Heat rash in a 1-month-old: what parents should know

Miliaria, also called heat rash, may appear as fine red or skin-coloured bumps in the neck folds, chest, back, diaper area or where clothing holds warmth. Babies may seem prickly or unsettled. Similar-looking skin bumps can come from irritation, eczema, infection or an allergic reaction, so colour alone cannot confirm the cause. [Heat Rash](/conditions/heat-rash/) provides general background.

Note the distribution, whether the skin is broken, and whether the baby is feeding and behaving normally. A clear photograph can help a clinician compare changes.

Move the baby to a comfortably cool room, remove an extra layer and use loose, breathable clothing. Keep folds clean and dry with gentle water-based cleansing; pat rather than rub. Avoid talc, oils, fragranced products and thick occlusive ointments unless a clinician recommends them. Do not use adult acne products or steroid creams without advice. An emollient or topical corticosteroid may be appropriate for another diagnosis, but treatment should be chosen by the baby’s clinician. Explore [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) only as a discussion topic.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly for any fever in a baby this young, poor feeding, unusual sleepiness, fewer wet nappies, breathing difficulty, persistent crying, rapidly spreading redness, blisters, pus, skin peeling or a baby who feels unusually hot or cold. Seek emergency help if the baby is difficult to wake, struggling to breathe or looks seriously unwell. Do not rely on cooling measures when general symptoms are present.

Ask whether the rash is heat rash or another condition, how to clean and dry the affected folds, which products to avoid, and what temperature or behaviour change should prompt urgent review. Mention recent clothing, bathing products and room warmth.