Common baby skin problems (how to spot them, how to treat them)

By Donna Huff From Forsweetlittles.com Donna is a blogger, motivational speaker and mother of two cute kids.

Common baby skin problems

Babies are sensitive creatures and are easily affected by heat, bacteria, and other germs. Growing a baby is not an easy task; parents, especially new parents, experience many surprises about the skin of their baby in the first year. Few babies are born with smooth skin complexion; most of the babies have skin problems due to the sensitivity of the skin. 

Skin is the critical barrier that prevents the excessive loss of fluids and minerals from the body. It not only regulates the heat but also protects from many harmful infections by the absorption of toxic substances.

Babies' skin problems may be due to different factors, including heat, bacteria, drooling, and cold and wet nappies. Luckily, most of the baby's skin problems are short-lived and heal with time. In severe cases, different creams and ointments are used to cure the problem.

baby skin problems

Common skin problems of the babies are listed below:

Heat rash

Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, is common in newborn and occurs because their sweat glands are not fully developed and can be easily blocked. The babies can see this problem of the hot and humid climate such as Singapore.

Due to the blockage, evaporation does not occur and remains trapped beneath the skin, causing inflammation and rash on the surface.

Symptoms

Small, red, pinpoint pumps are common on back and buttocks.

Causes

  • Excessive perspiration due to hot climate

  • Too warmly clothes of the baby

  • Hugh fever

  • Dense creams and ointments that can block the skin pores

Nappy rash

Nappy rash is a common skin problem in babies that are often occurring in babies that have longer interacted with wet nappies. This rash is at its peak at the age of  9-12 months.

Symptoms

Symptoms of the nappy rashes are listed below:

A red scaly rash over the areas that are covered with the diapers.

Causes 

  • More prolonged contact with urine and stools

  • Wet nappies or diapers

  • Friction from adhesive tapes

  • Infection from bacteria or yeast

Cradle cap

This skin problem occurs in the first few weeks of life and reoccurs for up to 6 months. It is caused due to the over germination of ordinary skin yeast due to the maternal hormones when the baby is still in the womb.

Symptoms

Pink to red patches on the scalp. It occurs in the other areas, too, such as the neck, armpit, and groin.

Causes

  • Abnormal production of oil in oil glands and hair follicle

  • Yeast or bacterial infections

Infant acne

Infant acne is one of the common problems and occurs in 40% of the babies, which pops out at the 2-3 weeks of the age and lasts for 4 to 6 months. These pimples are due to the hormones of mothers that are still circulating in the blood of the babies. Babies' sluggish oil glands also cause red bumps on the skin. Luckily they do not leave scars on the sensitive surface of the babies if you leave them alone.

Atopic eczema

It is the most common skin problem affecting adults and children, including babies. This problem can occur again after months or years, but if you have excellent control, then it can help in an active and healthy life.

Symptoms

Red, itchy, rough and dry skin, at baby cheeks and the joints of arms and legs

Causes

Eczema's causes are still unknown; it has an immune reaction and a genetic basis and runs in the families. Factors that can worsen the problem are:

  • Environmental factors such as high temperature, viral infections, and vaccinations.

  • Allergens such as soaps, creams, and detergents

General tips to prevent skin problems in babies

Extra care and protection are needed for the sensitive skin of the babies. To prevent your baby from skin problems and rash, avoid all the chemicals that may be harmful to your baby's skin. Bath your baby in the water of temperature 36-38 degrees Celsius, and bath your baby only for 5-10 minutes.

Treatments for heat rash

Babies have sensitive skin and can get the infection by the sunlight, too; therefore, before taking your baby out of the house, make sure to keep him safe from the sunshine and heat. For this purpose:

  • Give a refreshing baby bath

  • Dress in light clothes

  • Keep the room fresh and cool with air-conditioning and fans

  • Avoid thick moisturizers

  • Use baby sunscreens for protecting your baby from harmful ultraviolet rays

Treatments for the nappy rash

Nappy rashes are due to the long contact of the baby with wet nappies to prevent your baby from this problem adopt following preventive measures:

  • Change baby's diapers frequently

  • Use clean water to clean the area under the diaper and use a moisturizer or baby cream in those areas.

  • If rashes are severe, then use medicated creams or oral medication recommended by the doctors

Treatment for cradle cap

  • Shampoo your baby with a no-tear medicated shampoo

  • Apply olive oils on the scalp of the baby before every bath and leave for an hour; it helps in reducing the scales.

  • If it is in the severe form, then use a mild topical steroid cream on the affected areas.

Treatment for infants' acne

To treat the babies' acne, you have to follow the following preventive measures:

  • Do not squeeze or scrub with the soap

  • Wash affected area with clean water two to three times a day

  • Do not apply zit creams meant for grown-up

Treatment for atopic eczema

  • Bath your baby with slightly warm water and mild soup

  • Pet your baby dry with a soft cloth, do not rub the skin

  • Apply moisturizer every day to prevent and control eczema

  • If the infection is severe than antibiotic may be prescribed

Final verdict

Babies have sensitive skin and are susceptible to the surrounding environment. All the skin problems mentioned above are common in newborns and often confuse the new parents for the treatment. These problems can be prevented by following some preventive measures.