Baby skin differs greatly from adult skin. The skin is thinner, has fewer hairs, and is not as firmly attached to the body as adult skin, which is why it develops skin rashes.
The infant’s skin barrier does not fully form until they are at least one year of age, which implies that it is more permeable and reactive.
Babies frequently have rashes as early as a few days old as a result of their skin beginning to adjust to its new surroundings. These rashes usually heal on their own and are not harmful. However, if the skin rash is accompanied by a fever, your baby is ill, or you are concerned, consult a doctor.
Baby skin rashes cause
Babies’ immune systems and skin are still developing. Due to the sensitivity of their skin, it might become infected or irritated easily. Baby skin rashes can be caused by the following:
- Heat
- Allergy
- Dampness
- Fabrics
- Chemicals
- Friction
- Fragrance
Different types of skin rashes in babies
Baby acne
During the first month of life, a baby may develop pimples on their forehead, cheeks, and nose. Pityrosporum folliculitis, or hair follicle pimples, often peaks at 6 weeks of age and usually goes away unattended. It has a connection to a typical skin yeast. Hormonal changes in the mother during pregnancy are another cause of newborn acne.
Baby acne may worsen before it gets better, even if the baby does not seem to care or scratch at the pimples. It is helpful to wash gently with tepid water and avoid greasy moisturizers. Seek medical attention if you have concerns, if there are indications of illness, or if pimples or “blackheads” emerge after three months of age.
Erythema toxicum
Another typical rash in newborns is erythema toxicum. It resembles red spots with fuzzy edges that are elevated slightly, and it could have a tiny yellow or white dot in the middle. It goes away unattended for days or weeks without any treatment; its cause is unknown.
Fungal infections
Fungal infection and candidiasis can manifest in your child in a variety of ways. It is known as thrush and appears on the surface of a tongue resembling dried milk that cannot be removed with a spoon.
Candidiasis around the diaper area appears as a bright red rash with tiny pimples surrounding it.
Fungal infection thrives in dark, damp places, which is why the creases on the baby’s thighs may be red. Liquid medication (for oral thrush), antifungal oral gel, or antifungal cream (for the diaper area) can be used in the treatment of candidiasis.
Cradle cap
Cradle cap, sometimes called seborrheic dermatitis, is characterized by the development of crusty, yellowish patches on the baby’s head and, on occasion, the eyebrows. It’s a common condition that comes up a few months after birth and shouldn’t cause any problems for your child.
To loosen the scales and minimize the build-up of scales on the scalp, gently massage the area with a very soft brush, wash with a light baby shampoo, and then apply a moderate moisturizer. Please visit your general practitioner if the cradle cap gets itchy, swollen, bleeding, infected, or spreads.
Prickly heat
Appears as tiny red pimples, usually on your baby’s body parts prone to sweating and
excessive heat, like that of the armpits, neck, and diaper area. Wearing loose-fitting clothing will help to prevent overheating and try to keep the region dry.
Eczema
Red, itchy skin spots commonly appear on a baby’s face, elbows, arms, legs, behind knees, and chest due to eczema. It is brought on by dry, sensitive skin and occasionally allergies, however, it can be challenging to identify the cause at this age. Your physician can diagnose eczema if the skin rash fits the description and recommend the right course of action. General treatment includes:
- Use no fabric conditioner and gentle laundry detergent for baby clothes
- Using moisturizers
- Using very gentle baby bathing soap
- Consult your doctor on the use of steroids if the skin rash won’t disappear
Nappy rash
Nappy rash is inflamed skin around the nappy area. Infrequent changes in diapers may be the cause of this. Fungal infection may cause your diaper rash, so your doctor might prescribe an antifungal cream.
Some of the ways to lessen diaper rash are to maintain a clean, dry diaper region for the infant, and use barrier cream as needed. You could get advice on an appropriate cream from your pharmacy. Rather than using nappy wipes, which can irritate skin, use paper towels, cotton wool, or cloths soaked with lukewarm water.
Milia
Milia affects about 50% of newborns. These benign cysts appear as tiny, white lumps just beneath the skin’s surface. It is most common to find them on the nose, but they can also appear on the mouth, scalp, face, and upper trunk. Milia usually doesn’t disturb babies, and they will heal on their own without any medical intervention a couple of weeks after birth.
Newborn skin rashes are common due to their thinner, less hairy skin and sensitivity to infection. Causes include heat, allergies, dampness, fabrics, chemicals, friction, and fragrance. Common rashes include baby acne, erythema toxicum, candidiasis, cradle cap, prickly heat, eczema, diaper rash, and Mila.
Most newborn skin rashes don’t require treatment since they heal on their own. If the skin rashes get infectious or itchy, be sure to consult your general practitioner.