Many parents expect their newborn’s skin to be flawless. But most babies are born with bruises, and skin blemishes and imperfections are common.
Young infants often experience dry, peeling skin, particularly on the hands and feet, during the first few weeks. Blueing of the hands and feet is normal and may persist for a few weeks.
Skin rashes are also common, even in toddlers. Most rashes and skin conditions are easily treated or disappear on their own. Here are some common skin conditions in babies.
1- Baby acne (neonatal acne)
Baby acne is characterized by the appearance of pimples on the baby’s cheeks, nose and forehead within a month of birth.
About baby acne:
- pimples tend to get worse before disappearing completely after a few weeks or months
- washing your baby’s face with water and a mild moisturizing cream can improve the appearance of the skin
- avoid acne medications intended for older children and adults.
Pimples or blackheads that appear after the age of three months (infantile acne) tend to be more serious. They often require medical treatment.
2- Milia
Milia are small white bumps or pimples that appear on the nose, chin and cheeks. Although they appear raised, they are almost flat and smooth to the touch.
If your baby suffers from milia, you can wash his or her face once a day with lukewarm water and mild baby soap, but avoid using lotions, oils or other products. It’s also important to leave the skin alone – never rub or pinch the bumps. Milia disappear over time, often within a few weeks, and do not require treatment.
3- Cradle cap
Cradle caps are yellowish, oily, scaly patches that develop on a baby’s scalp.
About cradle caps :
- sometimes, in addition to the scalp, the face, ears and neck are also affected
- they’re not itchy and shouldn’t bother your baby – if your baby is itchy or upset, he or she may be suffering from eczema (see below)
- it’s a common condition that tends to develop within two or three months of birth
- it usually improves untreated within a few weeks or months.
Gently washing your baby’s hair and scalp with baby shampoo can help prevent the appearance of further patches.
4- Eczema
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is characterized by dry, scaly, itchy red patches often found around the elbows or knees of babies and young children. Sometimes the affected area is small and doesn’t bother the baby much, and treatment is not necessary. In many cases, baby eczema disappears.
In other cases, eczema may cover a large part of the skin, causing extreme itching and discomfort. In such cases, discuss with your child’s doctor whether treatment is necessary. You can also try the following methods to prevent eczema from recurring:
- Use fragrance-free baby soaps to wash your child, and laundry detergents that are fragrance-, dye- and deodorant-free. Even “mild” baby soaps may contain a small amount of fragrance that can irritate sensitive skin.
- Dress your child in soft cotton clothes, avoiding synthetic fabrics and wool.
- Bathe your baby every day with a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free bath oil. This oil can help moisturize your baby’s skin and prevent skin infections, which are more common in children with eczema.
- Use a fragrance-free moisturizing cream or ointment, just after patting baby dry after bathing. This helps lock the moisture from the bath into the child’s skin.
- Keep your child away from environmental factors that trigger eczema, such as heat and lack of humidity.
- Check your child’s sleeping conditions and make sure the area is free of dust and upholstery that can cause eczema.
5- Impetigo
Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection that mainly affects infants and children. It generally manifests itself as red sores on the face, particularly around the child’s nose and mouth.
The lesions may be covered by a yellow-brown crust, or develop into blisters and pimples, oozing pus.
Although impetigo usually occurs when bacteria enter the skin through cuts or insect bites, it can also develop on healthy skin. As impetigo can sometimes lead to complications, your child’s doctor may choose to treat it with antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics.
6- Hives
Urticaria is also known as hives.
About hives:
- Hives are itchy, red, raised rashes.
- It occurs when a triggering factor (such as a food your baby is allergic to) causes the release of a substance called histamine in the skin.
- If your baby suffers from hives while feeding, the condition may be triggered by something he or she has eaten or drunk. The most common foods are eggs and milk, but many other foods can sometimes be the cause.
The urticarial rash is usually short-lived and can be controlled with antihistamines. If your baby repeatedly breaks out in hives, it’s important to consult the pediatrician to discuss possible allergies.
7- Diaper rash
Diaper rash occurs when the skin around a baby’s diaper area becomes irritated.
About diaper rash:
- it is often caused by prolonged exposure to pee or poo.
- can sometimes be the result of a fungal infection or a rare skin condition.
You can usually reduce diaper rash by taking simple steps to keep your baby’s skin clean and dry. You can use a protective cream if necessary. An antifungal cream may be necessary if the rash is caused by a fungal infection.
8- Sweat rash (miliaria)
Heat rash is sometimes called miliaria or prickly heat. It can appear when your baby sweats. For example, because he’s wearing too much clothing or the environment is hot and humid.
This is a sign that your baby’s sweat glands are blocked.
He may develop small red bumps or blisters on his skin, but these will disappear quickly without treatment.
9- Chapped cheek syndrome
Chapped cheek syndrome is a viral infection particularly common in children and babies.
About chapped cheek syndrome:
- it usually causes a bright red rash on both cheeks and fever
- most babies don’t need treatment, as chapped cheek syndrome is usually a mild condition that disappears within a few days.
10- Impetigo
Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the superficial layers of the skin. It causes sores and blisters.
