Prickly heat in babies is characterized by red spots on the skin. Babies also usually look fussy because of the itching they experience. Although common, prickly heat in babies can be a sign of a serious condition that requires medical attention.
Prickly heat or miliaria occurs because of a blockage in the skin pores, so sweat cannot come out. In infants, prickly heat is caused by small pores in the skin and underdeveloped sweat glands.
Prickly heat can cause a red rash that is usually seen in skin folds or areas covered by clothing, such as the neck, stomach, chest, or buttocks. A rash can also appear on the head, especially if the baby often wears a hat.
Prickly heat in babies can be dangerous
Prickly heat in babies is generally not a serious condition. This condition may even subside within a few days. However, one of the causes of prickly heat to watch out for is overheating. Overheating has the potential to cause serious conditions in the baby, such as sudden infant death due to overheating during sleep.
In some cases, overheating can be dangerous when the body is no longer able to control and lower its own temperature, resulting in heat stroke or heat stroke heat stroke.
Handling Step Prickly Heat in Babies
Prickly heat generally occurs when the air feels hot and humid. In order not to get worse, immediately take the following steps Your little one shows signs of overheating or prickly heat appears on his skin:
- The first step to dealing with prickly heat in babies is to place your little one in a cool room. If you are outdoors, find a shady place that is not exposed to the hot sun.
- Place the baby in a room with an open window. You can also place it in a room with a fan or air conditioner.
- Remove or loosen the clothes. If the clothes are completely removed, place the baby on a towel that can absorb sweat, then dry the body with a washcloth or a cool damp cotton cloth.
- When you're done, you don't have to dry your little one with a towel. Let the ambient air dry naturally.
- Apply calamine lotion to the skin and avoid getting it in the eyes.
So that his skin does not hurt every time he scratches the part of his body that is affected by prickly heat, you can put your little one with gloves or cut his nails regularly.
Prevention of prickly heat in babies
Prickly heat in infants is generally preventable. Well, there are several ways that you can do, namely:
- Wear loose-fitting clothes that are soft on the baby, such as cotton that absorbs sweat. Avoid using diapers with plastic edges.
- Make sure the baby continues to receive breast milk or formula. Also give enough water if he is 6 months and over.
- Use baby soap that does not contain fragrance and does not dry out the skin.
- Avoid using talcum powder on babies, because it can harm breathing.
- Make sure the baby is not hot.
If your baby's prickly heat doesn't go away in 3-4 days, the rash gets worse, or is accompanied by fever and pus coming out of red spots, immediately take your little one to the doctor for an examination and get treatment.