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.
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.