Miliaria In Babies, What Can You Do About It?
Babies are very vulnerable creatures that need their parents to always protect and care for them. When something goes wrong in their body, it is important for parents to know what to do or when to take the baby to the doctor to treat their ailments as soon as possible. In this article we will talk about miliaria in babies.
Miliaria, also known as sweat rash, is more common than you might think. It is a rash in babies that occurs because of their delicate skin. The rash causes an obstruction of the sweat glands and this in turn causes the baby to be unable to sweat.
When sweat doesn’t come out, it stays in the skin and can cause small red bumps or even blisters. These bumps can be uncomfortable for a baby; they can itch or even sting in the case of blisters.
Miliaria in Babies
These bumps can come in different sizes and appearances; they can even be more or less concentrated on different parts of the body. It all depends on the severity of the miliaria from which the little one suffers. There are mild cases where there are only small scabs and some skin irritation.
In more severe cases, there is a lot of itching and stabbing pain. Miliaria usually lasts a few days, but if parents don’t apply proper skin care or if the child lives in a hot and humid environment, it can come back with different intensities.
There is no specific area on the body where this condition occurs, but it is more common around the face, arms, armpits, groin area, thighs, and chest. The irritation can be like a lump on one part of the body, but it can also spread and be present in many different places. The symptoms can vary from baby to baby.
Preventing Miliaria
Because miliaria is common in babies, the best thing a parent can do is follow a set of guidelines to try and avoid and prevent it. If you notice that your child is showing a lot of irritation or itching, you should consult your pediatrician to assess the seriousness of the matter. Your pediatrician will also give you the treatment he thinks is best.
You can also use the following tips:
- When it’s hot or humid, you need to keep your baby cool and dry. Dress them in light clothes, your best option is cotton. Make sure it’s not too tight.
- Keep your home at a comfortable temperature, prevent too much heat by using fans or air conditioning.
- Prevent diaper rash by changing diapers often.
- Prevent skin irritation by wearing comfortable clothing that is not too tight. Tight clothing can cause unnecessary friction.
- Only use shower gel that is specially made for a baby’s sensitive skin.
- Avoid too much sun exposure and always protect their skin with baby sunscreen and appropriate clothing.
When Miliaria has already appeared
If your child already has miliaria, you should consult your pediatrician to determine the best treatment. It is also important that you follow the tips above to prevent the condition from getting worse. Your pediatrician may recommend a special cream for baby’s sensitive skin.
If your baby is experiencing intense itching, your pediatrician may recommend a cream containing cortisone. Cortisone creams reduce itching and inflammation. Regardless of the severity of your child’s miliaria, it’s important to see your doctor to get a professional judgment.