You didn't consider different types of baby rashes as something you would need to worry about after your baby's birth. But unfortunately, common baby rashes are a frequent issue many new parents face in the first weeks after birth.
Baby rashes and how to deal with them are sensitive matters. It's just something we don't publicize in the media. All we see is how smooth and silky a baby's skin is, and that's the image we all project onto all newborns. Think about all the magazines that feature pictures of babies. That's right, not a single red spot or any sign of a rash — just picture-perfect babies with glossy skin that looks soft and clear. Because of this stereotype, the first signs of skin irritation will make you freak out. And it will happen because babies are prone to developing skin conditions and baby rashes on legs.
And if your newborn developed some pimples early on, in their first weeks, you would instantly ask yourself how to care for a baby in this case. You will start doubting your parenting and questioning the products you used that might have caused this. You will go through the list of your skincare items, and it will bring about an emotional rollercoaster. But this should not be the case. A baby's skin is significantly thinner than that of an adult, and moisture is lost five times faster than if compared to adults. Even if babies do not get dirty, they still need to be cleaned regularly, and everyday bathing with soaps or shampoos can have some unwanted effects on their skin. This article helps you with information about common baby rashes during the first year.
Common Skin Rashes in Babies and Toddlers
1. Milia
Milia is one of the typical baby rashes in newborns and is caused by the blockage of the oil glands. Milia manifests itself with small white spots on the baby's face and baby rashes on the face and neck. They are most commonly found on the nose. Oil glands become blocked, and this results in the pores being blocked. This skin condition tends to remedy itself when the baby turns one month old.
2. Erythema toxicum
It is the main reason for concern among new mommies. It's the textbook rash that occurs on newborns and causes moms everywhere to have a proper scare. You can expect most newborns to display signs of Erythema toxicum. Small yellow or white bumps that have the surrounding skin looks reddish and blotched. They appear when the baby is just a few days old. However, it is a harmless rash that is not contagious and goes away in about a week.
3. Baby Acne
Similar to adult acne, this is a common and universally loathed condition. Baby acne lasts up to 6 weeks and can be mentally challenging for a new mom. It manifests by the appearance of pimples on the baby's cheeks and nose. Unfortunately, they get worse before they heal. They do heal up entirely at the six weeks mark. For the best diaper rash cream, we have a few great suggestions.
4. Salmon Patches
Salmon patches and nests of blood vessels tend to heal after a few weeks, but they can take a few months sometimes. If a salmon patch appears around the back of the neck, it is generally referred to as a stork bite. Maternal hormones most likely cause nests of blood vessels, and if they occur in the eyes, it is usually referred to as an "angel's kiss." Some "stork bites" never heal and remain on the body forever.
5. Cradle cap
The cradle cap consists of oily or crusty patches that develop on the baby's scalp. It is not painful or itchy and goes away on its own in a few weeks. If it does not disappear, it becomes infected, ask your baby's pediatrician.
Wash the baby's hair or scalp with water or mild baby shampoo, and use a baby brush to remove dry skin flakes. You can also apply baby oil to soften the baby's scalp to remove the flakes easily.
6. Hand foot mouth disease
Hand-foot mouth disease is infectious and caused by a virus. It usually starts with a fever, and soon after, discolored patches appear around the mouth, feet, hands, and buttocks. It is generally settled on its own within 7-10 days without difficulties, but children with a weakened immune system may be affected severely.
7. Dermatitis or eczema
These are common problems for adults that also affect children. Inflammation of the skin with itchiness, red skin, and rashes (especially in the knee and elbow) frequently happens due to eczema. Eczema is a genetic condition run in families, and that can show up when babies are only a few months old. Keep your baby's skin moisturized to treat eczema and discuss with a doctor if the baby's skin starts to look infected.
8. Hives or Urticaria
The hives or urticaria is another common itchy rash among newborns and children that appears around the body, chest, and stomach. It usually passes within a few days without any medication. If the rash doesn't disappear, consult your baby's doctor.
9. Thrush
Thrush, medically known as oral candidiasis, also strikes children and manifests as a fungal infection within the mouth. Small and red bumps appear around the mouth; visit your baby's doctor immediately if you find the symptoms, as thrush needs medication to cure.
10. Other Common Rashes
Some other frequently occurring skin conditions are diaper rash, drool rash, and heat rashes. The first one happens if the diaper isn't changed fast enough. The second type of rash appears around the babies' mouth and can be prevented by wiping the mouth often. Both babies and adults can develop heat rush due to blocked sweat pores that render transpiration under the skin causing small blisters or red lumps.
If your baby has rashes around the body, you must be careful about what to dress the baby in at night. Aim for clothes that aren't tight and could constrict the blow flaw around the rashes. If you think the clothes had something to do with your baby's skin conditions, you might want to figure out how to wash baby clothes. Try to use as little washing products as possible to avoid reactions with the chemicals that can be found in these products.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Some skin conditions and rashes are harmless and go away no matter how visually displeasing. Research the situation on your own initiative, and if you have any doubts, consult your baby's pediatrician or dermatologist. Do not panic and assume that something you did cause the rash on your baby's body. If the baby shows discomfort, itching, or fever that seems to be caused by the skin conditions, visit the doctor right away.
Author Bio:
Rae Hudson is highly focused on improving her DIY skills and emerging in van life. Ever since she had a baby, the van life was put on hold, and she decided to share her new-found knowledge as a passion and means to assist other mothers by sharing knowledge through 'top mom'.
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