Newborns and babies often develop various rashes, which may be alarming but rarely pose an emergency situation. Continue reading to understand what these rashes look like and how best to treat them.
Up to half of newborns will experience erythema toxicum rash, consisting of red spots on their faces, arms and legs that will go away within weeks. It’s completely harmless.
Milia
Milia are tiny dome-shaped cysts that resemble whitehead acne lesions and appear on newborn skin. While they’re most frequently present on the nose and cheeks, they can appear anywhere on the body. Milia aren’t painful or itchy – in fact they should be left alone as doing so may result in scarring. Don’t attempt to remove them as this may lead to scarring.
Newborn milia, commonly referred to as milk spots, do not require treatment and typically clear up on their own within several weeks. It is important not to use products intended for adult skin on newborn babies as this could clog pores and lead to the formation of more milia spots.
Secondary milia are more prevalent among older children and adults. They usually appear at sites of skin injury such as burns, blisters or an adverse reaction to creams or ointments; they may also appear as part of an inflammatory condition such as pseudoxanthoma elasticum, discoid lupus erythematosus or lichen planus.
Erythema toxicum
Erythema toxicum neonatorum (ETN) is a very common skin condition among newborns, occurring in about half of full-term newborns and generally clearing up within two weeks on its own. Although initial appearance can be terrifying, ETN does not spread and should resolve itself by itself over time.
ETN is a skin condition characterized by irregularly-shaped, erythematous macules and papules with overlying vesicles or pustules that develop under vesicles or pustules. It typically affects trunk, arms and legs but may also appear on face; it does not cause itching or discomfort in any way.
Newborns should only be bathed when absolutely necessary to protect the delicate skin on their fragile bodies from being stripped of its natural oils and moisturized as soon as they’ve dried off. When moisturizing them afterwards, baby skin is particularly delicate so gentle products should always be used – plain petroleum jelly is best avoided as this thick coating traps heat and bacteria; use thin layer of mineral oil or plain petroleum jelly instead for maximum benefit.
Heat rash
Heat rash is often referred to as “prickly heat”, “miliaria”, or red bumps that feel like pins and needles; its itchy sensation spreads rapidly across skin folds or in locations where fabric rubs against one another, including under clothes where fabric rubs directly against fabric, neck or groin areas or folds. More likely in warmer or humid environments due to blocked sweat glands caused by too many layers of clothing or overheating from exercising; or because creams/ointments (including breastfeeding mothers) which block sweat glands directly.
Heat rash can be easily treated by running cool water over itchy spots to flush away sweat and oil build-up, while changing diapers regularly and wiping sweaty areas with cool, wet cloth. Also apply calamine or 1 percent hydrocortisone lotion as anti-itch treatments on their skin to ensure it’s fresh.
Diaper rash
Your baby’s bottom endures quite an ordeal while in diapers; all that pee and poop doesn’t do much good for its delicate skin, especially when combined with friction caused by poorly fitting diapers that irritate.
Treatment begins by keeping your baby’s skin clean and dry, which involves changing it immediately when wet or soiled and selecting a diaper that fits properly for them. Gently washing with warm water while avoiding rough scrubbing or rubbing is beneficial; patting dry is always preferred over rubbing to ensure faster healing times. Use disposable wipes that do not contain alcohol or fragrance as additional aid.
Exposing the skin to air as often as possible will also aid healing. If the rash is bright red, suspect a yeast infection and treat with anti-yeast cream such as Lotrimin – available without a valid prescription. Food allergies could also play a part so keep an eye out on what your child eats to ensure no specific foods irritate his or her skin.https://www.youtube.com/embed/a5gBjuyl7VM