Unless the rash becomes infectious, heat rashes disappear on their own in a few days. However, some infections may thrive under the monsoon’s hot and humid circumstances. Baby skin rashes are, therefore, fairly prevalent in this climate. Rashes frequently develop on the folds of the skin and in areas such as the forehead, cheeks, neck, upper chest, crotch, etc.
Babies are young, and their skin is delicate. Due to that, they require additional care and attention. Keep your infants in a cool, comfortable, and sweat-free place, in order to protect them throughout this weather. However, if your child has started to develop skin rashes, here’s how to cope with them
Health Shots spoke to Dr Jagdish Kathwate, Consultant Neonatologist, and Paediatrician, Motherhood Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, to know about the causes of skin rashes in babies and ways to deal with it.
Here are 3 causes of skin rashes in babies, especially during the monsoon
1. Heat rash
Heat rash is seen in babies when the pores of the sweat glands get blocked. This happens mostly during the hot or humid weather in the monsoon. Thus, small, pink bumps are visible on the neck, chest, and upper back.
2. Nappy rash
If you fail to change the baby’s diaper and he/she remains wet for too long, the baby will get a nappy rash. It happens when the skin on the baby’s bottom is irritated.
3. Pus boils
Pus boils are seen due to the infection of a hair follicle by staph bacteria. When the bacteria infects the skin, the body responds by sending white blood cells to fight it. The dead bacteria, skin, and white blood cells build up and pus is formed. A pus boil looks like a small, swollen, red bump and is painful.
How to deal with skin rashes in babies?
1. Maintain a cool temperature
Although the monsoon brings down the temperature, the high humidity levels can cause your baby to sweat. Keep the infant in a room that is cool. Also, try to make sure that your baby is well-hydrated.
2. Do not use hot water to bathe the baby
Avoid bathing your baby in hot water because doing so can cause the skin to become dry. Instead, use lukewarm water to bath your baby. Choose a mild baby soap that has been enhanced with olive oil or almond oil for the bath. It will moisturise baby’s skin and prevent dryness. Remember that taking a bath every day during the monsoon is not necessary; instead, two or three times a week is ideal.
3. Avoid synthetic fabrics
Babies are more prone to rashes during the monsoon season; if the rashes extend to other parts of the body, including face, stay away from polyester and nylon, which trap heat and irritate the skin. Cotton clothing can be an excellent choice because it’s gentle on the skin. Make sure the child’s clothing is both thoroughly dry and clean.
4. Be gentle
Stay away from picking and rubbing the skin. Also, avoid soaps and gently wash your baby’s face once every day with lukewarm water. A cool compress could ease some of your baby’s discomfort if the rashes cause swelling and irritation.
5. . Use cotton clothes to clean them
The baby’s skin is very sensitive during the monsoon and it needs a little more care. Apart from dressing them in cotton clothes, use cotton clothes to clean their face and body. Try to give him/her as much nappy-free time as you can.
6. Use moisturiser
Skin tends to become dry and flaky under extreme heat and humidity. To avoid that, use a moisturiser. “After the bath, pat them dry using a soft towel. Use baby wash, oil, cream, lotion, and moisturizer recommended by the expert only,” suggests Dr Kathwate. It will keep the baby’s skin nourished and moisturized.
7. Follow a healthy diet
Maintaining a balanced diet for your kids throughout the monsoon season is crucial. Include fresh fruits and veggies in your children’s daily diets to help them stay healthy and energised. A healthy diet also supports healthy skin!
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