What should I do if a baby gets prickly heat?

Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
Updated on January 24, 2025
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If babies develop prickly heat, it should be considered that their sweat glands are underdeveloped, making them susceptible to changes in temperature which can lead to increased sweating. Their sweat can block the sweat glands and increase the occurrence of prickly heat. In terms of treatment, first of all, it's important to pay attention to the temperature of the baby's living environment, ensuring a certain level of humidity and temperature to reduce the stimulus of sweating. Additionally, care should be taken that the clothing is not too tightly wrapped; preferably choose cotton and loose clothing to keep the skin breathable. Furthermore, if prickly heat occurs, you can apply baby-specific prickly heat powder for topical application. Also, pay attention to any symptoms of skin infection, and if present, timely medication should be administered to avoid exacerbation of symptoms leading to infection.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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How to eliminate prickly heat?

To eliminate prickly heat, it is necessary to pay attention to the following points: First, it is recommended to use air conditioning to cool down during summer, maintain indoor ventilation, and ensure smooth airflow. Second, it is advisable to add some medicinal ointments or solutions that help treat prickly heat to the bath water. Third, you can apply prickly heat powder or talcum powder on the affected areas to help keep the skin dry and clean. Of course, you can also apply a mild astringent ointment to the affected areas to achieve a therapeutic effect.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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Is prickly heat powder effective for children's prickly heat?

When children develop heat rash, using prickly heat powder is useful. Heat rash in children is caused by the blockage of sweat ducts in the skin, leading to a type of skin disease. Conditions such as poor development of sweat ducts in newborns, overly hot external environments, and prolonged bed rest can make children more prone to heat rash. Once a child develops heat rash, measures to cool and dry the skin are usually effective in improving the condition. Topical medications can also be applied locally, including ingredients like calamine, prickly heat powder, etc. The principles of using topical medications are cooling, itching relief, and astringency. The components of prickly heat powder include talcum, borneol, zinc oxide, and menthol, which can help remove dampness, disperse wind, cool the skin, and relieve itching. Therefore, using prickly heat powder is useful when children develop heat rash. (The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a physician)

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Can prickly heat heal by itself?

Prickly heat, the disease, can heal on its own since it primarily results from excessive heat or blocked sweat, leading to the condition. Therefore, prickly heat can gradually heal itself if the temperature decreases, cooler weather prevails, or if one sweats less commonly. However, it is crucial to prevent infection, as if infection occurs, it is necessary to use some topical anti-inflammatory medications. Thus, prickly heat can heal on its own, but it is essential to prevent infection during this time.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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How to deal with heat rash in adults?

Adults may develop heat rash, usually due to excessively hot weather or high temperatures, which causes excessive sweating and the inability to expel this sweat effectively. Recommendations for this condition are: first, ensure good ventilation to cool down; second, bathe frequently to reduce skin temperature; third, use medications for treating heat rash or apply everyday items like honeysuckle water; fourth, maintain dryness and wear breathable, cool clothing.

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Written by Liu Li
Pediatrics
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What should I do if the baby sweats and gets prickly heat?

If a baby sweats a lot, they are likely to develop prickly heat rash. If the condition is not severe, simply clean the baby's skin with water and then apply prickly heat powder or prickly heat solution. If the condition is severe, it is necessary to take the baby to the hospital and follow the guidance and treatment of a professional doctor. Additionally, it’s crucial to maintain good ventilation in the room, ensure a healthy living environment, and adjust the baby's clothing timely according to weather changes. Avoid over-wrapping the baby. Bathe and wash the baby’s hair frequently to keep their skin clean. Regularly change the baby’s clothes, as well as the bed sheets and quilt covers, and expose them to sunlight often, as sunlight helps to disinfect.