Attention Parents: Do You Know How To Recognize And Treat Baby Skin Problems? | Children's & Teens Health slideshows | Family Health center

Newborns And Rashes

Babies are famous for their silky soft skin. You might never get enough of cuddling that tiny creature, but be careful — baby skin can develop plenty of problems. Any parent can run into things like diaper rash, prickly heat, cradle cap, milia (those white spots) and even infantile acne. Knowing what you are dealing with will help you treat your little one's skin condition at home, and tell you when you need to call your pediatrician. In this slide, we'll be looking at some common baby skin problems.

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Diaper Rash

Most babies will develop diaper rash over the course of their infancy. What can you do if you notice this characteristic red rash in the private area? Your baby's rash may be caused by being wet for too long, but it can also be a reaction to wet wipes, creams, or the diapers themselves. Switch brands, go easy on the perfumed products, and wash your baby with water and soap when you change him. Bathing your baby in bicarbonate of soda can prevent as well as cure diaper rashes. Some also find that switching to cloth diapers eliminates the problem.

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Baby Acne

Baby acne is, believe it or not, quite common. It can appear during the newborn stage, or your baby might be born with it! While its cause is not currently certain, it is thought that hormones play a large role. Don't be tempted to start using special creams or over-washing your baby's skin. Acne tends to clear up within a few weeks, but if you are worried you should talk to your baby's pediatrician about a treatment plan rather than taking matters into your own hand. If your baby's acne doesn't seem to be causing him any pain, leaving it alone is the best thing you can do.

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Birthmarks

Between five and 10 percent of babies will be born with a birthmark or several. The vast majority of these will be completely harmless, and some will be present at birth while others actually appear a little later on. Birthmarks come in many varieties. Some will stick around for life (unless surgically removed), while others gradually fade over time. Though most birthmarks are nothing to worry about, it is important to discuss any birthmark your baby has with your pediatrician. Some are associated with an increased risk of cancer, while others may cause vision problems or restrict blood flow. In short, never neglect to get them checked out.

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Eczema

Eczema usually appears before a child reaches age five, and babies tend to get it on their cheeks or upper arms. Eczema looks like dry, scaly skin and it may be red too, especially if your baby has been scratching. See your doctor if you suspect eczema, not in the least because it is associated with allergies and asthma. Your pediatrician will give you management instructions. Daily bathing and moisturizing is though to be helpful, but severe eczema might require a more aggressive approach. Bleach has been found to be a viable option for really bad eczema, but never use this treatment without talking to your doctor.

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Cradle Cap

Have you noticed sticky, slightly ugly patches of skin attached to your baby's scalp? You are probably dealing with cradle cap, which may also appear to be oily and of a yellow-ish color. Cradle cap looks nasty, but it isn't dangerous. It usually goes away as your baby ages. If you are really desperate to get rid of it, I have found that rubbing oil into the scalp, leaving it in for a while, and then washing your baby's hair will clear a lot of it up. Be careful with that fontanelle — the soft spot in your baby's skull — though!

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What About Baby Powder?

Talcum powder was the trusted companion to baby bath time in previous generations. Should you be using it? Talcum powder certainly keeps your baby's skin drier than it would otherwise be. This can be helpful in the diaper area and on hot summer days, when sweating may lead to prickly heat. Be careful though — it is dangerous for your baby to breathe talcum powder in. You may prefer to use the safer cornstarch, which actually works just as well, instead.

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Sunburns

We've (nearly) all had sunburn, but extreme caution is advised if your baby gets it. Always seek medical attention, even if the sunburn doesn't look very serious. A baby who starts blistering up, vomiting, gets a fever, is swollen or is in pain needs to see a doctor right away — take your sunburned baby to the ER if you have to. Fortunately, sunburn is quite easy to prevent if you remember that babies can get sunburned after only 15 minutes in the sun. Always use sunscreen, cover your baby's sensitive skin with clothing, and don't stay in the sun for long.

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Bathing Tips

A quick trip to the baby aisle will inform you that you can literally choose from among hundreds of different baby hygiene products these days. Does your baby really need all those creams, shampoos, conditioners, soaps, bath oils, body lotions, and even perfumes? The short answer is a definite NO. Some soap and water will do the trick just fine, thanks very much. Perfumed products, even those marketed to new parents, are not particularly great for your baby's skin. Newborns don't need to be bathed every single day either. Washing the face and diaper area is quite enough on many days.

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Washing Baby Clothes

Heavily perfumed laundry detergents and fabric softeners can cause skin rashes in some babies. If you have noticed a rash, try using more natural products. Vinegar works perfectly fine as a fabric softener, and natural or baby-friendly detergents are less likely to cause your baby discomfort. Remember that your baby's bedding is just as important, because she'll have skin to skin contact with that too. Wash your baby's bedding with the same detergent you use for her clothes, and don't switch once you have found products that seem to work well with your baby's skin.