cup of water).

What does prickly heat look like?

Photo of what a sweat patch looks like:

Causes of heat rash

hot weather conditions causing increased sweating;
overheating of the baby due to excessive wrapping;
skin irritation as a result of friction against fabric, diapers, clothing;
frequent use of fatty creams that clog pores;
staying for a long time in a poorly ventilated area;
poor hygiene of the baby, rare bathing (we have a detailed article on this topic: How to bathe a newborn?>>>);
increased body temperature, leading to profuse sweating.

Know! But even in the presence of these factors, heat rash may not always appear. Much depends on the sensitivity of the skin.

Among the symptoms accompanying this disease are the following:

reddish or pink blisters on the skin;
the child sweats a lot;
appearance of “wet” skin.

The “favorite” places for sweat rash are: butt, back, groin, neck, head, face.

How to distinguish heat rash from an allergic reaction?

Many parents confuse the appearance of an allergic reaction and prickly heat, which is why there is a lack of timely treatment.

The following are the distinctive features of prickly heat and allergic reactions in babies.

Allergic reaction:

The rash is accompanied by severe itching and may increase after contact with the allergen;
Allergies may get worse and wounds appear on the epidermis;
Severe inflammation occurs very often which causes infection;
There is a discharge of fluid and the formation of a crust due to allergies at the site of the rash;
Cracks form in the skin, which can become inflamed;
The skin rash most often covers the entire body area merging into one spot.

Miliaria has the following features:

Miliaria most often appears with burning symptoms;
The rash goes away quickly and is easy to treat;
With proper care, rashes and redness from the epidermis disappear;
After contact with water, the skin lesions do not turn red.

If parents cannot independently distinguish heat rash in a newborn from an allergy, they should consult a pediatrician.

What is a mysterious rash and why does it occur?

A child's heat rash is a rash on the skin that is accompanied by irritation and redness. There are two groups of reasons for its occurrence: internal and external.

External reasons

Improper child hygiene. Delayed diaper changes and infrequent bathing provoke the growth of bacteria and a rash appears.
The use of creams with a greasy texture in the summer leads to the formation of a dense film that prevents the evaporation of sweat.
Clothing made from synthetic fabrics and an incorrectly selected diaper size provoke skin irritation.
Stuffiness and low humidity levels in a children's room have an adverse effect on the condition of the skin.

Internal reasons

Insufficient development of the baby's sweat glands makes the process of sweating difficult.
The thermoregulation center in young children is not yet fully formed, so it does not always cope with fluctuations in ambient temperature.

The main cause of heat rash in young children is overheating of the body and lack of proper care. Here you can learn how to properly rinse a baby’s nose – such manipulation causes a number of problems for inexperienced parents.

Why is prickly heat dangerous?

Most often, the appearance of prickly heat in a newborn is not considered dangerous; experts simply advise proper hygiene of the baby’s body.

However, there are some features:

Formation of wounds and scars on the body with improper skin care;
The child may become infected damage to the epidermis, which often leads to the appearance of purulent discharge;
Swelling and inflammation of the skin in the absence of necessary care;
May lead to disruption of the protective functions of the epidermis;
Pyoderma, can affect internal organs and cause diseases such as kidney damage, respiratory problems, and skin damage.

In addition, with an advanced form of prickly heat, a baby may experience increased temperature and lack of appetite, which also negatively affects health, slowing down natural development processes.

What you need to do to quickly get rid of your child's rash

Several rules that young mothers should know about will help to effectively treat heat rash in a baby:

To avoid aggravating the situation, the affected areas of the skin should not be lubricated with creams. It is best to treat the rash areas with special powders that will dry out the inflammation and prevent the formation of weeping wounds.
After the child has defecated, he should be thoroughly washed and then the skin folds should be treated with talcum powder.
Having noticed signs of heat rash, it is necessary to increase the number of baths the baby has, for example, up to 3 times a day. However, you should use soap no more than once a day. This measure will ensure the timely elimination of skin secretions that cause the spread of the disease.
After the baby has been bathed, he should not be swaddled tightly. Diapers that are too tight to the body block the flow of oxygen. As a result, the delicate skin overheats and fluid-filled bubbles form on it.
If a baby shows signs of a skin disease, not only water but also air baths are useful.
The bedding on which a baby with heat rash sleeps should be made from natural materials. His clothes should also be made of high-quality fabrics.
When going for a walk, you need to pay attention to weather conditions. It is best to dress your baby in several light sweaters rather than one very warm one. If the child becomes hot, some part of the clothing can be removed, thereby preventing the body from overheating. To find out if your child is cold, you need to touch his nose. If it remains warm, the baby is not in danger of hypothermia.
Try to use diapers only during nighttime sleep and long walks. This way you can avoid rashes on your buttocks and legs. When dressing a child in such underwear, it is better to use a cream intended for application to dry skin under a diaper, for example, Johnson's Baby or Bübchen.

Find out more about the treatment of heat rash in adults here.

Diagnostic methods and when to see a doctor?

If a child develops prickly heat, it is necessary to contact a medical facility in the following situations:

The child becomes too restless;
The skin rash does not disappear for a long time;
The formation of swelling and inflammation is observed;
There is a high temperature that does not respond to medications;
If parents cannot independently determine the cause of changes in the skin.

When visiting a doctor, a visual examination of the child takes place. Most often, this type of diagnosis is sufficient to establish a diagnosis.

However, when an advanced stage of miliaria is observed in a newborn, additional tests may be prescribed such as:

Blood analysis;
Bacterial sowing;
Taking the contents of the bubble for analysis;
Scrape off the bubbles.

After receiving the test results, the doctor prescribes appropriate treatment and care for the newborn; if necessary, the child is placed under the supervision of a specialist.

Treatment prognosis and possible unpleasant complications of pathology

Full recovery from skin diseases occurs in more than 90% of cases. This is directly related to the fact that the baby’s body has a high ability to regenerate. The skin is constantly renewed, and metabolic processes in a child’s body are 2–3 times more intense than in an adult. This explains the relatively low risk of developing various complications. In children with weakened or absent immunity, treatment of prickly heat lasts several times longer.

A responsible attitude of parents towards caring for a child is extremely important. Unfortunately, I had the opportunity to participate in the treatment of an infant who was removed from a dysfunctional family. Since the baby was in dirty diapers and stale bed linen for a long time, he developed prickly heat. Due to the unbearable itching, the boy scratched his skin, and an infection developed from under his nails. The child’s body was covered with tiny ulcers, from which ichor and purulent discharge oozed. Only long-term and gradual treatment of the skin saved the baby from developing a severe complication - infectious-toxic shock.

What unpleasant consequences can occur in children with heat rash:

Formation of scars. If a baby accidentally injures the skin and tears off the resulting crusts, after a while connective tissue begins to actively grow in their place. A rough scar forms in the area of damage. Correction of this complication is carried out using laser resurfacing at an older age.
Attachment of a secondary infection. Often, at the site of prickly heat, wounds and scratches form, which serve as entry points for various microorganisms. The most common pathology of this group is streptoderma, which manifests itself in the form of rashes covered with yellowish crusts. When rejected, the skin begins to bleed. Therapy for this disease is carried out in the infectious diseases department using antibiotics.
The formation of dermatitis and diaper rash - inflammatory processes that affect the deep and superficial layers of the skin. It becomes more sensitive and tender, as a result of which contact with diapers, nappies or bedding provokes injuries. Treatment follows the same principles as heat rash therapy.

Photo gallery: possible complications of the disease

Streptoderma is characterized by the presence of rashes with a dense crust

Diaper rash is a skin care defect that is much more severe against the background of prickly heat.

Dermatitis is an inflammatory process that may involve the scalp

Treatment of heat rash

Miliaria should be treated with proper care and the use of local medications to relieve unpleasant symptoms.

Experts advise following the following recommendations:

Provide clean water regularly to avoid dehydration of the newborn;
Maintain optimal room conditions no more than 22 degrees, keep the room clean;
Stop using diapers for the duration of treatment;
Do not use greasy cream for newborn skin care;
Bath your newborn twice a day with the addition of manganese solution to the water;
Gently pat the damaged skin dry with a soft towel. do not produce friction.

It is also very important to reduce the number of times the newborn touches damaged areas to prevent infection.

