Your baby’s skin is extremely delicate, making it prone to all kinds of common skin irritations. Rashes are especially common, though they can understandably be a cause of concern; especially for new parents.
The good news is, the majority of baby skin rashes are actually harmless and will typically go away by themselves. However, that may not stop you from worrying! It goes without saying that if you are worried about baby’s rash, you should always take them to the doctor or pediatrician. In the meantime, let’s look at some of the most common types of baby rashes and why they appear.
Baby Acne
What you think is a rash, could actually be a sign of baby acne. It’s not just teens who suffer breakouts of the skin. Babies commonly develop what is referred to as neonatal acne, usually within the first month after birth. It’s believed that the hormones transferred from mom to baby are what trigger the acne pimples to develop. So, how can you tell if baby has acne or a rash?
Typically, if it’s baby acne, the pimples will be red, small bumps bunched together. A skin rash on the other hand is typically a lacier red. Some of the pimples could also have whiteheads and they tend to develop on the cheeks. It’s common for baby acne to last for up to four months and it requires just a gentle cleansing treatment until it clears up by itself.
Heat Rash
Heat rash is really common in baby’s and it occurs when the sweat glands become blocked. This then causes baby’s sweat to become trapped underneath the skin. It tends to occur in the warmer months, or when baby is overdressed.
The most common places for heat rash to occur are on the neck, head and shoulders. However, it can sometimes present on baby’s chest too. It’s also common for heat rash to be itchy, so if you notice your baby trying to scratch the area, it could be a sign of heat rash.
If it is a heat rash, it should clear up on its own within 3-4 days. However, it will speed up the process if you give baby a daily bath with a non-scented baby cleanser. You should also make sure they aren’t overdressed.
Coxsackie
Coxsackie is a common viral baby rash which occurs on the hands, feet and mouth. Instead of pimples or a rash, it causes painful ulcers and sores to develop. You’ll typically find the ulcers develop in the mouth, while the hands and feet develop sores. It also causes a fever, so if your baby is suffering from Coxsackie, they’re likely to be pretty miserable!
This type of rash is most common in the summer months and there isn’t much that can be done to shift it besides keeping baby comfortable. It will disappear on its own. It can be potentially contagious via stool-oral transmission so it’s a good idea to wash your hands frequently, especially after diaper changes.
Yeast Rash
A yeast rash can appear on baby’s butt, or underneath their armpits. It’s a type of fungal rash caused by the fungus which naturally lives on our skin. It largely presents as a pink patch, with pustules or pink dots on its edges. They can occur anywhere in the folds of baby’s skin.
In order to treat this type of rash, an antifungal cream will usually be required. These can be purchased over the counter and applied 3-4 times per day, depending upon manufacturer instructions.
Diaper Rash
The diaper rash is by far one of the most common baby rashes. Appearing solely on and around the butt, they occur due to either friction or wetness. It’s especially common in older babies who have learnt to sleep through the night. This is because if they urinate throughout the night and it doesn’t wake them up, the wetness can irritate the skin, leading to a rash.
This type of rash typically shows up as red patches, accompanied by puffy warm skin. They’ll usually present on the rounded part of the butt, and you’ll need to apply a diaper rash treatment which you can buy over the counter, as well as make sure you’re changing baby’s diaper frequently.
Baby Drool Rash
If you notice a rash start to develop on baby’s face, it could well be a baby drool rash. From the age of around 3 months, you’ll notice your baby starts to drool a lot more than usual. Don’t forget, the drool isn’t just water. It actually contains saliva from the digestive tract. This makes it irritable to the skin. So, unless drool is cleaned off very quickly, it has the potential to lead to a rash.
This type of rash presents as a red, irritable rash and can be accompanied by flaky dry skin. It occurs around the mouth, neck and chin. You can help to clear it up using an over-the-counter ointment to prevent baby’s saliva from irritating the skin.
Hives
Hives are typically caused by an allergic reaction to something baby has eaten. However, they can also occur if baby is fighting off a virus. They only usually last for a few days and can pop up anywhere on the body. They appear as blotchy, pink welts and they tend to be extremely itchy. An oral based antihistamine can help to treat the condition, or chamomile lotion can also prove to be a great natural remedy.
It’s important to note that if baby is also having trouble breathing, or they’re wheezing, you’ll need to take them to the doctor immediately.
Eczema Rash
If you notice chronic, red, dry patches on baby’s skin, it’s most likely down to an eczema rash. It’s estimated that around 60% of babies develop eczema within their first year. However, it does usually clear up and can be combatted by keeping baby’s skin well moisturized. In severe cases, an over-the-counter ointment may be required.
Conclusion
The above is just some of the most common baby rashes you could come across. As you can see, most are totally harmless. However, as there are so many different types of rashes it could be, it’s worth visiting your healthcare provider to determine the exact cause. It’s always better to get an expert opinion, if only to put your mind at ease and to ensure baby receives the right treatment.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a doctor or licensed medical professional before making any medical decisions.
hi there, how to solve baby drool rash issues without having any heavy medicines?