How to treat heat rash in babies?

Temperatures have started to soar all around us, summer is at its peak. Besides being overall exhausting, the scorching heat combined with excessive sweating is also an invitation for heat rash in babies. It can be a cause of major discomfort for your baby as well as you.
Heat rash Symptoms?
Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, summer rash, or miliaria rubra, usually shows up as red bumps on your skin. Your baby can show multiple symptoms of heat rash, and they can vary according to their skin type as well. Heat rash can cause your baby’s skin to be inflamed and irritated. Other symptoms include redness, itchiness, or a burning sensation. A heat rash can appear on any part of the body including the face. Mostly, however, the rash will appear where there is friction due to rubbing of body parts, or where tight clothes rub against the skin of your little one. Inner thighs, neck folds, armpits, and elbow or knee creases are babies' most commonly affected areas.
If you observe any other severe symptoms, like fever, sore throat, pus, or infected rash, or if the rash persists for a longer time, you should seek medical attention at the earliest.
Summer Skincare Tips for your babies
Why is heat rash caused in babies?
Heat rash is caused when sweat gets trapped under the skin. Typically, when sweat remains in contact with the skin for a long period of time on hot and humid days, the sweat ducts become clogged, resulting in a heat rash. This can happen if your baby is overdressed — the extra layers of clothing can make it difficult for sweat to escape. Non-breathable, synthetic fabrics and tight-fitting uncomfortable clothes can also lead to a similar situation.
How long can heat rash last?
Since a baby’s skin is not able to regulate temperatures as well as an adult’s, and because it has a higher base temperature, it is more prone to heat rash and other types of rashes. But a heat rash usually goes away on its own, in around 2 to 3 days. With proper treatment, you can make your baby’s heat rash clear up faster.
How do you get rid of heat rash?
There are certain home remedies as well as treatments that can help you get rid of the heat rash your little baby is suffering from.
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Move your baby to a cooler environment
The first step is to make your baby feel a little more comfortable by moving him/her to a cooler environment and allowing their overheated sweaty skin to air-dry. This could mean an air-conditioned space or a naturally well-ventilated space.
Dress your baby in lightweight breathable fabrics with a loose fit
Appropriate clothes can make your baby feel comfortable and cool. Remove extra layers of clothing.
Cool down the affected skin with a cold compress
If the affected area is small, dab a piece of cloth in cold water and gently apply it over the area to cool it down and relieve irritation. If the affected area is large, you can consider a quick cold bath without using any soap. You could use gentle cleansers with non-irritating ingredients, such as Baby Wash.
Dust the affected skin with Baby Powder containing Oatmeal
Oat Kernel Flour helps to soothe your baby’s inflamed skin and reduces itchiness. Dusting the heat rash-affected area with a baby powder that contains Oats and other naturally absorbent ingredients like Corn Starch can help to keep your baby’s skin dry and irritation-free. Talc Free Baby Powder is made with Corn Starch, Oat Kernel Flour, and Kaolin to absorb excess oil and moisture while also soothing your baby’s skin.
Use medicated creams to soothe the rash
Medicated creams containing Zinc Oxide can help to soothe your baby’s rash.
Do not use detergents and skincare products with harsh chemicals
Your baby’s skin is extra sensitive when affected by a heat rash. So you must be extra careful about any products you put on their skin. Avoid products containing harsh chemicals such as parabens, sulphates, silicones, mineral oils, allergens, and toxins. You could explore CITTA’s range of baby skincare products for gentle skincare that will not irritate your little one’s skin.
Heat rash can be painful and make your baby very uncomfortable. However, it usually clears up on its own in a few days. Home remedies and the right treatment can ensure a speedy recovery for your baby. Apart from that, you can keep your baby well-hydrated and in cool environments to prevent heat rash. Dressing them in breathable fabrics is also a helpful idea. With these tips, we hope you will be able to navigate through your baby’s heat rash episode.
Lexicon Lifestyle
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Is Sunscreen Really Good for Kids? What Every P...
Introduction Children's skin is delicate. Their skin is about 30% thinner than adult skin, which makes it more vulnerable to the sun in India. Yet, many parents think sunscreen for...