Drug treatment

In acute forms of prickly heat, the following drugs are used to eliminate unpleasant symptoms:

Bepanten– the action of the drug is aimed at restoring skin cells and eliminating unpleasant symptoms. Use three times a day in a thin layer on cleansed baby skin. Use until symptoms subside. Allowed to use from the first days of life. average cost 500 rubles;
Zinc ointment– used to relieve inflammation and eliminate discomfort. Vaseline included in the ointment forms a film on the newborn’s skin that protects against infection. It is recommended to apply three times a day to previously cleansed skin. Duration of use: 5 days. Used from the first days of life. Do not use if you are hypersensitive to the components of the ointment. average cost 40 rubles;
Fenistil- a drug in the form of a gel, the action of which is aimed at restoring skin cells. Has a calming effect and relieves redness. Used after reaching the age of 1 month. Average cost 360 rubles;
Sudocrem– used to treat various skin lesions, including heat rash in newborns. Apply a thin layer twice a day, treatment course is 3 days. The ointment has a rather greasy consistency, so it is necessary to apply it precisely to the affected areas. Otherwise, the problem may worsen. Recommended for use from the age of 1 month. average cost 280 rubles;
Pantestin– a helium-based antiseptic drug allows you to quickly eliminate inflammatory formations and discomfort. Apply the gel twice a day for 5 days. It is not recommended to use before 3 months or if you have an allergic reaction on the body. average cost 110 rubles;
Desitin– used to treat skin irritations and effectively eliminate redness and burning. Apply twice a day for 5 days. Used from the first days of a newborn’s life. Do not use in the presence of purulent formations. average cost 200 rubles.

Bepanten

Zinc ointment

Fenistil

Sudocrem

Pantestin

Desitin
For children over one year of age, the use of the following drugs is permitted:

Azithromycin– a special antibiotic in tablet form is aimed at eliminating inflammation and has an antimicrobial effect on the skin. Use once a day for 3 days. Not applicable for viral-type formations. Appointed from the age of 3 years. average cost 80 rubles;
Trimistin– cream with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Contains hormones, it is recommended to use once a day for a course of no more than 3 days. Not for use on children under 5 years of age. Apply with caution to the skin of the face and mucous membranes. average cost 150 rubles;
Fukortsin– an antiseptic solution is used to relieve redness and inflammation of the skin. It is necessary to wipe the damaged areas with a moistened cotton swab twice a day. Used from the first days of life. After using the solution, it is recommended to apply baby cream. It is prohibited to use the solution to treat prickly heat on the face and groin area. average cost 50 rubles;
Levomekol– a drug that has a combined effect, accelerates the process of skin cell restoration and eliminates inflammation and burning on the epidermis. Reduces the likelihood of purulent formations. Use twice a day for 5 days. Not for use under 4 years of age. average cost 50 rubles.

Azithromycin

Trimistin

Fukartzin

Levomekol
In addition to special medications, bathing in a manganese solution is widely used. This reduces inflammation and eliminates bacteria.

Traditional methods of treating prickly heat

To treat prickly heat in children, traditional methods of treatment are often used, which are aimed at eliminating unpleasant symptoms and relieving redness.

The most commonly used recipes are:

Soda lotions– allows for an antibacterial effect and reduces skin inflammation. To prepare, you need to pour a spoonful of soda into a glass of warm water, and use cotton pads to apply it to the damaged areas of the epidermis. Recommended for use in children over one year of age. The procedure is carried out twice a day for 3 days. Closely monitor the child’s well-being; soda lotions can cause a burning sensation. After treating the skin, it is necessary to apply a nourishing baby cream;
Iodine solution– add 5 drops of iodine to a glass of warm water. Wipe the damaged area with the resulting mixture twice a day for a course of no more than 5 days. Regular use can speed up the skin restoration process and reduce the likelihood of further development of prickly heat. Recommended for use in children over one year of age. Do not use if you are hypersensitive to the drug;
Decoction of bay leaves- has a quick antibacterial effect and quickly eliminates the problem. It is necessary to prepare a strong decoction of the leaves and add it during bathing. Take a bath for 10 minutes. Used for children over 2 years old. Use with caution if there are wounds on the skin, the use of the solution may cause allergic reactions;
Calendula infusion- has a healing and anti-inflammatory effect. Pour a small amount of calendula flowers with vodka in equal proportions and leave for several days. Wipe damaged areas twice a day. Use until symptoms disappear completely. Not recommended for use in children under 2 years of age. If your skin is hypersensitive, use is prohibited as it may cause irritation and burns.

Traditional medicine methods for children under one year of age:

Chamomile decoction– has a calming effect, relieves inflammation and itching. It is necessary to prepare a strong decoction of the herb and add it to the bath when bathing. It is recommended to use daily until the symptoms of heat rash in a newborn completely disappear. Used from the first days of life;
Decoction of string– used to eliminate all types of rashes on children's skin. Bring the string herb to a boil and leave to steep for 20 minutes. Add to water while bathing. Recommended from the first days of life;
Vaseline oil– helps reduce discomfort on the skin. Rub a small amount of warm oil with light movements into the newborn's skin. Use once a day before bed for 3 days. Recommended for use from the first days of life;
Oak bark– pour a spoonful of bark with a glass of boiling water and leave to steep for 10 minutes. Add to water while bathing. It has a tanning effect on the skin and reduces the likelihood of infection. Not used in its pure form, it tends to dry out the epidermis. Recommended for use from the age of 3 months.

When using traditional medicine methods, it is recommended to first conduct a sensitivity test and consult a pediatrician.

If any side effects occur, stop treatment and contact a medical facility.

Treatment and prevention of red sweat

Treatment of prickly heat will not require super-skills from you; everything will be extremely simple if you manage to determine the cause of the rash and carry out simple manipulations.

Plan for how to get rid of heat rash in a newborn:

determining the cause;
eliminating the irritant;
drying of the skin;
elimination of unpleasant symptoms;
direct treatment.

Now in more detail on each point.

Causes of skin irritation and their elimination

When the cause is determined, all that remains is to remove the irritant, but be prepared for the fact that your baby’s prickly heat could appear due to the interaction of several factors.

If you suspect that diapers are the cause of your troubles and redness, and the rash in the butt area and between the legs is evidence against diapers, then it’s time for you to add air baths to your daily routine. It is better to minimize the use of hygiene products during treatment: only while sleeping or walking;

You may need to change the brand of diapers; opt for breathable products without fragrances or impregnations. And one more thing: the diaper needs to be changed every 3 hours, or even more often, as it gets full.

Remember, the baby’s hygiene comes first, so daily baths are the law, washing under the tap is mandatory, soap is used only after bowel movements. When bathing your baby, be sure to wash every fold, neck and area behind the ears. After bathing, it is necessary to thoroughly dry the newborn's body. How to properly bathe a newborn is described in detail in the article How to bathe a newborn baby?>>>;
Since overheating is the main accompaniment of prickly heat, carefully monitor the temperature both at home and outside before going for a walk. It is better to cover the baby with a blanket afterward than to put a hundred clothes on him and not be able to take them off, since the baby is already wet and may catch a cold.

Know! The room where your baby lives should be regularly ventilated. For information on how warm the room should be, read the article Temperature in the room for a newborn>>>;

If you think that the cause of the rash on your back and chest is poor-quality synthetic clothing, then urgently change your wardrobe. Only cotton, linen, chintz. These fabrics are breathable and will be able to cope with excess skin moisture;
You cannot understand where, after using diaper cream, heat rash in newborns came from and how to treat it, if not with this special remedy? It's simple: the oily film of the cream and the greenhouse effect have done their worst and caused redness;

Know! It is permissible to use only powder under the diaper. Read more about powder for newborns>>>

Please note that prickly heat on the baby's chest can occur due to wet clothes. The baby may spit up or drool. In such cases, an ordinary bib is enough to solve the problem.

Methods for drying skin

Miliaria is a small blistering rash, which means it needs to be dried out and the irritation will go away. What you can do:

Air baths after each diaper change are an excellent drying agent;
Using panties with inserts made from natural fabrics instead of a regular diaper;
Evening daily baths with medicinal herbs. Chamomile, calendula, and string have a beneficial effect on inflamed skin. You can make local lotions from a decoction of these plants. Read the article on the topic: Herbs for bathing a newborn>>>;
Our mothers' method - potassium permanganate, in the case of prickly heat, may well be useful. It is important not to overdo it with crystals: the water should be slightly pinkish.

Choose one or better all of the methods listed, but remember that it is unlikely that you will be able to get rid of the rash in one session.

Treatment with drugs and cosmetics

How to cure prickly heat in newborns and what to smear with is the next question.

