Prickly heat in babies: see the causes, learn how to treat and prevent

Popularly known as prickly heat, miliaria is an inflammation of the skin that occurs due to the obstruction of the sweat glands, and prevents sweat from leaving the body. It is very common in small babies because their pores are smaller and their thermoregulation system is still immature.

Let’s see what causes, how to treat and also how to avoid prickly heat in babies, with the guidance of dermatologist Dr. Leticia Pargendler Peres.

According to the doctor, the fact that babies have an immature thermoregulatory system, in cold environments they get cold quickly and in warm environments they sweat a lot, which consequently makes them more prone to these skin inflammations.

Letícia mentions that in most cases, it is not necessary to use medication, as prickly heat disappears on its own when the heat and humidity of the environment decreases. The treatment is simple, here are some tips:

Staying in cool environments: on very hot days or stuffy places, using a fan and air conditioning to cool the environment can help a lot.

Avoid excess clothes: wearing fresh clothes, made of light fabrics is essential so as not to increase the baby’s body temperature. “Give preference to the use of clothes made of natural fibers, such as cotton”, says Letícia.

Thermal water: While not a direct form of treatment, thermal water can be quite helpful in keeping baby’s skin refreshed and helping to soothe irritations.

According to Letícia, the use of moisturizers, oils and ointments are not indicated for this treatment, as they can further clog the pores and worsen the condition.

Read Also: 20 oven-baked salmon recipes for more nutritious meals

In addition, she also does not recommend the use of conventional talc, as its very fine particles can be inhaled causing respiratory damage to babies. One option is to use talc cream, which can help with the treatment.

Home treatments for prickly heat in babies

In addition to avoiding heat and humidity, which is the most important thing, some home treatments can help reduce inflammation.

1. Oats or cornstarch in the bath

It is possible to put a spoon or two of oatmeal or cornstarch in the bath water, and leave the baby for about two minutes in this solution.

2. Water paste

It is an easy solution to find in pharmacies, it helps a lot in healing and reduces skin irritation. In some cases it can be useful.

3. Compresses with chamomile

An alternative to soothe the baby’s skin is to make compresses with chamomile tea. Due to its anti-inflammatory and calming properties, depending on the case it can help. Remember not to make hot compresses, as heat is the enemy of prickly heat.

Although there are many home treatments, it is important that each case is analyzed in particular. That is why it is essential to guide a professional so that the case does not get worse with an unindicated treatment.

How to prevent prickly heat in babies?

Do not overheat the baby with too many clothes.
Wear light clothing on hot days.
Breastfeed in ventilated places. Children who are breastfed tend to sweat more due to the effort of sucking.
Avoid hot and humid environments.
Take care of the bath temperature.
Always check the baby’s body temperature.

Read Also: 8 things about life that could be taught at school

Letícia still leaves some tips for parents: “To sling fans, don’t forget to leave babies with light clothes underneath. On very hot days, the baby can only be in a diaper, being covered by the fabric of the sling”.

The dermatologist also explains the best way to check the baby’s body temperature, “you should check the chest”, she says. According to the doctor, the feet and hands are not suitable places to check if the baby is warm or not.

risk alerts

Letícia explains that prickly heat lesions are characterized by small reddish balls or also small transparent bubbles. Until then, follow the recommended treatment as mentioned above.

If pus is observed, a bacterial infection is very likely. Therefore, an evaluation by a pediatrician or dermatologist is important, as the condition can worsen into a sweating abscess, or periporitis.

Other problems can also occur, such as anhidrosis or hyperhidrosis, that is, too little or too much sweat. In these cases, it is necessary to be aware of any behavior of the baby in relation to body temperature and sweat, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Although miliaria is very common in babies, the dermatologist warns that, if the inflammation occurs with a certain frequency and persistence, medical help is necessary for a specific treatment and to investigate other possible infections.