As temperatures rise during the summer months, babies are more susceptible to skin irritations caused by heat. One common concern for parents is heat rash, a mild skin condition that occurs when sweat glands become blocked. While it may look concerning, heat rash is typically harmless and can be managed effectively at home.
If you’ve noticed small red bumps or patches on your baby’s neck, back, or thighs after exposure to warm conditions, these may be signs of heat rash, medically called miliaria. Understanding how to identify and care for this condition can help keep your baby cool, comfortable, and healthy.
What Is Heat Rash in Babies?
Heat rash happens when sweat cannot escape through blocked sweat glands, causing irritation and bumps on the skin. Babies are especially prone due to their immature sweat glands, which makes regulating body temperature more challenging.
Heat rash commonly appears in areas where sweat collects, such as the neck, chest, back, skin folds, and diaper area. The rash can take several forms depending on how deep the blockage is in the sweat ducts.
Types of Heat Rash
- Miliaria Crystallina: Small, clear blisters that are usually painless and appear on the upper body.
- Miliaria Rubra: The most frequent type in infants, characterized by red bumps and itching.
- Miliaria Profunda: Less common in babies; firm, flesh-colored bumps from deeper sweat gland blockage.
- Miliaria Pustulosa: A more severe form with pus-filled lesions that may require medical attention.
Causes of Heat Rash in Infants
Heat rash can develop due to several factors, including:
