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Heat Rash in Babies- Causes, Treatment and Home Remedies
Heat rashes are common in babies in hot and humid countries. Though heat rashes can be bothersome, they are treatable and you can easily get rid of them. Learn to detect heat rashes in babies and discover the causes, symptoms and treatment.
Video: Heat Rash in Babies
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What is Heat Rash?
Heat rash is also called Miliaria Rubra, Miliaria Crystallina, summer rash or prickly heat. As the name suggests, heat rashes are little, red bumps that show up on your baby’s skin as a result of excessive body heat.
Some of the places where heat rashes appear are the stomach, chest, neck, buttocks, and around the crotch. If you make your baby wear a hat, heat rashes can appear on the forehead and the scalp as well. Baby rash on the neck is also common. If you see a heat rash in your baby, it is important first relieve the itchiness associated with it.
What Do Heat Rashes Look Like?
Heat rashes are tiny bumps that are red in colour. They usually appear in clusters on different parts of the body.
Causes of Heat Rash?
Heat rashes will appear if your baby sweats a lot. Due to excessive sweating, the pores of his skin get clogged, and sweat cannot come out. Children and babies are more prone to heat rashes, as their pores are smaller, as compared to adults.
If you live in hot and humid weather conditions, your baby is likely to get heat rashes. Heat rashes can appear during winter, too, if your baby has a fever or if you make him wear too many layers of clothing.
Is Heat Rash Painful for Babies?
Heat rashes are generally not painful for the baby. They usually cause only mild discomfort. However, this depends on the severity of the heat rash. If the rash is deep, then it could end up being painful if the child constantly keeps scratching it.
It is important to understand that babies will not be able to communicate in any way other than crying. This is why you will need to constantly pay attention to the baby’s skin and look for signs to ensure that he is not in any discomfort. An extreme heat rash that is a consequence of overheating could even lead to a stroke.
Symptoms of Miliaria in Babies
Heat rashes or miliaria look like tiny red pimples on your baby’s skin. Other symptoms include itchiness, crankiness and crying. Heat rashes get irritated by scratching or clothes. A secondary infection might also appear, though this is rare.
How to Diagnose Heat Rash in a Child?
Miliaria can easily be identified and usually does not need medical care. However, if the rashes do not go away in three to four days or your baby develops fever, make sure you call the doctor.
If your baby has rashes, be careful about these signs:
Increased redness, pain, swelling, or warmth around the rashes
Pus formation
Fever
Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, arm or groin
Appearance of red streaks on the affected area
Risk Factors for Heat Rash in Babies
There are certain factors that put babies at risk for developing a heat rash.
1. Living in a Hot Climate
Hot and humid weather leads to overheating of the body, causing a heat rash. Moreover, humidity causes the baby to sweat and develop a heat rash. If you live in a hot climate, make sure to take adequate precautions to ensure your baby does not develop a heat rash.
2. Restrictive Clothing
Dressing your baby up in thick clothing or fabrics that trap heat can lead to a heat rash. Dress your baby according to the weather and avoid fabric such as nylon or rayon. Instead, opt for cotton, which is soft and breathable.
3. Swaddling
Swaddling in the hot weather can trap heat and lead to a heat rash. Avoid swaddling your child for long periods of time.
4. Nearby Heat Sources
Keeping a heat source such as a lamp or heater near the baby also causes a heat rash. Keep the baby in cool environment and choose cool lights around the house.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for heat rashes. However, you can do the following to give your baby relief from the symptoms associated with red rash on baby:
1. Reduce the Heat
Remove your baby’s clothing or loosen it. Bathe the baby in cool water to get rid of the sweat and clear the pores. You can also wipe the body with clean and wet washcloths. This will bring down the temperature of the skin as well.
2. Keep the Skin Dry
Do not use a towel to dry your baby’s skin. Let it dry naturally and take the help of a fan to cool the baby down. Do not use ointments or cream for heat rash, unless the paediatrician has asked you to do so.
3. Allow the Skin to Breathe
This is an important aspect of baby care that many parents neglect. You need to ensure that your baby’s skin is exposed to natural air as much as possible. Keep him naked or make him wear something soft and loose.
