Heat rash is common in children. Although it is usually not a serious condition, it can cause discomfort in toddlers. The following are some heat rash treatment tips to relieve a toddler’s itching and distress.

Stay In A Cool Place

Start by taking off your toddler’s clothing and moving him in a shady area or airy room and let the cool natural breeze dry the sweat. Stop your toddler from playing or racing around so he can cool down. Use a mini fan if you are out during a hot day. Run an air conditioner or electric fan in your toddler’s bedroom to circulate air to keep him cool and comfortable at night.

Keep Your Toddler’s Skin Cool

You can lay him on a cotton towel to absorb sweat from the skin. Cool the affected areas with a wet washcloth. Make sure to pat, not rub or scrub the affected areas. Rubbing his skin will only aggravate heat rash or cause an infection. Give your little one a quick lukewarm bath if he is okay with it. You may add baking soda or ground oatmeal powder (2 teaspoons per gallon) to bath water as these can help relieve irritation. Let him air dry.

Use Lotion or Ointment

If your toddler’s pediatrician approves, you may apply a small amount of calamine lotion or 1% hydrocortisone cream on the heat rash to cool it. Do this 3 times a day until the rashes fade away. But, make sure not to put some near the eyes. It can come into contact with the eyes and cause irritation once your toddler rubs his eyes. Be careful when choosing lotion or ointment. Avoid those that are heavily concentrated.

Apply Cornstarch

Another option is to apply a light dusting of cornstarch to help prevent heat rash in your toddler’s folds (neck, armpits, back of the ears, behind knees and elbow folds). Never use talcum powder since this can be hazardous for your toddler when inhaled.

Dress Your Toddler For The Heat

Dress your toddler in lightweight clothes. Opt for light-colored, loose-fitting clothes that are made of cotton to let the skin breathe and allow him to perspire more efficiently. Avoid clothes made of synthetic fabrics such as nylon and polyester since they trap heat.

Increase Fluid Intake

See to it your little one is getting enough fluids into his body. Encourage him to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day or give him ice chips or popsicles if he dislikes drinking water. Limit caffeinated and sugary beverages as these can cause dehydration.

Medications

If your toddler becomes very uncomfortable, you may give him oral anti-itch medicines such as Benadryl and Claritin to relieve itching. If your toddler has a fever, giving a correct dose of acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) may be necessary to lower his temperature. Never give aspirin to a young child as this can cause Reye’s syndrome – a fatal disease.

Most heat rash will clear up within a few days. But, if rashes seem to be getting worse or your toddler’s temperature is 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, visit your doctor immediately.