Remember: the only cosmetic product for baby skin care that can be used under a diaper is powder. You buy it exclusively in pharmacies and monitor the integrity of the packaging and expiration date.
You can also find ointments for miliaria in the pharmacy chain. This is the well-known zinc ointment with a drying effect. Bepanten (article on the topic: Bepanten cream for newborns>>>), Panthenol will help restore the skin. Sudocrem - has an additional effect as an antiseptic.
Each special series of cosmetic products for baby skin care contains a cream with zinc for prickly heat in newborns, but how to treat it is another matter. Having smeared the affected area, you need to wait until it is completely absorbed, and only then put on the diaper.
Fukortsin is a good remedy for heat rash, especially on the butt and between the legs.
A simple remedy - lotions made from a weak soda solution - will also help relieve the burning and itching of miliaria.

All of the above remedies are acceptable for common prickly heat in newborns. How to treat a deep or purulent rash is a separate topic.

Prevention of heat rash

The formation of prickly heat in infants is a very common occurrence, which can only be avoided by following the correct care methods and preventive methods.

Prevention methods:

Undress the child twice a day and leave for 10 minutes without clothes;
Use preparations to care for the skin of a newborn in a minimal amount. Large amounts of baby cream may cause extra sweating;
Use clothes made from natural materials that allow air to pass through well;
Monitor the room temperature it should not exceed 22 degrees;
Make sure that after bathing, moisture does not collect in the folds of the newborn’s skin.;
Change diapers every 2 hours, regardless of their occupancy;
For children under one year old, it is recommended to use clothes without seams;
Don't swaddle your baby too tightly, the skin must breathe;
Using powder, apply the substance to your hands Rub it between your palms and apply it to your child's skin.

Using simple preventive measures can reduce the likelihood of heat rash and stiffness.

Prevention of heat rash in infants.

Knowledge of preventive measures will help prevent the formation of miliaria, and if it has already appeared, it will protect against relapse. All of the following actions must be applied in combination:

Ensure optimal temperature in the room (about 22 degrees) and absence of drafts. But at the same time, do not forget about the need for regular ventilation.
Do not swaddle your baby too tightly.
Reduce the time you wear diapers.
Conduct an audit of moisturizing creams and wipes. Use only non-greasy water-based creams, and use wipes only in cases where it is impossible to wash the child with water (on the road, during a walk).
Use powder more often.
Review your baby's clothes and bedding. For everyday wear, leave only clothes made from natural fabrics.
Do not overheat the child. Walking and home attire should be appropriate for the weather. Apply the principle of multi-layering. You can check whether a baby is hot or cold by touching its nose.
Daily bathing, including with herbal infusions.

Taking air baths

Taking air baths on a regular basis is an excellent way to prevent prickly heat, as well as strengthen the baby’s immunity. During the procedure, the room should be at a comfortable temperature, without drafts. The duration of the session is no more than 10 minutes. During this entire time, the child must lie completely undressed. You can combine this action with massage treatments or gymnastics classes with your child.

Refusal of thick protective and moisturizing creams

During the treatment of prickly heat, you should avoid using fatty creams, as they clog the pores and do not allow the skin to breathe and increase the steam effect (especially under diapers).

Fighting methods

You can get rid of prickly heat only if you find out the reason that caused the development of irritation. If you simply fight the manifestations of pathology, then it will appear again and again, so it is important to act directly on the very cause that provokes the development of the disease.

You can get rid of prickly heat in a newborn using disinfectants, solutions and creams. Treatment of prickly heat should be comprehensive and include the following:

medicinal baths. Chamomile, string, oak bark, yarrow - all these herbs can overcome irritation and inflammation. Medicinal herbs are prepared half an hour before taking a bath. Treatment with baths should continue until clinical symptoms disappear. Baths based on a weak solution of potassium permanganate are also useful. After bathing, the skin should be dried and then powdered with baby powder;
disinfecting solutions such as chlorophyllipt, salicylic acid, boric acid, methylene blue are another way to quickly remove the disease;
baby powder. It may contain anesthesin, which has a cooling effect, as well as panthenol, which has healing properties;
It is important to carefully choose creams and ointments for your child. They must be based on zinc, boric acid or panthenol. Products should not irritate delicate skin.

Results

Miliaria is a skin disease that occurs due to excessive sweating. The disease itself is not dangerous if parents take action, but it is quite unpleasant. It is not always easy to cope with pathology, so parents will need to be patient.

Without proper proper treatment, itching and rashes can persist for a very long time. The child will be capricious, sleep poorly, and eat poorly. Before starting treatment for the disease, you must consult a doctor and determine the cause of prickly heat. Only after this the specialist will prescribe a treatment regimen and a suitable drug.

Diaper rash: “top view”

Diaper rash in a newborn is characterized by inflammation of the skin, provoked by the activity of certain types of bacteria and fungi. Their favorite places are moist and warm areas of the body, skin folds, of which the baby has plenty.

The mechanism of diaper rash is simple: when, with increased humidity (the child is sweating, lying in a wet diaper, etc.) the skin rubs against each other or against clothes, a diaper, primary irritation occurs. The skin turns red, and because some of these areas produce sweat and urine, it creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Therefore, scabs, ulcers and severe redness can form very quickly, causing great discomfort in the child.

How to get rid of prickly heat in a child at home

At home, you can treat unadvanced cases of prickly heat. First of all, it is necessary to exclude further sweating in the child.

If the area of skin affected by miliaria is large enough, bathe the baby in warm water with the addition of 2 to 3 crystals of potassium permanganate. This procedure will help dry the skin and avoid infection of the wounds.

IMPORTANT: After the bath, lightly pat your baby's skin dry with a dry cotton towel or diaper. To avoid opening bubbles, do not apply force when wiping.

Then additionally treat the redness in the folds with a soda or iodine solution using a disposable cosmetic sponge or cotton wool.

To prepare a soda solution, take 1 tbsp. warm boiled water and dissolve 1 tsp in it. baking soda. For iodine water, instead of soda, add 1 drop of iodine to a glass. Once completely dry, use baby powder on heavily damaged areas.

IMPORTANT: The simultaneous use of cream and powder is unacceptable, as a dense crust may form, which, when rolled down, will damage the baby’s delicate skin.

If you cannot get rid of prickly heat at home, consult your pediatrician for help.

How to cure babies with folk remedies

The use of folk remedies can be a good help in the treatment of prickly heat, but cannot completely replace pharmaceutical drugs, especially in difficult cases. In addition, we must not forget that many herbs and products included in folk recipes are allergens and can harm the health of the baby.

Here's what should help get rid of skin rashes:

Bay leaf. It is brewed with boiling water (50 g per bowl of water), and then the inflamed areas on the children’s bodies are washed with the solution, cooled to the required temperature. This procedure can be done almost daily.
Pharmaceutical camomile. It is convenient to use a packaged pharmaceutical product (2 sachets per glass of water). The prepared infusion should be smeared on the rash-covered areas, while making light massage movements.
A series. A decoction is prepared from 1 liter of water and 15 g of medicinal raw materials. Use in the same way as chamomile.
Lavender oil. Five drops of this essential oil in a baby bath is enough not only to reduce inflammation, but also to help strengthen the child’s nervous system.
Manganese. This popular disinfectant must be used very carefully if it is used when bathing a child (some pediatricians generally exclude the possibility of such treatment for babies). Bath water prepared with 1-2 manganese crystals should be slightly pink. It is allowed to give your baby such baths no more than once a week, so that a month-old baby (or a little older) does not suffer from excessive drying of the delicate skin - cracks may appear on it.
Aloe. A large succulent leaf of the plant is kept in the refrigerator for a day. Then it should be cut lengthwise and the pulp should be applied to those places on the skin where there is a rash. Excess juice is removed with a napkin, blotting the skin.
Sea salt. This product is used for baths when, due to the baby’s tendency to allergies, medicinal herbs cannot be used.

Can there be prickly heat on the cheeks?

In this case, we can safely say: there is no heat rash on the cheeks! The fact is that the sweat glands on the cheeks of infants do not function. And even in adults they show extremely low activity in these places.

Agree, you have hardly felt sweat on your cheeks in your life. On the forehead, on the temples, under the nose, but not on the cheeks!

Remember! If you notice that your baby’s cheeks are red or covered with small blisters, then remember that this is definitely not a heat rash. This is most likely a manifestation of either a food allergy or atopic dermatitis. A dermatologist will make an accurate diagnosis.

In the case of food allergies, the first thing to do is pay attention to your diet. It should probably be reconsidered, and sometimes go on a hypoallergenic diet.

Atopic dermatitis is a skin disease, which in only 15% of cases is associated with the diet of a nursing mother. With atopic dermatitis, the focus is on proper care of damaged skin, so a correct diagnosis is important.