Home Remedies for Prickly Heat
You can also use the following home remedies to treat skin rashes in babies:
1. Ice Cubes
Rubbing ice cubes on the rashes can do wonders. Wrap some ice cubes in cloth and gently press on the rashes. Do not keep it pressed for a long time.
2. Baking Soda
Make a solution of baking soda and water. Dip a washcloth in the solution and use the cloth to wipe the affected area. This will ease the symptoms considerably. You can also bathe your baby with a bucket of water containing 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
3. Oatmeal
Add one cup of oatmeal (powdered) in a bathtub of water and bathe your baby with this. The water will turn milky once you add the oatmeal to it. Make sure to use organic oatmeal and not the ones that come with preservatives. Bathe your baby for 15-20 mins and pat him dry.
4. Sandalwood Powder
A sweet smelling option that you have is sandalwood powder. It helps in cooling down your baby’s skin and reducing itchiness. Make a paste with equal parts of rose water and sandalwood powder. Apply this over the rashes to reduce the symptoms. Another remedy involves mixing two tablespoons of coriander powder, two tablespoons of sandalwood paste, and a little rose water.
5. Fuller’s Earth
Fuller’s earth or multani mitti is another excellent home remedy that you can make use of. All you need to do is make a thick paste with fuller’s earth and rose water. Then apply the paste on the rashes to see your baby get instant relief from the itching.
6. Neem
Make a smooth paste by grinding neem leaves and apply that paste on the affected area. Let the paste dry and rinse with cold water.
7. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is also known to offer relief from heat rashes. If you have an Aloe Vera plant at home, you can scoop out the gel from the leaves yourself. If you are buying it off the shelf, make sure to use organic aloe vera gel without any preservatives or chemicals. You can safely apply this gel to soothe baby heat rash on the face as well as other body parts
8. Cucumber
Cut one cucumber into numerous slices and put the slices on your baby’s skin. You can also grind the cucumber and apply the paste on the rashes for immediate cooling.
How to Prevent Heat Rash?
Here are some ways by which you can prevent common heat rash among babies:
Keep your baby away from the scorching rays of the sun. Keep him indoors in air-conditioned rooms especially during peak heat times. When you take him out, ensure that he is in a shaded area. Also, ensure that your baby is well-hydrated
Always dress him in comfortable and loose-fitting clothes, especially during the summer. Cotton is the way to go. Avoid using plastic diaper covers completely.
Areas like the neck, armpits, and crotch tend to get sweaty. Wash these areas with cool water and ensure that they are dry
Check if your baby is overheating at regular intervals. If his skin feels damp and warm, it is time to give him a shower or cool the skin down with a washcloth
Make the baby sleep in an air-conditioned room or have a fan installed in the room. The fan or the air conditioner should not be directed to your baby. Just make sure that a gentle breeze reaches him while he sleeps.
Living in tropical, humid regions always increases the chances of heat rash. As babies are too young to communicate, they may not be able to express their discomfort during the onset of the heat rash. It is up to the parents to scan the entire body of the baby and remain vigilant. In case your baby comes down with a heat rash, the tips shared above will help you take corrective action.
Also Read: Diaper Rash in Babies Read more
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Hives (Urticaria) during Pregnancy
You may undergo several physical changes during pregnancy. These changes may sometimes include skin changes too, and hives or urticaria may be one of them. If you are concerned about hives during pregnancy and want to know its causes, symptoms, treatment and more, then you should read the following article.
What are Pregnancy Hives?
Hives are very common in pregnancy and may occur at any stage of pregnancy. Even if you have never had this skin condition in your life, you may have it in your pregnancy, just like pregnancy acne. These pale red, raised bumps of the skin may be one of the side-effects of pregnancy and nothing but pregnancy hormones or chemical changes happening inside your body are to be blamed for the same.
Are Hives Dangerous In Pregnancy?
