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