The arrival of a baby brings in a lot of joy to the new parents. Along with the newborn arrive many challenges. New parents must be prepared to learn many things right from holding a baby to feeding them, diapering them and making them sleep. Babies also can pose a few challenges to parents in terms of health issues. Skin problems in babies are one of the most common issues that parents see.
Most of these skin problems in babies are common and can solve on their own as the baby grows. In some cases, a pediatrician’s consultation may be needed. Read to know about some of the common skin problems in babies, their causes and how to treat them.
In This Article
- Skin Problems in Babies
- Top 8 Common Skin Problems in Babies
- Looking After Your Baby’s Skin
- Common Tips to Avoid Skin Problems in Babies
- When Should You Consider Seeing A Doctor?
- FAQ’s
Skin Problems in Babies
A baby’s skin is so sensitive and delicate. Bacteria, heat, drool, and other things can affect babies’ skin. Usually, babies encounter rashes and bumps on their face, back, and hip region. The majority of skin problems are harmless, but some skin problems cause discomfort to the baby.
These minor skin problems are a cause of concern for mothers. So, if you observe any skin problems, such as rashes, on your baby, do not panic and check out some common skin problems in babies and how to get rid of them.
Top 8 Common Skin Problems in Babies
Here are some of the most common skin problems that babies can expect in their babies
1. Baby Eczema
It’s a dry, red rash and scaly skin condition. Eczema usually occurs on babies’ faces, arms, elbows, and chests. Skin allergy is usually triggered due to harmful chemical-based lotions, soaps, and detergents used for washing baby clothes. The skin-related problem can last longer and usually clear up as babies grow.
Causes of Baby Eczema in Babies
The exact reason for the baby’s Eczema is unknown. However, common causes that trigger the allergic response are house dust mites, temperature, viral infection, soaps, and detergents.
Treatment of Baby Eczema in Babies
Eczema in babies can last longer. However, it can be cured with the right treatment. But it is crucial to moisturize your toddler’s skin to prevent scale formation and flare-ups. In addition, always use skin emollients multiple times a day on your babies to prevent skin from drying. It also helps to prevent itchiness.
[Read : Newborn Eczema]
2. Diaper Rash
Diaper rashes are very common and usually happen to babies wearing diapers for a long time. The rashes are harmless but can cause skin irritation and discomfort to your little one. Moreover, the skin becomes sore and red.
Causes of Diaper Rash in Babies
Rashes occur to babies when they wear diapers continuously. In addition, diaper rashes can happen if you don’t change the baby’s diaper after wetting.
Treatment of Diaper Rash in Babies
The best way to cure your baby of this problem is to leave the little one diaper-free for some time and let the skin breathe. Then, apply coconut oil and rashes cream before putting on a diaper or after removing it to protect the skin from irritation. Also, ensure that the diaper doesn’t fit too tightly on the skin. It can increase skin irritation.
3. Baby Acne
Tiny red bumps on the skin of babies are known as acne. It’s a common condition that usually resolves on its own after a certain period and treatment is usually not necessary.
Causes of Baby Acne in Babies
There are no specific reasons for acne in the baby. But it usually happens due to excessive heat, temperature, and skin infection due to bacteria.
Treatment of Baby Acne in Babies
It can be cured on its own after some time. But try to avoid applying anything, especially chemical-based solutions, to acne. Keep your little one’s nails trimmed, as they may scratch the pimples. Try to avoid squeezing and pinching acne because it can worsen the condition.
[Read : Baby Acne]
4. Birthmarks
Birthmarks are common, and some babies are born with these birthmarks. It may appear after a few months of delivery. It’s not a skin problem and cause of concern.
Causes of Birthmarks in Babies
There is no specific reason known so far for the birthmarks on babies.
Treatment of Birthmarks in Babies
There is nothing to worry about, anything about birthmarks. They generally last for a few months and fade away. However, some birthmarks remain forever. They are harmless, so there is no requirement for any specific treatment.
5. Prickly Heat Rash
The pink-reddish bumps on the skin are known as prickly heat rashes. You don’t need to panic about the prickly heat rashes as it happens due to elevated temperatures and sweating. It can happen near the neckline, face, upper chest, armpits, and diaper areas.
Causes of Prickly Heat Rash in Babies
The prickly heat rashes usually happen due to sweating, excessive heat, and high temperature. In addition, skin irritation and tight-fitting clothes can also cause prickly heat rashes.
Treatment of Prickly Heat Rash in Babies
Don’t panic about prickly heat rashes, as they can be cured after some time. However, if it causes skin irritation, try to keep your baby cool, dress them in cotton clothes, and ensure that the clothes are not tight. Also, keep your babies cool, and do not apply powder on your babies. Instead, use calamine lotion on the affected areas.
