During growth, children are highly active and often sweat a lot. When children engage in vigorous activities, combined with hot and humid weather, they become more prone to sweating excessively. This can lead to the appearance of red spots on the skin, commonly known as heat rash. While heat rash may be a common issue among children, it can be prevented. Let’s explore the causes and ways to prevent heat rash.
What Is Heat Rash?
Heat rash, or miliaria, is a common skin problem that occurs in children and adults living in tropical climates. Heat rash occurs due to blockage of sweat glands in the skin. Heat rash typically appears in the neck and skin folds. It is characterized by the presence of red rashes that feel itchy and prickly when touched. If not properly addressed, heat rash can spread to larger areas of the skin.
Heat rash is divided into three types based on the skin layers affected by blocked sweat glands: Miliaria crystallina, Miliaria rubra, and Miliaria profunda.
Miliaria crystallina is heat rash that occurs in the upper layers of the skin. Symptoms include tiny, watery blisters that appear shiny, giving the skin a bubbly appearance. Miliaria rubra occurs in the middle layers of the skin. Symptoms include reddened skin, itching, prickling, and blistering. Miliaria profunda, which occurs in deeper layers of the skin, has symptoms similar to Miliaria rubra, with the skin surface showing red bumps.
Causes of Heat Rash
Heat rash can occur anytime and anywhere, and here are some factors that can cause it:
- Hot and humid tropical climates can be a major cause of heat rash, as the body sweats more easily in hot weather.
- Physical activity or certain sports that cause excessive sweating can also trigger heat rash.
- Obesity can also contribute to heat rash, as sweat glands in skin folds, especially in the neck, abdomen, and groin, can become trapped.
- Underdeveloped sweat glands in babies can also cause heat rash, which is why babies are more prone to it than adults.
- Uncomfortable clothing can also trigger heat rash. Thick clothing with low sweat absorption can be a trigger for heat rash.
- Poor hygiene can also be a factor in heat rash.
How to Preventing Heat Rash
Preventing heat rash can be done by avoiding activities or factors that may cause it, such as:
- Keeping the skin cool and avoiding excessive heat exposure, for example, by wearing a hat or using an umbrella when outdoors.
- Avoid letting sweat dry on its own; try to wipe away sweat when sweating.
- Dry off sweat before entering air-conditioned rooms.
- Taking a cold shower can reduce the risk of heat rash, as cold water helps maintain a cool body temperature and opens up blocked pores.
- Avoid tight or dark-colored clothing, as they can absorb more heat and restrict skin breathing, making it easier to sweat.
- Use soft, highly absorbent clothing to prevent heat rash.
Clothing selection is very important to avoid heat rash. Choosing clothing made of thin, soft, and sweat-absorbent materials is crucial because the clothes worn will support daily activities and even sleep. During sleep, children often sweat, so appropriate clothing is needed to avoid heat rash. Therefore, pajamas often become the right choice as sleepwear and for activities at home. Kikuko Pyjamas Long is the perfect solution for Mommy’s choice in selecting sleepwear and home activities for the little one.
Kikuko Pyjamas Long features incredibly soft and cool materials, as well as antibacterial and anti-odor properties because it inhibits the growth of bacteria/fungi on clothing. Kikuko Pyjamas Long also has moisture absorption levels that are 50% better than cotton, ensuring that the child’s skin remains dry and does not easily feel sticky when sweating. It is certified to the OEKO-TEX standard, where this certificate proves that textile production facilities are environmentally friendly and socially responsible.
Wah hoosing the right clothing is essential to prevent heat rash. Even in hot weather, heat rash can still be avoided by selecting appropriate clothing. We hope the above tips are helpful moms!