Britain is experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures expected to rise further. The Met Office and UK Government have advised precautions, especially for young children and babies. Upper floors, where bedrooms are often located, can become uncomfortably hot, making it hard for parents to keep their children cool.
Symptoms of heat rash in babies
The NHS states heat rash is "usually harmless" and "usually gets better on its own after a few days." Symptoms are the same for adults, children, and babies and can appear anywhere on the body:
- Small, raised spots
- An itchy, burning or prickly feeling
- Mild swelling
What does heat rash look like?
Heat rash appears as a cluster of tiny bumps, similar to pimples, each about 1 to 3 mm wide. On lighter skin, they look red; on darker skin, they may appear grey or white. This common form is called miliaria rubra. The Cleveland Clinic notes heat rash "can also appear as tiny, clear bumps" like water droplets, known as miliaria crystalline, which mainly affects newborns and may not cause itching.
Where do heat rashes form?
In babies, heat rash is common in armpits, elbow creases, neck, groin (diaper area), upper chest, and back. In adults, it often forms on arms, back, chest (especially under breasts), and legs (inner thighs).
How to treat heat rash
The NHS advises that heat rash usually clears on its own within a few days. "The main thing to do is keep your skin cool so you do not sweat and irritate the rash." Steps include wearing loose cotton clothing, using lightweight bedding, and taking cooler baths. Applying a cool damp cloth or ice pack can soothe itching. A pharmacist may recommend lotion, antihistamine tablets, or hydrocortisone cream (rarely for younger children).
Other rashes in babies and children
Check if the rash could be another condition, such as slapped cheek syndrome, hand, foot and mouth disease, scarlet fever, measles, eczema, ringworm, chicken pox, or impetigo. Images are available on the NHS website.
When to call a doctor
Dial 999 or visit A&E immediately if your child has a rash and appears unwell with any of these symptoms: stiff neck, bothered by light, confusion, agitation, unusual lack of response, difficulty breathing, breathlessness, rapid breathing, pale/blue/grey/blotchy skin, lips, or tongue, sudden swelling of lips/mouth/throat/tongue, tight throat or trouble swallowing, or a rash that looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin and does not fade when pressed with a glass.