Luckily, not all cases of hives cause a serious threat to the would-be-mother or her unborn baby, though hives is generally a very uncomfortable state for the mother. As soon as you notice any symptoms related to hives, you should get yourself checked by your doctor to rule out any complications that it may cause. However, if you develop a rash around your genitals, then you should seek immediate medical help. In some cases, hives can lead to serious complications, when it is not a pregnancy-related side-effect but an allergic reaction. You may go into anaphylactic shock. Other symptoms may include:
Throat tightness and difficulty in swallowing.
Wheezing and extreme shortness of breath.
Feeling of fainting.
Swollen tongue or face.
Causes of Hives During Pregnancy
Some of the reasons of hives are difficult to establish, whereas the other common reasons that may cause hives during pregnancy are as follows:
Insect bites may cause hives.
Consumption of certain food items may lead to hives.
Insect and animal dander can be the cause of hives during pregnancy.
Pollens are exposure to certain chemical may cause hives.
Taking some medication in pregnancy may cause hives too.
Pregnancy leads to weight gain, and when you gain weight, your skin stretches and loses its moisture. The lost moisture from the skin causes severe dryness that may cause itching and in some cases hives also.
The changing pregnancy hormones can be the culprit for hives. Your body releases various hormones during pregnancy, and sometimes your body reacts vigorously to the changing hormones and releases antibodies to fight them. When your body releases antibodies, it may cause hives.
In some cases, anxiety and stress may also cause hives in pregnancy.
The lower immunity during pregnancy makes you more prone to allergies and infections.
Symptoms of pregnancy hives
How will you establish that you have hives during pregnancy? Here, we have some common signs and symptoms of hives that will help you know about your condition:
You will notice raised welts on different parts of your body. These welts can be extremely uncomfortable and painful.
You may experience itching on the breasts, thighs, buttocks and tummy. These are the areas where pregnancy weight accumulates, thus stretching the skin and causing hives.
You may experience extreme skin dryness around your tummy, buttocks and thighs.
You can notice welts in small groups or all around your body. These welts may keep changing places too. However, in most cases, these welts are observed around your legs, arms and back.
Treatment for Urticaria During Pregnancy
There are many over-the-counter medications available for the treatment of hives. However, it is recommended to abstain from self-medication during pregnancy. You may use various home remedial measures to cure hives too. Whatever the case may be, you should seek your doctor’s consent for the same. Here are some treatment options for urticaria or hives during pregnancy:
The sure-shot remedy to treat hives is to moisturize your skin. You can use good moisturising lotion to provide nourishment to the dry and itchy skin.
Any drying agent, such as harsh soaps may aggravate the symptoms of hives; therefore refrain from using any harsh chemical based soap. You may use mild moisturizing bars that will help to keep your skin soft and moist.
You can use oatmeal and baking soda to provide relief against itching and dryness.
Your doctor may prescribe ointments and oral medicines to help relieve the symptoms of hives.
If you are wondering how you can get rid of your pregnancy hives, you can effectively follow any of the above-mentioned treatment options for the treatment of pregnancy hives.
How to Prevent Hives?
There is no need to be scared of this skin condition as proper care, and preventive methods may help you keep hives at bay.
Refrain from wearing tight fitted clothes during pregnancy. Tight-fitted clothes may cause skin irritation. You should wear loose cotton clothes that feel soft against your skin and prevent hives in early pregnancy
Refrain from using harsh chemical-based products that may cause harm to your skin and may cause hives.
Do not take hot baths or showers during pregnancy. These can not only deprive your skin of its moisture, but it is also not safe for your baby. Take warm water baths and moisturise your skin well after the bath.
In case you feel the urge to itch, refrain from doing so because scratching may further aggravate the itching.
Adopt various relaxation techniques to soothe your mind and heart because hives are sometimes caused due to anxiety and stress. Find out ways to relax. Prenatal meditation and yoga is a good option to help relax.
These are some of the preventive techniques that you may effectively adopt to reduce the symptoms of hives. Although you cannot eliminate all your chances of getting hives during pregnancy, but proper care and precaution may surely help you deal with it.
Also Read: Skin Changes during Pregnancy Read more
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Screening and Diagnostic Tests during Pregnancy for Birth Defects
After getting pregnant, a lot of questions may be there in your head. Is the baby going to be okay? If there is a history of chromosomal abnormalities in the family or if you are older than thirty-five, you may be more concerned. This leads to the obvious question: How to detect birth defects during pregnancy?
