Answered by Anthony J. Mancini MD
"Every day offers a new surprise, and my job is never dull or boring," says pediatric dermatologist Anthony Mancini. "How could it be with all those kids?"
Anthony J. Mancini, MD, is Assistant Professor of Pediatrics andDermatology at Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, Illinois, and an attending physician at the city's Children's Memorial Hospital. In addition to his active clinical practice, Dr Mancini continues to be involved in clinical research and has written for a number of prestigious medical journals and textbooks. Dr. Mancini has special interests in the treatment of skin disorders in infants and children, fetal skin development and skin problems of premature babies, and infectious skin diseases in children.
Dr Mancini trained in pediatrics, pediatric dermatology, and dermatology at Stanford University Medical Center in Palo Alto, California, where he was the chief resident in dermatology. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Dermatology, and an active member of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology and the Chicago Dermatological Society.
Dr Mancini and his wife, a neonatal intensive care nurse, have two children.
Question
How do you know when a rash is a heat rash? What do you do to treat the rash? My 14-month-old baby's rash is around her neck and consists of little red bumps.
Answer
Heat rashes are one of the most common rashes in infants and toddlers. They start when something obstructs the openings of sweat glands on the skin, perhaps excessive clothing or because the baby has been lying in one position for a prolonged period. Heat rash is common during the summer months because of overheating, but also appears during the cooler autumn or winter months, usually because of overdressing. The rash shows up as tiny little red spots and bumps, and is most common on the chest, abdomen, back, neck and upper arms. Heat rash usually disappears on its own in a day or two. Cool baths may be helpful, and avoidance strategies are important: avoid "over-swaddling" (dressing your baby in too many layers of clothing) and keep the ambient temperature at a comfortable level. Rashes that look similar to heat rash include viral or fungal skin infections and drug reaction rashes. Your baby's doctor can help to distinguish between these if there is any question.