What should be included in a safe diet for a nursing mother, as well as recommendations for skin care for atopic dermatitis, see the online course Nutrition for a nursing mother without harm to the baby>>>

How to treat

First degree diaper rash is easy to treat. Basic principle: dry and soften the skin. Therefore, at the initial stage, a drying ointment, for example, zinc or Bepanten, and preventive measures in the form of taking air baths, bathing in herbs, regular washing, etc. are sufficient.

But if diaper rash does not go away, it is recommended not to self-medicate, but to consult a doctor. Together with your doctor, you will be able to develop a comprehensive approach to the disease using medications that speed up the healing process and have a bactericidal effect.

Medications

The main requirement for medicinal ointments is that they should be non-greasy. Why is that? The fact is that ointments that are too fatty form a film after application to an area of the body, since their goal is to have the longest possible effect of the drug. But in this case, they will only interfere with the healing process. Therefore, use proven products specifically designed for the treatment of diaper rash.

Creams and ointments

Desitin is an excellent zinc-based product for combating diaper rash. It is approved for use by both adults and children. The affected area is washed and dried (the skin is blotted with a towel). The ointment is applied three times a day. However, it is only suitable for the initial stages of the disease or for prevention. If the skin is infected, the ointment should not be used.

Good old zinc ointment also helps clear up inflammatory areas. The undoubted advantage in price makes it as relevant as decades ago, when it was the only representative of zinc-based ointment.

Bepanthen is available in several forms: cream, ointment and lotion. The main active ingredient dexpanthenol, or provitamin B5, simultaneously moisturizes the skin and accelerates the regeneration process. For the treatment of diaper rash, it is preferable to choose an ointment form, since it “stays” on the skin longer, maintaining a therapeutic effect. It is useful to have Bepanten Plus in your medicine cabinet, which, in addition to dexpanthenol, contains a second component, the antiseptic chlorhexidine. This cream can be used to treat infected areas.

Baneocin is an antimicrobial agent that contains two antibiotics: bacitracin and neomycin. Available in ointment and powder form. A very effective remedy when there is severe redness and weeping, diaper rash is infected, however, due to the serious composition of the drug, it is prescribed only by a doctor if there is an indication for it. The powder is used in children from birth. Ointment is at the discretion of the doctor, after weighing the possible benefits and risks.

A well-known remedy for the treatment of diaper rash

Oils and mash

An indispensable drug in the treatment of diaper rash is sea buckthorn oil. It softens and heals the skin. Apply after changing a diaper or after bathing on clean, dry skin. You can simply apply oil under the arms, in the groin area and in the folds. If there is redness on the arms, neck or legs, apply lotions. Other oils are also used as prophylaxis: olive, sunflower, vaseline.

Fukortsin. The drug is used as prescribed by a doctor. The solution has antifungal and antibacterial effects and is applied externally to eroded skin using a cotton swab or cotton swab.

Period of illness

Now you know how to remove heat rash in newborns. Depending on what type of rash your baby had, the following time frames for skin restoration are recommended:

Crystalline prickly heat with blisters filled with clear liquid is treated within 3-4 days.
Treatment red Miliaria will take 1-2 weeks.

If the heat rash does not go away, or the type of rash has changed, you should immediately consult a pediatrician, since the symptoms of heat rash can be confused with allergies or urticaria.

An infant is a fragile organism, and it takes a lot of time for him to get used to this big world. The task of parents is to protect him from all sorts of troubles, so monitor the baby’s daily routine, go for walks more often and surround the baby with your love.

Therapeutic tactics for heat rash on the face

As you might guess, adults first need to eliminate the cause of the heat rash. Pediatricians say that frightened parents often come running to them, complaining of a rash on the baby’s face. At the same time, it’s hot outside, and the baby is not wearing a thin cotton hat, but a warmer headdress. Of course, he is very hot and sweats profusely.

Or it happens like this: the mother saw a small red spot on the baby’s cheek. Just in case, she decided to lubricate it with a special baby cream (of which a young mother has a decent amount in her arsenal). The spot has not disappeared, and mom uses the cream again. But such compositions are often distinguished by high fat content, and on the baby’s delicate skin they form a film that prevents dermal breathing. All these reasons are from the series of overprotection.

But there is also a violation of hygiene rules. For example, the baby does not take air baths. Every young parent should know that air baths take pride of place in a child’s normal daily routine. You can't go anywhere without them! This is both the prevention of prickly heat and its main treatment. Give the baby 10-15 at first, and then 35 minutes a day for this procedure - wash the baby and put him in the crib or playpen naked. Just ventilate the room first.

Prevention of diaper rash in newborns

To effectively deal with the unpleasant manifestations of dermatitis, parents need to adhere to careful baby hygiene: change diapers every 3 hours or after each bowel movement, and when the baby is at home, give him air baths more often between changing diapers. Prevention of diaper rash also involves careful selection of detergents for the child: these should be specialized products without pronounced fragrances and other potentially harmful chemical compounds.

Popular means

It is worth noting that the treatment of a child cannot be limited only to compliance with hygiene standards. They must be observed in conjunction with the use of medications.

Bepanten

The cream is highly effective against heat rash in children, due to the fact that its active ingredient is provitamin B5. When the substance gets on the skin, it turns into pantothenic acid. The cream helps to moisturize the skin and restore its damaged areas.

Miliaria in a child will be cured faster if you lubricate the affected areas with zinc ointment. Thanks to zinc oxide, as well as petroleum jelly, the substances included in the product, an antibacterial effect is exerted on the affected area. And thanks to the creation of a protective film, moisture is retained. Zinc can dry out pathological areas.

What does miliaria look like in newborns and infants (photo)

Degree of damage

There are three degrees of damage.

I degree - the skin turns red, but remains intact.
II degree - the skin becomes bright red, inflamed, cracks and erosions are visible in places.
Stage III leads to ulcerative lesions, pustules appear, indicating the addition of an infection. There are wet places on the body, peeling of the epidermis is possible. The child is extremely restless because the skin itches, hurts, and the baby has a desire to scratch it.

If you see a similar picture, you cannot do without the help of a doctor.

Treatment of miliaria in the face area

Before you get rid of prickly heat on a newborn’s face, you need to determine its type. Treatment is selected depending on the severity. Mild manifestations of the rash can be removed with herbal decoctions; in other cases, complex treatment with the use of creams and oils is required.

Under no circumstances should pimples be picked off or their integrity violated. Such actions will lead to infection. It is forbidden to apply any compresses to the inflamed face, as this will provoke inflammation.

Miliaria on the face of a baby requires daily treatment of the skin with decoctions based on medicinal herbs - chamomile, calendula, string. Preparation of decoctions: pour 2 tablespoons of the selected ingredient into 500 ml of boiling water, leave until completely cool, strain. Use the resulting decoction to wash your face, or soak a cotton pad in it and wipe your face.

To quickly cure the rash, it is recommended to bathe the child in water with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. You can organize a bath with potassium permanganate no more than once a day. The best option on how to get rid of prickly heat on the face and not provoke an allergy to potassium permanganate is to first bathe the child in a bath with a decoction of herbs, and then rinse the face with a solution of potassium permanganate.

You can fight heat rash with baby powder, but without any flavored additives. The powder will help remove the rash by drying it out and will prevent it from spreading further. Before using talc, you need to wipe your face with a chamomile-based decoction.

It is possible to cure prickly heat in an infant if there is liquid in the blisters only with the help of local-spectrum medications - ointments and creams. Treatment is carried out mainly with the drug Bepanten. The ointment dries the face, relieves redness and swelling of the skin, eliminates itching and pain. Use baby cream 1-2 times a day, after first treating the heat rash in newborns with a herbal decoction and allowing the face to dry.

It is recommended to treat miliaria in infants with rapid spread of the rash with a weak solution of furatsilin. Soak a cotton pad in the solution and wipe your face.

How to treat miliaria when there is no positive dynamics from the use of simple remedies - in such cases, medications are prescribed. The pediatrician determines what to treat. As a rule, the drugs of choice are salicylic ointment, Depanthenol, Sudocrem. You can fight heat rash in a newborn, which is accompanied by severe itching, with the help of antihistamines - Zyrtec, Fenistil. It is forbidden to give them on your own; only a doctor prescribes drugs if there is an urgent need for this.

“How to cure prickly heat and prevent it from developing into a more complex form - with severe itching, a child can scratch the skin on the face, violating the integrity of the pimples. Such actions will lead to infection, and then antibiotics will be needed. To prevent this, it is necessary to regularly trim the child’s nails, or wear special “scratchy” mittens on his hands.”