Read moreIs Sunscreen Really Good for Kids? What Every Parent Should Know
Introduction Children's skin is delicate. Their skin is about 30% thinner than adult skin, which makes it more vulnerable to the sun in India. Yet, many parents think sunscreen for kids is an extra burden instead of considering it a daily essential. Sun protection is absolutely necessary, yet it falls to the bottom of parenting priorities. Now, it is indeed important to explore the following questions: Is sunscreen really necessary and safe for our little ones? Why Kids Need Sunscreen More Than Adults Children’s skin needs extra protection than adults. Because their skin is much thinner, it absorbs UV radiation more readily, leading to immediate and long-term damage. Children often seem to spend their hours on playground breaks, school sports, or maybe a family outing, which all happen under significant sun exposure. According to research, during childhood years, substantial sun damage occurs. As per the Skin Cancer Foundation, before age 20, five severe sunburns increase melanoma risk by 80%. Therefore, early protection is about preventing temporary sunburns as well as safeguarding against future issues like premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and more serious conditions. What Makes a Sunscreen Kid-Friendly? All the sunscreens we see contain different components, particularly when it comes to children's sensitive skin. The best sunscreen for kids offers: These broad-spectrum covers come with both UVA and UVB protective factors. High SPF ratings, such as SPF 70 sunscreen, provide the best protection. Sunscreen, holding a PA++++ rating, provides intense protection in India's hot and humid conditions Formulations that have zero harmful chemicals like oxybenzone, parabens, and others. Unscented, gentle formulas that won’t irritate sensitive skin Try CITTA Protecting Sunscreen SPF 70 – specially formulated for baby-soft, sensitive skin. What to Look for in a Baby Sunscreen Lotion Things parents should prioritize while buying a baby sunscreen lotion Products that have gone through extensive dermatological testing Tear-free formulations that do not trouble the eyes Water-resistance properties are included, especially when kids are sweating or swimming The product is lightweight and has non-greasy textures that kids will not resist wearing All these features ensure your child will receive the best protection from the sun with no discomfort, which will eventually make the daily application much easier for everyone involved. When and How to Apply Sunscreen on Kids Timing and technique are both extremely important to know when it comes to effective sun protection. Apply sunscreen for kids 20 minutes prior to going out as it gives the product some time to form a protective barrier on the skin. While applying, we have to be really generous, as most parents use too little. Apply all the exposed areas, including often forgotten ones: ears, neck, and feet. Putting an alarm on in your phone for the reapplication of your preferred sunscreen every two hours is essential, especially after swimming or heavy perspiration. Do not forget to make sunscreen a year-round habit. It is just not for sunny days, but it is necessary to apply sunscreen on cloudy days too. Harmful UV rays penetrate cloud cover, reaching your child's skin. Common Myths About Sunscreen for Kids Let's go through some common misconceptions: ❌ "Children don't need sunscreen if they stay in the shade." Reality: Reflection of UV radiation from surfaces like sand, water, and concrete reaches the skin even in shaded areas. ❌ "Sunscreen is only necessary during summer or beach outings." Reality: UV radiation affects skin year-round, no matter what the temperature is. ❌ "Dark-skinned children have natural protection." Reality: It is true that melanin offers some protection, but it is essential to have dedicated sun protection for children. ✅ Truth: Every child benefits from daily sun protection irrespective of the nature of the weather, location, or skin tone. Also Read: Sunscreen for Kids: Debunking Myths and Determining the Right Age to Start The CITTA Advantage: Why Parents Trust Our SPF 70 Sunscreen When choosing the best sunscreen for kids, parents trust in CITTA's SPF 70 protection. Let’s take you through what sets it apart: Specifically formulated to protect children's delicate skin from the sun Doesn't leave a chalky white residue that kids will not like Contains no harsh chemicals that might cause sensitivity Works effectively and efficiently across all skin types and tones Pediatric skin specialists do recommend this to parents. As per parents’ honest reviews, children prefer CITTA Protecting Sunscreen SPF 70, its pleasant, non-sticky feel, which is less of a battle and has turned into a routine of protection for their children’s skin. Final Thoughts Sun protection isn't just about preventing today's sunburn, but it is also an investment towards your child's lifelong skin health. When applying baby sunscreen becomes a habit of daily skincare routine as brushing teeth, it establishes a discipline, a healthy habit that will benefit them for decades. With the right child-safe sunscreen in India, children get the freedom to enjoy outdoor activities while you are also ensuring that their precious skin is protected. Remember: healthy skin begins with early protection, and the responsibility of keeping the skin protected begins with you. Also Read: How to Choose the Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin FAQ Section: 1. Is sunscreen safe for babies and toddlers? Yes, for children over 6 months, it is absolutely okay to apply sunscreen, which is a mineral-based formula with zinc oxide for sensitive baby skin. For younger babies, rely on shade and be picky about clothing instead. 2. Can I use adult sunscreen on my child? It's better to use dedicated baby sunscreen products as children's skin is more sensitive. Therefore, kid-friendly formulas have fewer irritating ingredients. 3. How often should I reapply sunscreen on my child? Every 2 hours during sun exposure, and repeat the application more frequently (every 80 minutes). Do the same while swimming or sweating heavily. 4. Is SPF 70 sunscreen too much for kids? No, SPF 70 sunscreen provides appropriate protection for children and is perfect for dealing with India's climate. Most parents are not aware of the right quantity of the product to use, so higher SPF offers better safety. 5. Can sunscreen cause skin irritation in kids? Some children may be sensitive to certain ingredients. Before picking a sunscreen, perform a patch test first. Choose mineral sunscreens for sensitive skin and consult a doctor if irritation occurs. Also Read: The Best Sunscreen for Newborn: Protecting Your Baby’s Delicate Skin
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