Archive for August, 2013

Common skin problems and rashes on babies

If your baby is suffering from rashes or any other skin problem, don’t be scared, as most problems will go away on their own in a few days. However, if the problem persist for more than a week, it is best that you get medical help. Here are some problems that your baby can suffer from:

Pimples

Babies can get pimples in nose, cheeks, and forehead. Acne can show up in the first few weeks of their life but they usually clear up in few months. Acne has nothing do with whether a child will suffer from acne when they grow up.

At times white spots may appear on the face of the baby. These spots are known as milia. They are also known as Epstein if they appear on the gums and the roof of the mouth. These are usually not dangerous and they disappear in a few weeks.

Blotchy Skin

During the first few days, the baby may get red blotches that contain pus. These blotches are known as erythema toxicum and they are usually harmless. Some babies may have it all over their body while others have these blotches in some parts. These blotches will usually go away within a week.

Some babies may suffer from harmless rashes known as pustular melanosis. These rashes can cause pus-filled pimples that usually break open to form dark spots. Most babies who suffer from these rashes are usually born with it. These rashes will disappear within a week but dark spots caused by rashes can take a few months to disappear.

During winters, some babies can get lacy or blotchy rashes on their torso and limbs. If you take steps to keep your room warmer, these rashes will disappear. Babies who are more than 6 months of age usually don’t suffer from this problem.

Rashes

Some babies get heat rashes when they are dressed warmly or when the weather is hot. These pink or red rashes are known as prickly heat and they are usually found in areas that are covered by clothes. These rashes can itch which can make your baby very uncomfortable. To avoid these rashes, you must dress you baby in clothes that are light and lose. Also, give your baby a cool bath at least once a day during summers to avoid rashes.

Wearing wet diapers for a few hours can cause soreness and red rashes on the genitals or bottom of the baby. The stool and urine on the diapers can irritate the skin of your baby. Babies can also suffer from diaper rashes when they in same position for several hours. Diaper rashes can also be due to infection caused due to yeast or bacteria. If your baby is suffering from diaper rashes, you must take extra care to protect your baby from infection causing bacteria. Also, make sure you change their diapers every few hours and keep them as dry as possible.

Some babies have rashes on their face near the mouth and the chin. These rashes could be caused by spitting up or drooling. You can get rid of these rashes by cleaning your babies face as often as possible especially after your baby spits up or eats.

Scaly Scalp

Many babies get have a crusty or scaly skin on the top of their head. This is a normal build-up of scales, oils and dead cells. Like other problems, you can treat this problem by using mineral oil or shampoo. This is not a serious problem, as the scaly skin will usually disappear in a few months.