If an infection is associated with prickly heat, treatment is carried out with antibiotics and antifungal drugs. To relieve symptoms, medications Nystatin, Sudocrem, and Syntomycin ointment are prescribed.

Symptoms

Very often, parents wonder what the symptoms of heat rash are in babies. It looks like a pink or red rash that looks like irritation. Pathology appears quite often on the face.

Miliaria in infants occurs in the form of pinkish spots at the initial stage, red nodes or small blisters with liquid. It can appear even in the first days of the baby’s life after sleep or a walk, when the child sweats quite a lot.

Parents often encounter this problem in the third week of a baby’s life. It is during this period that the sweat glands begin to function intensively, but the ducts are just forming. that is why sweating does not function completely.

Localization: face, neck, cheeks, butt, whole body

The localization of prickly heat in certain areas is usually due to specific reasons. The rash may appear on:

neck and head (back of the head, forehead) - if the baby constantly, even in a warm room, wears a hat;
face (cheeks, chin) - can become inflamed if prickly heat spreads to it from the neck (in general, rashes on the face most often have an allergic nature; you can read about how allergy symptoms differ from prickly heat in a separate article);
back (mainly its upper part) and chest - due to excessive wrapping of the child, the use of underwear made of synthetic materials;
butt and groin area - due to constant wearing of a diaper;
hands (especially often - the area under the armpits) and legs (under the knees, feet) - a restless, often crying child sweats more.

Children's cosmetics

When changing diapers or bathing your baby, always keep on hand hygiene cosmetics for the newborn containing extracts of calendula, chamomile, gels with aloe vera juice, and zinc oxide.

Caring products will successfully complement lotions (without alcohol), oils, milks, always marked “for children”. Use cleansers in the morning, wiping your face and skin folds.

Baby oil will protect delicate skin from excessive moisture and, conversely, moisture loss. Suitable for dry, irritated skin.

Possible consequences

Miliaria does not cause any particular health complications in children, but it often provokes unbearable itching. Such discomfort can become the root cause of a seemingly harmless phenomenon developing into an infectious disease. After all, if a child constantly scratches the areas affected by prickly heat, an infection can get there, causing the appearance of blisters filled with clear liquid.

An acute inflammatory process of infected skin is often accompanied by suppuration and often leads to an increase in temperature in the child. He becomes moody, restless, and has trouble sleeping. If treatment is incorrect and ineffective, the baby’s health condition may worsen. In such a situation, you should not hesitate, but consult a dermatologist for help.

Prevention of the problem

Regular adherence to some simple rules for caring for a newborn baby will help avoid the appearance of prickly heat or quickly get rid of it at the initial stage.

Dress your baby in such a way as to prevent him from overheating. An indicator of a baby's body temperature is its nose. If it is warm, then the little one is comfortable, if it is hot, he is hot, overheating is possible, and if it is cold, he is freezing.
A newborn’s clothing should be made exclusively from “breathable” natural fabrics; synthetics provoke increased sweating.
Bathe your baby every evening. Use decoctions of medicinal plants for water procedures - string, chamomile, thyme. Don’t forget about the baby’s face, wash it with the same decoctions.
Wipe the skin of the buttocks with a damp cloth every time your little one poops, or better yet, wash it with warm water.
Use baby powder as soon as you notice irritation in your groin folds. Apply talcum powder, starch or powder to your baby's sore skin every time you change a diaper.
An excellent effect for the prevention of prickly heat is achieved from regular air baths. Leave your baby out of diapers and clothes several times a day.
Do not forget about regular ventilation of the room where the little one sleeps. Try to maintain the temperature at 20 degrees.
Be especially responsible when choosing disposable diapers. They must be of high quality, breathable and appropriate for the age and weight of the baby. Change them promptly.

Very often, mothers confuse this type of rash in newborns with urticaria, allergies and other diseases, the symptom of which is a rash. If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to contact your pediatrician.

It is he who is able to quickly determine its true nature and give recommendations on how to treat the problem. Do this for the health of your treasure and your personal peace of mind.

We bring to your attention a video that tells about one of the methods of treating prickly heat in a baby.

Preventive measures

In the hot season, when prickly heat occurs, it is important to follow simple preventive recommendations to help prevent the appearance of a rash. Clothing for a newborn should be selected only from natural fabric that allows the skin to breathe.

The room in which the child is located must be regularly ventilated; the air in it should not stagnate or be too dry.

The baby needs to be bathed 2 to 4 times a day in the summer; it is recommended to let the skin dry naturally without using towels. The water temperature should not be high; the optimal temperature is considered to be 38-37 degrees.

In extreme heat, you can wipe the child’s face with chamomile infusion or plain water to reduce sweating. To strengthen the body's protective functions, it is recommended to extend breastfeeding as long as possible.

Rules for applying medicinal products

Rinse your skin with warm water and pat dry with a towel.
When changing diapers, lubricate the area of the buttocks, near the anus, and areas of the body that have redness with ointment.
Use dexpanthenol cream twice a day for prevention purposes. It is suitable for daily use if baby's skin is susceptible to irritation or diaper rash.
It is advisable to use Bepanten ointment four times a day.
Use an alcohol solution to treat areas where signs of infection have appeared. Chlorophyllipt successfully fights staphylococcus and other microbes.

Pathological prickly heat on the face

All of the above is physiological prickly heat on the face of a newborn. That is, it can be considered a normal reaction of the baby’s skin to negative factors that increase sweating. But in some cases, however, they are still recorded less frequently; prickly heat will be a symptom of the disease.

Diseases of infants accompanied by miliaria:

Hyperhidrosis – pathologies in the sebaceous glands, leading to increased sweating;
Thyroid diseases and other endocrine disorders;
Infectious and inflammatory diseases;
Problems in the functioning of the heart and blood vessels;
Disturbances of the central nervous system;
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
Pathologies of the urinary tract.

There is no need to “try on” every complex illness to suit your specific case. Prickly heat happens to almost every child.

But with proper hygiene, it goes away quite quickly on its own. If prickly heat is just a symptom of a really serious illness, then it will not go away so quickly. If you have any concerns, rush to see your pediatrician.

Home Remedies

At home, parents can use a variety of recipes to help cope with the problem. How to treat prickly heat on a child’s face? Parents can use these tips:

Oatmeal. This is an effective home remedy for eliminating the problem. Add a little cereal to the bath and mix well. Bath the baby for 10-15 minutes. Repeat the procedure twice a day. Thanks to the manipulations, the skin will become more tender and inflammation will subside.
Ice. A life-saving remedy for heat rash in a baby, which is caused by heat and an excessively humid climate. Wrap the cubes in cloth and wipe the skin with them. This will help cope with the acute inflammatory process, as well as reduce sensitivity.
Sandalwood powder. Mix 2 large spoons of coriander powder and sandalwood powder. Add a couple of spoons of rose water and mix thoroughly to form a smooth paste. Spread the paste on the damaged areas and leave until completely dry. After the session, rinse the paste with cool water so that it does not get into your eyes.
Margosha leaves. Take some leaves and grind them into a paste. Add water to them to form a paste of homogeneous consistency. Apply the ointment to the affected areas and wait until it dries. Afterwards, rinse off the composition with cool water. The plant is characterized by antibacterial properties. Thanks to this, bacteria can be destroyed, which contributes to a speedy recovery.
Corn flour. Take corn flour or powder and mix with water. You should get a thick, homogeneous consistency. Apply it to the affected area and wait until it dries. After this, rinse with cool water.
Aloe vera. Take a couple of leaves, peel them and grind them to a paste. Apply the resulting gel to the damaged areas and wait until it dries. Afterwards, rinse with cool water.

Before using any method, you will need to consult your pediatrician and dermatologist.

Look into the wardrobe

Carry out a thorough audit of your clothing, remove all synthetics, replacing them with items made from natural fabrics - cotton, linen, wool. Only natural ingredients can ensure high-quality removal of heat and moisture from young skin. In summer, children should be dressed quite lightly. A cotton vest, bodysuit, blouse, and panties are suitable. Buy only warm clothes that can absorb excess sweat.

When the baby is sleeping, check if she is hot. Touch the spout. If everything is fine, it will be warm. Gently run your finger along the neck and back. If you feel that the newborn’s skin is too wet or hot, then remove unnecessary things from him, do not wrap him in a warm blanket.

Miliaria in newborns is a skin irritation caused by increased sweat production. There are several types of prickly heat, each of which we will discuss. An unresolved and neglected problem can ultimately lead to and. How to treat prickly heat? This is exactly what the conversation will be about.

