Prickly heat, or miliaria rubra, more commonly known as bungang araw, is a skin condition that results from obstruction of the sweat ducts. It is characterized by small, raised red bumps that can be extremely itchy.
We usually see prickly heat rash during the summer season, when the Philippines is at its hottest and most humid. While bungang araw can affect people of all ages, it is most common in babies and young children.
The good news is that bungang araw is both easily preventable and treatable. Keep reading our blog to first understand what causes prickly heat rash and then to see the different remedies for treating bungang araw in babies, infants, and kids in the Philippines.
The Causes of Prickly Heat in Babies, Infants, and Kids
Prickly heat manifests itself as a skin rash caused by sweat trapped under the skin. The rash appears as small, red bumps that can be itchy and uncomfortable. It is most seen in babies, infants, and children in hot, humid climates like the Philippines.
Prickly heat is caused by sweating, which happens when the body tries to cool itself down by releasing heat through the skin. So, when the sweat ducts become blocked, the sweat can’t escape, and becomes a rash. This can happen if you wear tight clothing that doesn’t allow your skin to breathe, or if you are in a hot, humid environment.
Prickly heat is a mild condition that usually goes away on its own, but in some cases, it can lead to secondary infections or dehydration. That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention if you or your child develop any sign of prickly heat.
In the meantime, there are some things you can do to soothe your baby’s skin rashes and help relieve the itchiness. Below is a rundown of the treatment for prickly heat in babies, infants, and kids in the Philippines.
Bungang Araw Remedies for Babies
Sore and itchy bungang araw is incredibly uncomfortable, but even more so for babies with sensitive skin. Here are bungang araw remedies for your babies:
Avoid Sweat
First, it’s important to keep your baby’s skin cool and dry.
Dress them in loose-fitting, breathable clothing. These types of clothes help minimize sweating. Plus, they help make sure that sweat doesn’t get trapped under the skin, which leads to bungang araw.
If possible, turn on a fan to keep the air circulating or the air conditioning system to maintain a cool temperature.
Keep the Affected Area Cool
If the bungang araw is irritated and extremely itchy, you can relieve the itch by dabbing a cool cloth (or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth) onto the affected area. This will help cool down the skin’s temperature and, in doing so, alleviate the itching.
Avoid using lotions or creams, even cooling ones, that could further irritate their skin. Remember that babies have more sensitive skin, so even lotions that work for adults could further complicate their skin issues.
Instead of Scratching, Tap Mildly
Your child’s first instinct when dealing with bungang araw is probably to scratch the irritated area. However, that can only lead to further swelling and irritation.
Direct your child to mildly tap the itchy area instead of scratching it. Doing so can help alleviate the itch without damaging the skin.
Bathe Them with Cold Water
Another great way to keep your baby cool during the summer is by giving them a bath. Use cool water (take care not to make it too cold) to help your baby feel fresh for the day.
The cool water can also relieve the itchiness of bungang araw.
Additionally, avoid using harsh soaps. You can try giving them a soothing oatmeal bath with ½ cup of colloidal oatmeal for 10 to 15 minutes. If that’s not available, we suggest using a mild soap like Moringa Soap.
Apply Medicated Creams
If your baby’s rash is particularly bad, you may consider applying a hydrocortisone cream (1%) to the affected area. Hydrocortisone is a type of steroid that’s commonly used for treating different skin conditions in adults and kids.
However, given the sensitive skin of babies, be sure to talk to your pediatrician first to make sure that it’s safe for your baby. The pediatrician will also give directions as to how often and how long to use hydrocortisone since it should only be used for short periods.
Another option is calamine lotion, which can help relieve the itchiness associated with prickly heat. Just keep in mind that calamine lotion may cause temporary staining of clothes or bedding.
Treat Irritation with Herbal Therapy Oil
As a gentler alternative remedy for your baby’s bungang araw, an herbal therapy oil can also bring relief to irritation and itchiness.
Herbal therapy oil contains soothing and moisturizing ingredients that can help reduce redness and irritation from bungang araw. It can also serve as a layer of protection and prevent rashes caused or aggravated by friction (either from skin-to-skin contact, diapers, etc.).
Get Your Pedia Involved
Finally, if your baby seems uncomfortable or has a fever due to the prickly heat rash, give them acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed by your pediatrician. Feel free to read this article by Saint Luke’s on treating your child’s heat rash.
If you have any questions or concerns about prickly heat, be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Why Use an Herbal Therapy Oil to Treat Bungang Araw?
Summertime is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and the warm weather. However, it’s also the time when prickly heat rashes become a problem for many people, especially babies, infants, and kids.
While there are many products on the market that claim to provide relief from prickly heat rashes, not all of them are effective. There’s also the concern about your baby’s sensitive skin. That being said, it might be worth your while to try using an herbal therapy oil as an alternative.
The Moringa-O2 Herbal Therapy Oil is a natural and effective way to address prickly heat rashes in babies, infants, and kids in the Philippines. The oil is formulated with moringa, omega from sunflower, and olive oil, which work together to soothe and protect the skin.
As a bungang araw remedy, malunggay also has benefits for babies. Moringa oil is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which help to nourish and protect the skin. Sunflower oil is a source of linoleic acid, which helps to hydrate and soften the skin. And olive oil contains oleic acid, which helps to lock in moisture.
The herbal therapy oil is free of synthetic fragrances, phthalates, sulfates, and other harsh chemicals. It is also hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. The oil can be used on its own or diluted with water for hypersensitive skin.
To use, simply apply a small amount of the oil to the affected area and massage gently into the skin. For best results, use twice to thrice daily.
This combination of oils is known for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. This is why they’re gentle enough for use on sensitive skin. When used as directed, our herbal therapy oil can provide relief from prickly heat rashes within minutes. It’s also affordable and easy to find in most pharmacies in the Philippines.
If symptoms persist, please consult your doctor.
Fight Bungang Araw with Moringa-O2
Don’t let your precious baby suffer from bungang araw for too long. There are many ways to prevent and remedy bungang araw that is gentle on a baby’s skin.
Moringa-O2’s range of natural skincare products can help you soothe prickly heat rash without irritating your baby’s delicate skin.
Learn more about hair and skincare for babies.
