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There is an old saying about skin irritations and rashes. "If it is dry, wet it. If it is wet, dry it. If it doesn't get better in a week, see the doctor." Heat rash is a common problem that isn't in the least serious. Infants and young children are most often affected, but adults can and do get heat rashes as well.

Heat rash is caused by the obstruction of sweat glands. Sweat glands can be obstructed simply by clothing that is too tight or does not let air circulate around the body. Heat rash is simple to prevent and simple to cure. When the skin is not properly ventilated, sweat that would normally come to the surface of the skin evaporates collects under the skin. A heat rash is the result.

To prevent heat rash, do not wear clothing that binds during hot weather, and don't put clothing that binds on small children. As often as possible and for as long as possible, allow infants to not wear diapers during very hot weather. It might be heresy, but old-fashioned cloth diapers are better for a baby during hot weather months. The disposable diapers are all contained in plastic shields that prevent the adult's clothing and the household furnishing from becoming stained and soiled, but do not allow air to circulate around delicate little bottoms at all.

There are hundreds (maybe thousands) of products on the market to treat heat rash. These products are available over the counter and without a doctor's prescription. There are products to heal heat rash made especially for infants and small children.

An inexpensive and effective product that you most likely have sitting on a kitchen shelf is baking soda. You can apply baking soda to a heat rash dry, or you can make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the rash. It will cool and dry the rash.