In accordance with its name, the disease is caused precisely by the effect of sweat on the child’s skin

Definition of prickly heat

The skin of newborn babies is special, which is why prickly heat is typical during infancy. Let's list the features of children's skin:

thin and sensitive - easily irritated and inflamed by rough touches and friction;
overheating occurs due to the fact that blood vessels are on the surface;
the active work of the sweat glands, which have already begun activity at the 3rd week of life, is accompanied by the formation of their ducts, in connection with this, disturbances in sweating occur;
There is a lot of water in baby skin.

The causes of prickly heat are ultimately immature thermoregulation and overheating of the body. To know the problem in person, you need to accurately imagine its manifestations.

The skin of a newborn is very delicate, so it reacts strongly to temperature and external influences.

Types of prickly heat

There are several types of prickly heat:

Red– areas of redness are observed near the blisters and nodules, which do not merge with the rash. Forms on the neck, under the armpits or in the groin. This type of heat rash causes pain when touched and severe itching. The rashes persist for up to two weeks.
Crystalline– rashes in the form of white or silvery blisters. Found on the body, face and neck. They combine and form large spots. In place of the burst bubbles, peeling appears. This type of rash is painless and does not cause discomfort to the baby; it goes away in 2-3 days.
Papular– appears as a result of increased sweating in a child, manifests itself after a few hours. Rashes in the form of blisters are flesh-colored and form on the body, legs and arms. After some time they disappear without a trace.
Infected heat rash– advanced cases of prickly heat, when treatment is not started on time, are accompanied by the penetration of microbes into the blisters, as a result of which the skin begins to become infected. How to recognize the manifestations of infected miliaria? Redness appears on the skin and blisters fill with a yellow-gray liquid, which also smells bad. The newborn may experience an increase in temperature - this is a symptom of the continuation of the infection process.

How not to confuse it with an allergy?

Miliaria is similar to many skin diseases. How can we understand whether we are dealing with prickly heat or whether pimples on the body are a symptom of an allergy?

The heat rash can easily be confused with other skin rashes that accompany illnesses - for example, the rash is similar to an allergic one. How to recognize the nature of the rash? A child has an allergy if:

the skin itches and the child looks restless;
rashes persist even after treatment procedures;
the rash becomes smaller after taking an antihistamine;
rashes during diathesis are more like scales, the most common places for their location are the cheeks and limbs.

For a clearer idea of what different diseases look like, study the example photos. Don't diagnose yourself. At the first manifestations of the disease, consult a doctor for advice. Your local pediatrician or dermatologist will help you with these questions.

Miliaria can be confused with other skin problems in newborns, so it is better to entrust the diagnosis to a specialist

Causes of the rash

Miliaria in newborns appears where it is most difficult for air to reach. Excessively warm clothing (out of season), tight swaddling - all this can cause rashes due to overheating. The sweat glands produce a secretion that cannot evaporate due to the lack of air. Its excessive accumulation provokes skin irritation. There are also a number of other reasons:

if the room is humid, hot and stuffy, then heat rash is very likely to appear;
babies are rarely bathed;
lubricating the baby’s body with a greasy cream, which clogs the pores and prevents the skin from breathing, and also impairs heat transfer;
a newborn baby develops an allergy to diapers or low-quality clothing material, most often synthetics (more details in the article:);
an increase in body temperature provokes excessive sweating;
the baby takes little air baths;
overly warm or tight clothing.

Who is at risk? Premature babies, as well as those who are overweight or have diabetes, are more likely to get miliaria.

Clothes for a newborn should be adequate to the weather and season - do not overheat him

Manifestations of miliaria

Miliaria with rashes and redness can be located either in one place or be widespread throughout the body. Often the rash appears in the groin. In newborn babies, some additional symptoms are added to the rash: moodiness, sleep disturbances. Miliaria in newborns is similar in its manifestations to measles, allergies and chickenpox, and therefore it is quite easy to confuse these diseases. Your doctor will help you clearly find out what to treat your baby for.

Miliaria can be distinguished by the location of the rash. We list the most common locations of the rash, and also name the main reasons for its appearance:

neck – poor hygiene and excessive heat;
upper back – synthetic clothing materials, overheating;
buttocks - use of fatty cream, constant wearing of a diaper;
face - in most cases, indicates an allergic cause of the rash, but it can also be the result of the rash spreading from the neck;
head – constant wearing of a hat causes a rash on the head.

Treatment of prickly heat in children is carried out in a matter of days, which cannot be said about allergic and infectious forms of the rash. Fighting them is much more difficult.

Reason to seek medical help

Be careful! If you notice pustules and cracks on the skin, as well as detect discomfort in your child from itching at high body temperature, you should definitely and urgently visit a doctor!

You will definitely need to consult a specialist if you have the following symptoms:

the appearance of edema;
unpleasant odor from bubbles, presence of cracks;
itching, burning, pain when touched;
increase in body temperature.

The above signs may indicate the presence of an infectious disease that has been added to the existing disease.

It is extremely important to consult a doctor promptly. After a visual examination of the patient, the doctor will be able to make a conclusion about his disease. In some cases, doctors ask you to take additional tests or be examined by a dermatologist.

If prickly heat is accompanied by a high temperature, a visit to the doctor cannot be postponed - complications may occur

Treatment of prickly heat in children

The therapeutic effect will come faster if you get rid of the causes of the disease. Excessively hot temperature in the house should be reduced to moderate (20-22˚C). Instead of synthetic materials, only cotton or other natural fabrics should be used. The child should be left without a diaper more often so that the skin can breathe. The mother will have to overcome her fear that the child will certainly catch a cold if he is not covered with a second blanket or if he is not put on a sweater. Comfortable and will not let the baby freeze. Instead of fatty creams and oils, you should switch to powders - they will be more appropriate in this case.

Effective means

We will suggest reliable and quick ways to treat prickly heat:

:, oak or yarrow bark. It is possible to brew each individual herb or their complex. The brewing proportions are as follows: 3 tbsp. l. for 1 liter of water. Make a chamomile decoction before bathing. By treating the affected areas with this solution, you will help your child get rid of itching. Often mothers add a little potassium permanganate to the bathing water for their children. Its drying properties have been known for many years.
After the bath, you should gently pat your baby's skin without rubbing it, paying attention to hard-to-reach places. After drying the skin, apply powder to these areas. The powder contains talc, zinc oxide and starch. Sometimes panthenol is added to a hygiene product, in which case it also works as a wound-healing drug. It is recommended to apply the powder with a cotton swab rather than pouring it from a jar. Some manufacturers add anesthesin to the product, which provides a cooling effect. Do not use powder on wet areas (where there are diaper rashes); only dry areas can be treated with it. Diaper rash should definitely be shown to a pediatrician, who will prescribe medications for appropriate treatment procedures.
Use special ointments and creams for children to help reduce the rash. Apply the medicinal compositions in a thin layer. It is advisable not to put on the diaper immediately, but to allow the cream to be absorbed. Prickly heat on the bottom suggests a temporary refusal of diapers. Before using ointments, be sure to consult your doctor.

Apply the ointment or cream carefully so as not to create a moist environment favorable for prickly heat.

Medicinal ointments

“Bepanten” has regenerating properties, and it also perfectly moisturizes damaged skin. The drug does not have an anti-inflammatory effect and is not the most effective in the fight against heat rash.
“Sudocrem” dries out rashes and has an antibacterial effect. Perfectly treats prickly heat rash. The excessively oily consistency of the cream requires it to be applied to the skin pointwise.
“Zinc ointment” dries out the rash very effectively and helps cure the disease in a couple of days.

There is a folk remedy for treating the disease in children: take 7 bay leaves for 1 glass of boiling water, cover with a lid and let it brew. The resulting infusion should be used to wipe the affected areas.

There are times when, having tried all treatment methods, a mother notices a complete lack of improvement. Then you should definitely visit a dermatologist. It will help to find out whether a bacterial infection has joined the disease. If yes, it will be necessary to use stronger drugs: antihistamines and antibiotics.

Attention! The parents of the child, having diagnosed the lack of progress in treatment after 3-4 days, and also noticing the following signs: the blisters are filled with white or yellow liquid, there are more rashes, and the baby is acting extremely restless, they should rush to the doctor without hesitating for a minute. Timely help will relieve possible complications.