The good news is that this is possible with the help of a two-pronged approach: the screening and the diagnostic tests.
Why Is Prenatal Screening for Birth Defects Done?
Prenatal screening is done to check if the foetus is at risk of developing some genetic abnormality. These tests are non-invasive and do not take much time in getting done. The diagnostic tests, on the other hand, carry some risks and are invasive which make screening the first route for investigation. If the results are positive, then the diagnostic test can be considered which can confirm the birth defect.
Prenatal Screening Tests
The screening tests must take place during the first and second semester.
In First Trimester
The test during the first trimester can be done between the ninth and thirteenth week. Some of the tests include:
1. Blood Test
You will need to undergo a simple blood test that will analyse components in your blood such as free B-HCG and PAPP-A (plasma Protein A). These are both biochemical markers that help screen out a foetus that is at risk of Down syndrome, Patau syndrome and Edward Syndrome.
2. Nuchal Transparency
In this test, an ultrasound is used to observe the collection of fluid at the back of the neck of the foetus. An increased thickness means that the foetus is at risk of trisomy 21 and other genetic abnormalities. Studies have shown that this method of screening has an eighty per cent detection rate with a five per cent chance of a false positive. This increases to ninety per cent if the above-mentioned blood test is carried out as well.
The above-mentioned tests are not only useful in the detection of genetic abnormalities but foreseeing other pregnancy-related complications as well. For example, low PAAP-A in the mother is associated with pre-eclampsia, infant death and intrauterine growth restrictions.
In Second Trimester
A combination of tests are taken during the second trimester and is collectively known as the Quad marker test. It measures the levels of four biomarkers that help reveal the risk of the foetus for having chromosomal abnormalities. The test during the second trimester can be done between 14th and 18th week. However, an extension up to the 22nd week is also acceptable.
1. Alpha-Fetoprotein
This analyses the presence of plasma protein that is produced in the liver of the foetus known as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Women with high levels of the protein have babies that have an increased chance of neural defects like spina bifida and anencephaly. Those with low levels of AFP, on the other hand, have a higher risk of carrying babies with Down syndrome. However, this test should be carried out with other tests and independently may not paint an accurate picture.
2. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
This is produced in the placenta. Those who have elevated levels of the same are likely to have a baby with Down syndrome.
3. Estriol
This is the type of oestrogen that is produced by both, the foetus as well as the placenta. Abnormal levels of the same found in the test can mean that the foetus has an increased risk of having Down syndrome, Edward syndrome or some other genetic abnormality.
4. Inhibin-A
This is a hormone that is found in the placenta. Studies have shown that the detection rate of Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities have improved dramatically by measuring this hormone. You can also opt to take the first and second-trimester tests together which is known as the integrated screening test.
Prenatal Diagnostic Tests
Diagnosing birth defects is done through a process of elimination. Though the screening process is over, there is always the chance of a false positive. In addition, the diagnostic tests are generally invasive and also be risky in certain cases. This is why diagnostic tests are only done if the screening tests indicate a moderate to high risk.
In First Trimester
How early can birth defects be detected? That is a good question. The below test is conducted between the 10th and 13th week of pregnancy and is the earliest time where you can detect a birth defect with certainty.
1. Chorionic Villus Sampling
For this test, a sample of the Chorionic Villus is taken which can be found in the placenta. They are projections in the placenta and are unique as they contain similar genes to that of the foetus. It is used to detect chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome or even cystic fibrosis. It, however, cannot help in detecting neural tube defects. Some of the risks that are accentuated because of this diagnostic test include miscarriage, infection or defects in the toes and fingers of the baby. This test is accurate but sometimes shows a false-positive. In addition, the results are sometimes unclear, and amniocentesis is needed for further clarification. The results time is variable and can take a few days or even a couple of weeks.
In Second Trimester
While chorionic villus sampling maybe one way to go about it, it cannot detect all birth defects. In addition, if your uterus is tilted backwards and the placenta is also located at the back of the uterus, a Chorionic test is discouraged. Finally, if your screening has returned positive after 13 weeks, you can try the below tests. While Amniocentesis is done during the 15th and 18th week, the ultrasound can be done between the 18th and 20th week.
