Self-Care Guidelines
Prevention and treatment of heat rash consist of controlling heat and humidity. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help to reduce fever. Remove any occlusive clothing, limit activity, and seek air conditioning or any cooler environment. Cool compresses can also help with the discomfort of heat rash. Make sure your child is drinking lots of fluids.
When to Seek Medical Care
The most common complications of heat rash include secondary infection from scratching and heat exhaustion.
Call your child's doctor if he/she is scratching significantly. There are medications that can help with the itching and, thus, help prevent infection. Infected areas may need antibiotics. Call your child's doctor if the area develops pus, redness, crusting, swelling, or tenderness.
In cases of heat exhaustion, the skin will appear hot and flushed without any sweat. Your child may complain of dizziness, nausea, weakness, headache, confusion, or difficulty breathing. This can progress to heat stroke, so medical care should be obtained right away. Symptoms of heat stroke include a very high temperature of 105°F or greater, decreased or loss of consciousness, or seizure.
While awaiting medical care, get your child indoors or under shade, undress the child, and apply cool compresses to the body or douse with cool water. Do
not give fluids.
Signs and Symptoms