Sudocrem perfectly eliminates heat rash, provided that the drug is used correctly: it should be applied to the affected areas pointwise

Preventive measures

Despite the heat, you can achieve comfortable conditions for the child. It is necessary to dress the baby according to the weather, without overwrapping him, observe the rules of hygiene, and also pay great attention to the climate in the house. Following simple preventive measures will help avoid the appearance of prickly heat:

Choose loose clothing, made from natural fabrics that allow the skin to breathe.
Water procedures should be carried out daily, and diapers should be changed as often as possible.
Don't forget the importance.
Do not use tight swaddling.
You can avoid rashes on your head by limiting the wearing of hats.
For hygiene products, choose water-based creams or powders.
Use hypoallergenic powder for washing children's underwear and clothes.

Regular water treatments are not only pleasant, but also prevent prickly heat.

What does Dr. Komarovsky say?

Dr. Komarovsky emphasizes the importance of identifying and eliminating the cause of miliaria. The rash can have its origins in various infections, mechanical damage, allergies, diathesis, and can even be a reaction to blood clotting (see also:). It is important to determine the nature of the rash and find out whether it is dangerous or not. The absence of symptoms of infectious diseases, the baby’s good mood and the presence of a rash are most likely the result of allergies, insect bites or prickly heat. In this case, it will be important for the mother to sit down and carefully remember the entire previous day: what new things the child ate, what new clothes he wore, and whether he was bitten by any insects.

Attention! If your baby is vomiting and has local hemorrhages on the skin, call an ambulance immediately!

Dr. Komarovsky confirms that the onset of heat increases the incidence of heat rash. The most common places for rashes to appear are the neck, face, back, chest, and behind the ears. The pediatrician advises keeping the baby as undressed as possible. The baby will be only too happy to be free of diapers and tight clothes. The skin will breathe and enjoy fresh air.

Doctor's advice for preventing heat rash:

In warm weather, avoid excessive clothing. Give up

A baby's skin is not mature enough and is easily subject to irritation and microtrauma in the first months of life. However, treatment of miliaria in newborns is difficult for young parents not only for this reason. The course of the disease is complicated by mistakes made in caring for the child’s body and the inability of parents to recognize and prevent the appearance of rashes.

Redness and then a rash occur in areas of the body covered by tight-fitting clothing, as well as in the area of large folds of skin. The reasons for this unpleasant phenomenon often escape the attention of parents of young children. If you cannot avoid prickly heat in infants or young children, then you should not delay treatment of the disease.

The skin is the largest organ of the body, a protective cover and a barrier to infection. It also performs excretory, thermoregulatory, immune and other functions. Miliaria in newborns often occurs due to insufficient skin care against the background of intense sweating.

What does crystalline prickly heat look like:

rashes appear on the skin of the body (in the folds of the neck, groin, armpits, on the back);
At first, the transparent vesicles reach the size of a pinhead;
the color of the bubbles is light pink, they look like dew drops;
under the thin film of the epidermis there is a transparent content;
vesicles merge and large bubbles form;
the blisters open, the liquid pours out, and crusts remain in the same place.

Miliaria is considered a type of miliaria and belongs to dermatoses (skin diseases). These are small bubbles with curdled or transparent contents. Appear in infants as a result of blockage of the sweat glands. Elements of the rash are localized on the upper half of the body and face.

Complications of prickly heat - skin infection, diaper rash, diaper dermatitis.

It is possible that a bacterial infection may occur and the development of pyoderma (a purulent skin disease). The child's temperature rises, skin itching intensifies, and the fluid filling the blisters becomes cloudy. Weeping crusts remain in place of the opened bubbles. The appearance of the described symptoms in a child is a reason to contact a pediatrician for advice and help.

Treatment of prickly heat: local remedies

Lack of care and non-use of baby cream leads to the child developing crystalline prickly heat, miliaria, diaper rash or diaper dermatitis. Parents need to consult with a pediatrician on how to treat prickly heat using pharmaceutical and folk remedies. The doctor will select the optimal treatment option and tell you how to adjust the baby’s daily skin care.

To treat prickly heat in newborns, ointments and creams with dexpanthenol, chlorhexidine, zinc oxide, weak solutions of natural and pharmaceutical antiseptics (furatsilin solution, chamomile infusion) are used. Fenistil gel will help eliminate redness and irritation. The bright green oil solution “Chlorophyllipt” disinfects and soothes the skin well.

Desitin ointment contains zinc oxide, cod oil, lanolin and petroleum jelly as a base. The drug is used for the treatment and prevention of heat rash in infants. The effect is noticeable already on the first day of using the ointment. Zinc oxide and hydrophobic components protect the skin from moisture - urine and sweat. The ointment is applied at the first signs of inflammation at least three times a day.

Products with dexpanthenol - a “lifesaver” in a first aid kit for a newborn

Pediatricians clearly answer the question of how to apply rashes on the skin of infants and young children. Children's doctors recommend using external agents with dexpanthenol for the treatment of prickly heat. Pantothenic acid or vitamin B 5 is a necessary substance for the formation of local immunity. Dexpanthenol, a synthetic analogue of pantothenic acid, is included in various pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations. This compound helps cure prickly heat due to its ability to regenerate tissue. Products containing dexpanthenol can be regularly applied to the affected skin of an infant.

The Bepanten line of products is presented on pharmacy shelves with ointment, cream, and lotion. The original drug contains dexpanthenol (5%). The base consists of almond and petroleum jelly oil, lanolin, white petroleum jelly. The product heals and moisturizes the skin. Bepanten plus cream, in addition to dexpanthenol, contains chlorhexidine (an antiseptic, disinfectant component). The composition of the Depanthenol cream is the same.

Bepanten ointment for heat rash in a newborn is the main therapeutic and preventive remedy.

Pantothenic acid is necessary to eliminate damage to the skin. Local deficiency of this substance can be replenished by applying Bepanten or D-Panthenol ointment. Products from the “D-Panthenol” series are presented as spray, ointment and cream. Dexpanthenol is also included in the Pantoderm ointment.

How to get rid of prickly heat:

The skin should be washed with warm water and blot dry.
At each diaper change, apply Bepanten ointment to the buttocks, the area near the anus and around the external genitalia.
You can lubricate any part of the body where signs of prickly heat are noticed.
It is recommended to use dexpanthenol cream twice a day for prophylactic purposes.
Bepanten ointment should be used to treat prickly heat four times a day.

Dexpanthenol in combination with chlorhexidine has an anti-inflammatory effect. Thanks to the properties of the components, the condition of damaged tissues is normalized. Creams with dexpanthenol can be used for daily care if the baby's skin is prone to irritation and diaper rash.

The basis of treatment for prickly heat is adequate care

The skin of infants has a loose epidermis and a thin stratum corneum. These features are further aggravated by the weak connection between the epidermis and dermis. The skin of infants contains little moisture, the level of blood supply and the functioning of the sweat glands is insufficient. As a result, skin irritation begins, prickly heat, diaper rash appear, and diaper dermatitis develops.

Parents should not over-cover the baby in a warm room to prevent increased sweating. In addition, the child’s underwear should be made from thin natural fabrics. Before removing rashes of crystalline prickly heat or miliaria with ointment, it is necessary to carry out drying measures. The baby is bathed in water with the addition of a decoction of oak bark, herbal infusions - string or chamomile. Additionally, it is recommended to treat the folds on the body with the same products and blot the skin.

To bathe a newborn, use a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate.

The arsenal of baby skin care products is complemented by lotion or milk, cream, oil - all these products should be intended for children. Baby lotion should not contain alcohol. The purpose of the hygiene product is to cleanse the skin. Usually the lotion is used in the morning, after the child wakes up, to remove impurities on the face and in the folds of the skin.

Baby cream has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effects. The product can be applied 2–5 times a day to the face and entire body. Pediatricians, allergists and dermatologists often recommend mixing ointments with medicinal ingredients with baby cream before applying.

Baby oil protects delicate skin from excess evaporation and moisture penetration. The product eliminates dryness and irritation of the skin. When treating prickly heat, do not use oil to lubricate the rash.

Herbs for the treatment of heat rash in a child

Regular water procedures significantly improve the condition of the baby's skin. Pediatricians recommend waiting until the umbilical wound heals, then bathing the newborn. Before this, you can wipe the baby’s skin with a damp cotton swab. Washing the groin area and folds on the thighs should be done with warm boiled water when changing diapers.

After the navel has healed, the child is bathed daily or every other day. First use boiled water with the addition of a solution of potassium permanganate. The color of the water should turn pink. Twice a week you need to wash your child with baby soap or shampoo. The temperature of the water in the bathtub is maintained at 37°C.

Herbal infusions for bathing a child are prepared in advance - 1–2 hours before water procedures. Chamomile disinfects water, soothes and softens inflamed skin. Oregano and lavender also eliminate irritation and help cope with heat rash in children and diaper rash. Thyme and string have an anti-inflammatory effect; they are strong antiseptic and antimicrobial herbs. A decoction of oak bark is good for prickly heat and diaper rash.

