Baby rashes are one of the most common problems faced by mothers when caring for their baby. Sometimes these rashes can be stubborn and hard to get rid off no matter what treatment or product that you use.
We hear your frustrations, mommies!
To some babies, it is a prevalent condition while to others it may come suddenly like a reaction to the environment, a material or substances. So, to best treat it, we may need to understand what kind of rash it is and what causes it.
However, we do advice mommies who are reading this, to not self-diagnose! Visit your nearest healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and treatment. You can use the information here to understand your baby’s condition better.
What Are Rashes?
Rashes are patches of skin or an area of skin that becomes irritated and inflamed. There are many things that may trigger baby rashes which includes medicine, allergies, heat, dampness, fabrics, fragrances, or chemicals. Changing soap or new clothes are also one of the things that can trigger a rash infection.
Symptoms of Rashes
Rashes can be observed as red patches of skin. Some may come in tiny bumps, inflammed skin, or scales. Additionally, not all rashes are itchy.
Common Rash Areas On Babies
- Face
- Neck
- Arms
- Skin Folds
- Diaper Area
Common Baby Rashes
1.Baby Acne
Baby acne appears like tiny bumps on the surface of the skin similar to pimples. It is usually found on the face or upper back area. This condition is also known as neonatal acne and can happen to newborn babies. It may last a few weeks up to months but most of the time will go away without needing any treatment. Newborns under 2 months old are more likely to get baby acne.
Treatment:
Baby acne would go away on their own without requiring any treatment. However, if you find that the problem still persist for months, you may want to see a doctor for a prescription.
2.Cradle Cap
If you observe that there are red or yellowish scaly greasy patches on your baby’s skin, it may be cradle cap. Cradle cap is commonly found on the scalp, behind the ear, or on skin folds. It may appear to be painful but rest assured, it usually does not harm or hurt the baby. Similar to baby acne, it will clear up on its own without treatment.
Treatment:
What you may want to do is loosen up the scales by washing gently on the affected area. You can use a soft brush when brushing. If your baby is experiencing this, you may want to avoid using any oils on the affected area after shampoo. Use the oils before you wash. Coconut oil can help with cradle cap.
3.Diaper Rash
This is perhaps the most common type of rash for babies. Diaper rash is caused by the acidity of the urine and feces reacting against the skin which then causes the skin area exposed to the waste products over long hours to get irritated. Diapers also hold warmth and moisture which is one of the reason why babies can get diaper rashes very easily.
Treatment:
Diaper rash can be treated by changing the diapers regularly. Use wipes that are alcohol and fragrant free. Before you put on new diapers, try putting barrier cream that contains zinc oxide.
4.Drool Rash
This type of rash can be found around the mouth and chest area. Drool rashes are caused by, as the name goes, the baby’s saliva. Baby’s drool a lot due to teething and their mouth developing salivary glands. The skin in contact with this constant drooling is expose to moisture most of the time which could trigger the rashes. Moreover, constant wiping of the drools can also cause the skin to get irritated.
Treatment:
You can try using a bib if you find that your baby is drooling a lot. When clearing up the drool, gently pat the area instead of wiping to prevent skin irritation.
5.Eczema
Eczema is another common rash type in babies. The face, arms, and behind the knees are common places where eczema would attack. If your family have a history of eczema, chances are high for your baby to develop it too. Eczema are usually triggered by allergens and skin sensitivity. It is said that eczema can be itchy, therefore your baby may rub their itching area on surfaces. This could irritate the skin further and causes a rash reaction.
https://news.llu.edu/health-wellness/pediatrician-breaks-down-infant-eczema-and-how-best-combat-it
Treatment:
It is best to identify what your baby is allergic to and avoid them in the future since eczema is usually caused by allergens. Keep the area infected clean and dry at all times. You can purchase eczema creams from your local pharmacy to treat it.
6.Heat Rash
Rashes caused by the inability to regulate body temperature and sweats getting trap are not uncommon among babies, especially in humid weather like Malaysia. Areas covered by clothes, and skin folds are common places where heat rash occurs. This type of rash happens because not only baby’s skin is more sensitive but a baby’s body is also not yet good at regulating their own body temperature, in this case, unable to cool themselves efficiently.
Treatment:
Help your baby cool down by moving them to a cooler area. Wipe skin folds regularly to get rid of sweat and oil. You can apply cool compressed on the affected area for a few minutes until it cools down. Dress your baby appropriate following the temperature of the environment they are in.
7.Hives
Hives are usually a skin reaction to allergens, insect bites, or infection. You can observed it as patches of raised skin. It may come in small patches in one area or it may spread throughout the body. Hives can last up to weeks but sometimes it may last only a few hours.
Treatment:
You can apply cool compressed on the area affected by hives. It can help relief the discomfort. If your baby is older than 2 months, you may use insect repellant to keep the bugs away.
When To Worry?
Baby rashes are usually harmless and will go away on their own but with treatment, they may clear up faster. In rare cases, rashes can also be a symptom of other illness and this may be a cause for concern. Rashes can get infected too which will cause the baby to become sick.
Contact your doctor if:
- Your baby develops fever, breathing difficulty, vomiting, or wheezing after getting a rash.
- Rash returns frequently or does not go away after weeks of home remedy.
