Heat rash in babies

As soon as the hot weather arrives, many parents notice heat rash appearing on their baby's beautiful skin. And, beyond feeling helpless in the face of this phenomenon, the question is why your little one gets so many whilst your four-year-old doesn't. Rest assured, all of this is related to your child's development. Or at least it's a matter of immaturity in certain functions of their body. Let us explain.

Heat rash in babies: a perfectly normal phenomenon

From the very first seconds of life, a baby puts their body through its paces. It starts with learning to breathe using their lungs. But also learning to regulate their body temperature. And, as you've quickly gathered, every mechanism needs more or less time to get up and running.

This is particularly the case with the intestines, which will need a few weeks to function properly. But what does that have to do with these little heat spots? Well, they are caused by the immaturity of the sweating system. That might sound like a theoretical medical lecture, but it's actually very straightforward to understand.

When baby is hot, they sweat, and this helps them, incidentally, to regulate their temperature. The slight problem is that the channels through which sweat flows are not yet fully open. As a result, it builds up and creates small lesions.

As they grow, everything falls into place. That is why this condition disappears around the age of 2.

A closer look at heat rash in babies

Depending on skin type, age and temperature, they can vary. They particularly favour the chest, neck and shoulder areas. But they sometimes venture into the skin folds as well. You'll find translucent ones containing fluid. These can sometimes resemble small blisters that will burst easily.

Then there are the more common red ones. They itch and sting a great deal. And, unlike the first type, they are anchored much more deeply in the epidermis. It can also happen that a secondary infection develops. In that case, the lesions will be accompanied by pus. Needless to say, you absolutely must see a doctor for appropriate treatment.

Can this phenomenon be prevented?

The best way to protect your child is to put in place every measure to keep them as cool as possible. In summer, don't hesitate to let them run around with no top on. And if they are wearing a top, opt for white cotton. This colour absorbs less heat. What's more, when you're out and about, avoid carrying them against you and opt for the pram or pushchair instead. Settled in their little vehicle, they'll make the most of any breeze or at least some fresh air.

At home, if they're sitting up, let them play in the water under your supervision. And when they're very small, give them several baths. But if their skin is very dry, opt for a misting spray.