The mother should always have it at hand when changing a diaper or after bathing the child. baby hygiene cosmetics based on chamomile extract, aloe vera gel, zinc oxide. To avoid heat rash, care should be taken to remove excess moisture and heat from the baby's skin. It is possible to prevent delayed sweating if you choose light clothing for children. Warm clothes should be made from fabrics that absorb sweat well.

Excessive care for a newborn, expressed in protecting him from any draft, can play a cruel joke on parents, since overheating is one of the most common causes of prickly heat.

The heat rash itself in a baby is safe, but lack of treatment and proper care for the baby can cause more serious problems.

What is prickly heat?

Miliaria in newborns is a skin irritation similar in appearance to a rash that appears if the baby sweats excessively. Tight swaddling, improper care, overheating (especially in the summer) - this is not a complete list of the culprits for the development of prickly heat in infants.

If it was not possible to prevent its occurrence, then you should begin to take the necessary measures to combat it as quickly as possible. The sooner treatment begins, the less time and effort it will take.

Types of disease.

There are several types of prickly heat:

Miliaria rubra.

Small bubbles and pinpoint compactions appear on the baby's skin, around which the skin acquires a red tint. This type is accompanied by unpleasant and painful itching and causes great discomfort to the child. Most often localized in the neck, groin and armpits.

Crystalline prickly heat.

The most harmless type of prickly heat, in which only small groups of white or silvery blisters appear on the skin, after the collapse of which a slight peeling remains. The appearance of itching, swelling or pain in this case is not recorded.

Deep heat rash.

Similarly with the two previous types, bubbles appear on the skin of the baby, only in this case they have a larger diameter (up to 3 mm) and are flesh-colored. As for itching and other unpleasant sensations, they manifest themselves individually. Lack of timely treatment for miliaria profuse can cause infection with fungal bacteria.

White and yellow prickly heat.

These types of prickly heat refer to advanced cases of the disease, in which an infection has penetrated under the skin, and their names correspond to the color of the liquid in the resulting blisters. As a rule, the disease progresses to these stages if, during prickly heat, a child gets an infection in a scratched wound.

Additional signs of miliaria alba and yellow heat are an unpleasant odor of liquid from collapsing blisters and an increase in the baby’s temperature, which once again indicates the presence of inflammatory processes.

Correct and timely diagnosis of the type of miliaria, as well as competent treatment, will prevent the development of more serious diseases in the baby.

Causes of heat rash in infants.

The main cause of heat rash is overheating of the baby. Sweat is removed from the body through the sebaceous ducts, but in infants they are very narrow and are not able to cope with increased sweating, which leads to the formation of small pimples.

Baths with herbs and potassium permanganate

Despite its simplicity, this method of combating prickly heat works great. To prepare a decoction of herbs, you can buy a ready-made mixture at the pharmacy or purchase herbs separately. You will need chamomile and yarrow flowers, string and oak bark. The decoction is prepared at the rate of 3 tbsp. dry ingredients per 1 liter of water and infuse for at least an hour. Then the broth is added to the bath. You also need to add diluted potassium permanganate (1/4 tsp per glass of boiling water).

The beneficial antiseptic properties of the above herbs have been known for a long time; another plus is their beneficial effect on the nervous system, which is especially important if the child has been tormented by itching from prickly heat. Potassium permanganate is added to dry the skin and reduce the risk of spreading and reappearing prickly heat to a minimum.

You need to complete the bath procedures by applying powder. It is best to ask the pharmacy for powder with the addition of panthenol, as it has a healing effect. If a child is diagnosed with prickly heat and suffers from itching, you should buy powder with the addition of anasthesin. Thanks to this additive, the powder will provide a cooling effect and dull the itching.

The powder should only be applied to dry skin, otherwise the situation may worsen.

Use of ointments and creams

If the baby has mild stages of prickly heat, then you can refuse to use medicinal ointments and creams and limit yourself only to herbal baths, powder and other preventive measures.

In cases where there is a need for medications, you need to pay attention to the following ointments: “Bepanten” - improves the regeneration of the skin and moisturizes it. Does not have anti-inflammatory effect.

Sudocrem acts as an antiseptic and can dry out rashes. At the same time, its consistency is quite oily and requires spot application.
“Zinc ointment” is one of the most effective remedies in the fight against prickly heat. Regenerates damaged skin and dries out existing blisters. Just like the previous cream, apply locally to the affected areas.

All of these ointments should be used only after seeing a doctor and as prescribed.

Why are infants most susceptible to it?

Sebaceous flows in infants are not able to cope with the stress load, which is overheating of the body. The skin of infants does not have sufficient protective resources, as a result of which increased sweating provokes the occurrence of prickly heat.

Thus, weak immunity makes young children so susceptible to this disease. The highest risk of getting sick is in premature babies, overweight babies and diabetics.

How to distinguish heat rash from allergies in infants.

The effectiveness of treatment for prickly heat, like any other ailment, directly depends on the timeliness of its detection.
Unfortunately, this is not the only disease that has symptoms such as rash and redness of the skin. Also, similar signs are characteristic of allergies and diathesis.

In order to recognize the nature of a rash in a baby, you need to know the following:
An allergic rash forms on several parts of the body at once and primarily on the face.

If you stretch the skin around the blisters a little, then in the case of prickly heat they will disappear. The allergy rash remains the same.
An allergic reaction usually occurs after eating. Heat rash after sleep and walking.

The rash from prickly heat is accompanied by peeling of the skin and only in some cases itching. With allergies, itching always occurs and causes much more discomfort.
Taking an antihistamine can alleviate the situation in case of allergies. Redness and itching will decrease. This remedy will not have any effect on prickly heat.

Self-diagnosis of any disease, both in young children and adults, is fraught with the possibility of making an incorrect diagnosis and, accordingly, choosing the wrong treatment. Therefore, it is better not to be lazy and seek help from a children's clinic.

Prevention of heat rash in infants.

Knowledge of preventive measures will help prevent the formation of miliaria, and if it has already appeared, it will protect against relapse.
All of the following actions must be applied in combination:

Ensure optimal temperature in the room (about 22 degrees) and absence of drafts. But at the same time, do not forget about the need for regular ventilation.
Do not swaddle your baby too tightly.
Reduce the time you wear diapers.
Conduct an audit of moisturizing creams and wipes. Use only non-greasy water-based creams, and use wipes only in cases where it is impossible to wash the child with water (on the road, during a walk).
Use powder more often.
Review your baby's clothes and bedding. For everyday wear, leave only clothes made from natural fabrics.
Do not overheat the child. Walking and home attire should be appropriate for the weather. Apply the principle of multi-layering. You can check whether a baby is hot or cold by touching its nose.
Daily bathing, including with herbal infusions.

Taking air baths

Taking air baths on a regular basis is an excellent way to prevent prickly heat, as well as strengthen the baby’s immunity.
During the procedure, the room should be at a comfortable temperature, without drafts. The duration of the session is no more than 10 minutes. During this entire time, the child must lie completely undressed. You can combine this action with massage treatments or gymnastics classes with your child.

Refusal of thick protective and moisturizing creams

During the treatment of prickly heat, you should avoid using fatty creams, as they clog the pores and do not allow the skin to breathe and increase the steam effect (especially under diapers).

Time to cure prickly heat.

If you follow all the recommendations and take proper care of your baby, you can get rid of prickly heat within three days. But this applies to its mild form.
A more advanced form of the disease - red, white and yellow - is treated within 1-2 weeks.

When to contact a pediatric doctor.

The presence of the following symptoms clearly indicates the need to urgently contact a qualified medical professional:

1. In addition to skin rashes and redness, swelling and swelling began to appear;

1. Despite all the measures taken, the rash lasts for 3 or more days, there is no positive dynamics;

1. The liquid in the bubbles changed color and an unpleasant odor appeared;

1. The baby is constantly bothered by itching and pain;

The baby's temperature has risen;

All of these signs indicate a high probability of developing an infectious disease, but in order to confirm this, it is necessary to undergo certain tests that only a pediatrician can prescribe.

Is heat rash dangerous for newborns?

Miliaria itself is not a dangerous disease. Lack of treatment, failure to comply with hygiene rules and a temperature that is comfortable for the baby can lead to a serious infectious infection, which can only be cured with the use of antibiotics.

Treatment with such strong drugs can also cause harm to a fragile body, in particular, affect the development of a healthy immune system.