Diaper Heat Rash: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Treat It

Noticing some redness around your baby’s diaper area and can’t quite pin down what’s causing it? We get it and understand that it’s not easy to watch your baby be uncomfortable.

You’re noticing irritation seems to linger and your baby is fussy and uncomfortable. Wondering if this is just another diaper rash – or something different, like diaper heat rash? Learn more about heat rash, the causes, and how to manage and prevent it.

What Causes Diaper Heat Rash?

Heat rash, also called sweat rash or prickly heat, can pop up in your little one’s diapered skin area. It happens when sweat in the pores or sweat glands are blocked, causing irritation, tiny red bumps, or tiny blisters. It’s especially common in those hot, sticky months or very warm environments. Here are some common causes:

How to Spot Heat Rash on Your Baby

Heat rash on babies can appear with these symptoms:

Watch for tiny bumps or tiny fluid filled blisters in areas with sweat buildup, like under the diaper:

Your baby may seem extra uncomfortable, especially during diaper changes.

The irritated spots might feel warm or tender to the touch.

Irritated spots might cause itchy sensation causing your baby to fuss.

Infant heat rash often shows up in areas where skin folds are common, such as the neck, armpits, and buttocks. These areas lack air circulation. But it can occur anywhere.

Unlike other rashes, heat rash usually doesn’t come with fever or other illness symptoms.

How to Treat Heat Rash on Babies

Treatment for heat rash on babies is all about providing comfort and giving their delicate skin a chance to heal. Here are some simple steps you can take:

A cool bath soothes your baby’s skin. Avoid hot water – it’ll only make the rash worse. Gently immerse your baby in a bath for a few minutes, allowing their skin to cool down.

After bathing, gently pat your baby’s skin with a soft towel. Be careful not to rub!

Use diapers that allow air circulation like Huggies® Skin Essentials™ diapers with a 100% breathable outer cover help air flow.

"Dress your baby in loose, lightweight cotton clothing. Cotton allows the skin to breathe and absorbs moisture without causing friction, which is key in reducing sweat build-up.

With these simple remedies for heat rash, you’ll be giving your baby’s skin the care they need to heal comfortably and promptly. "

How to Prevent Heat Rash

Keep your little one cool, dry, and clean to help prevent heat rash, especially in the heat. Try these simple tips to protect your baby’s skin:

Keep your baby in a cool environment to help prevent overheating. During the winter, you could go with good quality onesies and footie pajamas.

This keeps your baby’s skin free from moisture build-up. Swap their clothes regularly, too – especially if they get sweaty!

After diaper changes, gently clean and pat dry the diaper area – and don’t forget about those little skin folds where moisture likes to hide! This simple step helps keep irritation and heat rash away from these sensitive spots.

If you have any concerns about the rash, you should call your child’s medical provider.