Common Baby Rashes and Skin Conditions to Know

The last thing you want to see pop up on your infant’s skin is a scary looking rash or unfamiliar bumps. New parents especially may be alarmed by seeing red, blotchy patches on their little one’s soft skin. The good news is that rashes and mild skin conditions on newborns and younger babies are quite common, and typically should not be cause for worry. Sensitive baby skin is more prone to bumps and rashes than ours, so it’s only natural that irritation occurs from time to time. However, parents should familiarize themselves with the signs and symptoms of common baby rashes and skin conditions to prepare themselves in the case of a flare up. A general knowledge of common rashes will also help parents know when a case is serious and does require medical attention.

1. Diaper rash

When a baby wears a soiled diaper for too long, diaper rash can develop due to irritation from prolonged contact with urine, stool, or the friction of the diaper. This rash is red, blotchy, sore, and occurs in the genital area. To prevent diaper rash, it’s vital to change your baby’s diaper as soon as you notice it is soiled and keep the genital area as clean and dry as possible. Using a natural diaper care product like NOLEO 3-in-1 Diaper Rash Cream can help gently clean the area during diaper changes, moisturize their delicate skin, treat existing diaper rash, and prevent future flare ups from happening.

2. Baby acne and milia

You may be surprised to learn that newborn babies are actually prone to getting pimples! Baby acne typically presents itself during the first few weeks of life and tapers off after a few months. After bringing your bundle of joy into the world, you may notice tiny white spots popping up on their facial skin during the first week. These spots are known as milia, and are not harmful or painful to your baby. In most cases, they fade away during their first few weeks of life.

3. Erythema toxicum

It’s common for infants to get erythema toxicum, a certain kind of rash characterized by red splotchy patches and bumps, during their first couple days after birth. This particular skin condition is harmless and typically goes away on its own after a week.

4. Mottling

Before babies reach 6 months of age, they’re prone to a “lacy” looking rash known as mottling. Mottling occurs on the limbs or torso when babies get cold. If you notice a mottling rash on your little one, simply remove them from the source of the cold and dress them in warm clothes to return their body temperature to normal.

5. Cradle cap

Has your baby developed scaly, crusty skin at the top of their heads? Not to worry; this is likely cradle cap, or a buildup of skin oils and dead skin cells. Cradle cap is a kind of eczema and is also known as seborrheic dermatitis. It occurs in areas where there are lots of oil glands, and can also flare up around an infant’s nose, back, and in the folds of their skin. Luckily, you can treat cradle cap at home with mineral oil and shampoo. It typically phases out by the time a child reaches the age of 1. Babies with eczema require skincare products that are deemed safe for their dry, scaly skin. NOLEO 3-in-1 Diaper Care has received the seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association. It can help moisturize and alleviate irritation with those with dry, eczema-prone skin.

6. Prickly heat rash

Like mottling, heat rashes arise due to a baby’s skin’s contact with uncomfortable temperatures. When a baby is too hot, either because of the weather or how they are dressed, a red or pink rash may develop on skin that is covered by clothing. A heat rash will make a child uncomfortable, and you should immediately make efforts to cool your baby down. A nice, cool bath, changing into loose, breathable clothes, or bringing your baby inside on a hot day are all measures you can take to make a heat rash flare up go away.

7. Rashes around mouth area

Due to drooling and spitting up, babies can develop a rash around their mouth and chin area. This is common for babies and develops from the irritation of those fluids against their skin. Be sure to clean your little one’s face carefully and thoroughly after they eat, drool, or spit up to prevent a rash from happening.

Takeaway

Rashes and skin conditions are very common for babies. Typically, they should not cause concern and go away on their own. However, if you suspect a serious or infected rash, contact your pediatrician immediately for medical advice and treatment.

 

Source:

https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/zx1747


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