1. Amniocentesis
The amniotic fluid contains a substance called alpha-fetoprotein or AFP. A needle is introduced into the uterus via the abdomen. Now, less than thirty millilitres of amniotic fluid which surrounds the foetus is removed and analysed. This test is useful in detecting Down syndrome, Muscular dystrophy, spina bifida and sickle cell disease. It has an accuracy rate of 99.4 per cent, and there is a risk of 1 out of 200 women having a miscarriage after the test. You will receive the results within three weeks.
2. Level 2 Ultrasound
This form of ultrasound is similar to a regular ultrasound, but the results are more targeted. The focus will be on specific areas such as the brain, heart and other organs. This is used to detect Down syndrome and is non-invasive unlike Amniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sampling. The results will be received once the ultrasound is completed.
Amniocentesis and Chorionic villus sampling are both invasive, and you are not allowed to perform any strenuous exercise after the test, at least for a few days.
It is your choice to take any of the tests. However, most obstetricians say that it is better to take the test so that the fear and anxiety about birth defects is out f your mind.
Also Read:
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing
Contraction Stress Test in Pregnancy
Non-Stress Test while Pregnant Read more
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Sharing My Experiences as a New Mother!
With every child who steps into the world for the first time, a new mother is born. Some mothers might be naturally maternal and some might take time to get into the role of a mother. But a mother will be a mother no matter what. The first time I saw my little one coming out of me, it was a sight to behold! The minute the doctor said, "I can see her hair, she has lots of hair!", I felt exhilarated (although, it turned out that she had a lot of hair on the back and in the front, she had scant little hair :p)! There have been a lot of new experiences from then on. What with all the "she looks like you" and "she looks like her father" and suggestions for her hair to grow more, to increase her complexion, mother expressing her disappointment that she was not a boy (my husband and I were pretty excited to raise a girl, though) and of course, queries about whether I was feeding properly and whether my breast milk is sufficient for the baby! The doctors were suggesting one thing and the elders, the EXACT opposite. How then do you deal with all the exhaustion and the confusion?
It all vanishes when your little one recognises you and your voice, and smiles, laughs and coos at you for the first time. And stay right there; it goes to downright terrifying when the doctor says that your child has some issue or the other. It might be something as simple as the common cold to incessant crying because of gas forming in her stomach, and there start the suggestions and the reprimands for unhealthy eating (I only eat home cooked meals though - even then!). Phew!
I laughed at my boss who said, "Sleep all you want now, for you will not get to sleep for years on end till your baby finds a suitable pattern." I heartily laughed at her and thought to myself, "How hard could it be?" Trust me, it can be! But all your sleeplessness is worth your little one's smile. The way she is awake till 4 'o' clock in the morning, either happily cooing at you while you pray that she sleeps or crying hard into the night, can have you feeling worried because you don't know what is wrong with her or you. No matter how mentally prepared you are, doubt still creeps into your mind. You'll find yourself asking the same question, "Am I not a good mother?"
Trust me, mommies, you are!
Just keep learning together with your baby. Take lots of help from others, mainly your husband. Don't hesitate to ask for help when you are tired or frustrated or just feel the need to get away for an hour and do what you like. I simply go for a walk in the evening when she is asleep. But I'm also always ready for a phone call from home saying that she is awake and crying. So all the first time mommies out there, give lots of love to your little one and stay positive. And to all the other mommies out there, kudos to you all. Keep doing what you do!
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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15 hours ago
Q. i am 39 week of pregnant and having AFI level of 8 is this normal?and is delivery possible for me?
Dr Priyanka Kalra
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8 hours ago
A. yes. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the childdo ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Vandana Sharma has added a new answer
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Q. please tale me how much dengerous for may 7 days old baby and she was 2.9 kg.
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A. Hello mom the blood sugar level of baby is quite low , could say hypoglycemia as well .
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Dr Ghouse
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A. hospital bag mein baby ke essentials Deni hogi aap YouTube per dekh sakte hain. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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