6. Yeast Infections
Babies can easily catch the fungal infection if they notice white color patches on the tongue and the mouth, indicating yeast infection. Also, the diaper rash that appears tomato red and the small red bumps show that your baby has a yeast infection.
Causes of Yeast Infections in Babies
The most common fungus, yeast, is babies’ prime cause of infection.
Treatment of Yeast Infection in Babies
When you see such a condition in your babies, you should visit an experienced doctor to get the right treatment. The doctor will look after the severity level and provide medicine to deal with the infection.
7. Perioral Dermatitis
Perioral dermatitis is a form of allergic reaction in which small pinkish bumps are raised on the face. It usually happens around the mouth, eyes, and nose. The rashes can be itchy and may cause pain.
Causes of Perioral Dermatitis in Babies
The exact reason for Perioral dermatitis is not known so far. Usually, it happens due to a high level of steroids. In addition, some fluorinated skin and dental care products that contain paraffin and isopropyl can trigger perioral dermatitis.
Treatment of Perioral Dermatitis in Babies
If you observe such rashes on your baby’s face, do consult with an experienced doctor. They will diagnose in a better way and provide proper treatment.
8. Erythema Toxicum
This is a common problem of rashes usually seen in newborn babies. It generally happens in the first week and fades away within a few weeks. The rashes may occur on the face, arms, chest, elbows, and neck region.
Causes of Erythema Toxicum in Babies
Erythema toxicum causative reason is still unknown. There are multiple theories on this, but the most popular is Neonates have excessive follicles compared to adults. The inflammatory cells aggregate on the hair follicles. The bacteria have been found in the inflammatory cells, which can cause this erythema toxicum.
Treatment of Erythema Toxicum in Babies
There is no need for treatment because the rashes will disappear within a few weeks. However, you need to take care of your newborn and make sure to give a sponge bath and wash their clothes properly.
[Read : Erythema Toxicum Neonatorum in Newborns]
Looking After Your Baby’s Skin
Your baby’s skin is extremely tender and sensitive and taking good care of it is vital. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Moisturize your baby’s skin after a bath and use gel or cream-based moisturizer.
- Always use baby soap with neutral pH.
- Avoid the use of chemical-based skin care products on your baby’s skin.
- Avoid sitting your babies in a bathtub and having soap for longer. It can make their skin dry and cause skin irritation.
- Pat dry your baby after the bath and avoid rubbing the towel on the skin. It can cause skin irritation and may cause the severe problem of scratches.
Common Tips to Avoid Skin Problems in Babies
A Baby’s skin is extremely delicate; it catches infection easily, which causes skin issues like rashes. So, here are some of the common tips to look after your baby’s skin.
- Use only medicated soap on your baby’s skin.
- Use mild detergent to wash the baby’s clothes. Also, ensure that babies’ blankets, pillow covers, and bed sheets are washed with mild detergent separately. You can use anti-bacterial solutions with detergents.
- Always use skin care products free from dyes, fragrances, parabens, and phthalates, as they can cause skin-related problems such as irritations and rashes.
- Use Lukewarm water at bath time and apply a mild baby lotion afterward.
- Change diapers multiple times during day time. It helps to prevent rashes on the skin. It would be great to change diapers twice at night during nighttime.
- Massage the entire body with baby oil. It helps to keep skin soft and moisturized. Moreover, it improves sleep.
When Should You Consider Seeing A Doctor?
If the skin rashes become red or swollen and don’t cure after the following treatment, consult with the doctor. The pediatrician will diagnose the skin to know the real reason for the skin problem. Then, based on the diagnosis report, they will offer the right treatment to your babies.
These are some of the easiest solutions to deal with the skin problems of your babies. However, remember that skin rash and other problems take time to cure. So, you’ve to be calm while providing treatment for skin issues. But if you do not see any skin changes even after taking the treatment mentioned above, consult with the pediatrician to provide the right medical care.
FAQ’s
1. How do I Know if My Baby’s Rash is Serious?
If the rashes cause itchiness and get swollen with time, this may be a serious cause of concern. You should consult with doctors.
2. How to Deal With Rashes at Home?
Babies have delicate skin, which is why a mild change in temperature or infection can cause rashes. So, you have to make sure to avoid using chemical-based skin care products. Instead, apply moisturizer to avoid skin dryness, and apply coconut oil after removing the nappy. Use calamine lotion and go for a doctor’s recommendation if the condition doesn’t improve.
3. Are Pink Rashes Common in Babies?
Rashes are common in babies and can happen due to prolonged wearing of diapers and bacterial infection. Most of the rashes are cured on their own. However, if it lasts longer, you must consult with doctors.
Read Also: Top 10 Baby Skincare Tips
