5 ways to easily treat prickly heat in children

There are several skin problems that are common in children, one of which is prickly heat. Prickly heat or miliaria is a reddish rash that appears on the skin, feels prominent, itchy and often causes a burning sensation. Although not a serious skin disease, moms should not ignore this condition yes. How to overcome prickly heat in children can be done easily.

What is prickly heat?

Prickly heat is also known as buntet sweat in the community. Usually prickly heat appears due to humid or hot weather until when your little one is experiencing fever and sweating a lot. Prickly heat causes blockages in the sweat ducts and makes sweat unable to escape properly.

Prickly heat is more susceptible to children than adults. This is because children's skin pores are smaller and their sweat glands are not yet able to work optimally. Areas of the skin that are prone to prickly heat are the neck, cheeks, chest, back and folds such as the groin, armpits, knees and elbows.

This itching and stinging sensation will disturb the comfort of your little moms. So, children will easily fuss and cry. For that, it is important to know how to overcome prickly heat so that the complaints felt by your little one quickly disappear.

Causes of prickly heat in children

In addition to some of the things mentioned above, there are several other causes that can trigger the appearance of prickly heat in children. here are the causes of prickly heat in children that you should avoid:

1.  The use of ointments or creams that can clog sweat glands.
2.  Using thick clothing or materials that do not absorb sweat during hot weather.
3.  Infection with epidermal staphylococcus bacteria that secrete sticky substances.
4. Overweight or obesity in children that causes folds in the skin.
5. Poor air circulation in the house or room.

Symptoms of prickly heat in children

Prickly heat that is not treated immediately can worsen and trigger certain symptoms. Moms must recognize how the symptoms of prickly heat appear in children so that it is not too late to deal with it. The signs and symptoms of prickly heat in children are as follows:

• Small reddish spots appear on the skin.
• The child feels itchy and sore in the area.
• Reddish rashes that become inflamed and fester.

5 ways to treat prickly heat in children

Generally, prickly heat gets better on its own within a few days, unless the condition is infected. Here are some easy ways to treat prickly heat in children:

1. Fulfill Fluid Needs

Children, especially babies, are more prone to dehydration during hot weather or when they sweat a lot. Make sure your child gets enough fluid intake, either through breast milk, formula, or water (for older children). Adequate fluids will help keep your child's body temperature stable and prevent their skin from becoming too dry or irritated due to excessive sweating.

2. Wear Clothes that Absorb Sweat

Choose children's clothes made from lightweight, loose-fitting and sweat-wicking materials such as cotton. Avoid clothes made from synthetic materials such as nylon or polyester, as these materials tend to retain heat and sweat in the skin, which can aggravate prickly heat. In addition, loose-fitting clothing will help air circulate around the child's skin, keeping it cool and dry.

3. Maintain Room Temperature

Prickly heat usually appears when the temperature is too hot and the child sweats too much. Make sure the room temperature stays cool and comfortable, especially during the day when the air tends to be hotter. You can use a fan, air conditioner, or open a window to maintain good air circulation in the house. If your child is outside, make sure they are in a shady place and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

4. Apply Lotions or Creams if Required

To relieve itching or irritation on the skin affected by prickly heat, moms can apply lotion or cream that is safe for babies. Choose products that contain natural ingredients and are free of fragrances or alcohol, as these ingredients can cause further irritation. You can also use zinc oxide or calamine-based creams that can help soothe the skin and speed up the healing of prickly heat.

5. Make sure the baby's skin stays dry

Excessive sweating can trigger prickly heat, so make sure your child's skin stays dry, especially in vulnerable areas such as the neck, back, and skin folds. After your child sweats, wipe them off immediately with a soft towel and change their clothes if they are wet. Bathing in warm water that is not too hot can also help wash away sweat and prevent skin irritation.

Avoid these things when your child has prickly heat

Here are some things to avoid when your child has prickly heat:

1. Avoid hot or humid air that can aggravate prickly heat, as high temperatures cause children to sweat more.
2. Avoid using talcum powder. The fine particles of powder can clog the skin pores and make it harder for sweat to evaporate.
3. Do not often hold the baby when he/she is experiencing prickly heat because skin contact between the baby and the carrier can increase the baby's body temperature and cause more sweating.
4. Leaving your child's nails long can be a problem when they have prickly heat. The itchiness can make children scratch their skin, and long, sharp nails can cause blisters or cuts on already irritated skin.

That's how to overcome prickly heat in children that is easy for moms to do at home. In addition to clothing, make sure your little one uses comfortable diapers that are not easy to clot. Anti clump diapers from MAKUKU can help you keep your little one's skin moist. Because the new SAP thin core technology in MAKUKU diapers can lock liquid well so that the surface of the diaper is drier. (Aq/MKK)