Advertisement
PregnancyNewbornInfantToddlerPreschoolerSchool AgeHealth & Medical
November 08, 2009 SEARCH drSpock 
Ask Our ExpertsMessage BoardsToolsConsumer AlertsTelevisionBooksA-Z Topics
DrSpock.com

HOT TOPICS
*Pregnancy Symptoms
*Read with Your Kids -- It's Fun!
*Take Our Quizzes
*Play with Your Baby
TOPICS
health-
Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
Birth Defects
Breathing and Respiratory
Colds and Flu
Colic
Constipation
Crying
Dental Care
Diapering Baby
Diphtheria
Ear Infections
Ear Problems: Miscellaneous
Eyes
Fever: Overview
Fever: Treatment
Fifth Disease and Parvovirus B19
GI Problems: Miscellaneous
Genital Issues
Getting Good Care
Health Promotion
Immunization Myths
Immunizations: General
Immunizations: The Shot Visit
Infections of Childhood
Insects: Bites and Stings
Medicines
Menstruation
Mononucleosis
Mouth and Throat Problems
Newborn Care
Newborns: Problems
Nose and Sinus Problems
Pneumonia
Rashes and Skin Care
Safety
Seizures
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sickle Cell Disease
Strep Infections
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Urinary Tract Problems
Vomiting and Spitting Up
-----------
feeding+
-----------
behavior+
-----------
families+
-----------


Parents are talking about their children.
Join the discussion.



Heat Rash (Prickly Heat) And Babies

by Dr. Benjamin Spock
reviewed and revised by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.
Heat rash, often referred to as prickly heat, is very common in the shoulder and neck region of babies when the weather gets hot. It is made up of clusters of very small pink bumps surrounded by blotches of pink skin. Tiny blisters can sometimes form on some of the bumps. When these blisters dry up they can give the rash a slightly tan look.

Prickly heat usually starts around the neck. If it is bad, it can spread down onto the chest and back and up around the ears and face, but it seldom bothers a baby.

Most forms of prickly heat do not need any treatment. The rash goes away eventually. It is more important to try to keep the baby cool. Don't be afraid to take off the baby's clothes in hot weather. After all, there's no evidence that early experiences with nakedness lead to children growing up to be nudists.

If you choose to do something about the rash, simply try wiping off the skin with water and patting it dry. You can also pat the rash several times a day with a bicarbonate of soda solution (1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda to 1 cup water) on absorbent cotton. Another treatment is dusting with cornstarch powder.

The use of talcum powder is no longer recommended because it is very irritating to the lungs if accidentally inhaled.


 RELATED INFORMATION
*  Symptoms & Conditions
*  Newborns: Problems
*  Rashes and Skin Care


Adapted from Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care
Reviewed and revised June 26, 2000
OUR ADVERTISERS



OUR ADVERTISERS

About Us | Contact Us | Our Partners
Privacy Policy | Ethics | Advertising Policy | Terms of Service

© Copyright 2004 The Dr. Spock Company. All Rights Reserved.

THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information drSpock.com provides is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have a specific health concern. Mention or advertisement of any product, service, or brand does not constitute endorsement, guarantee, or recommendation by The Dr. Spock Company. Please read our full Terms of Service.