A newborn’s skin is prone to rashes especially during the first year of  life. These rashes are harmless and usually go away on their own.

Common Baby Rashes

Prickly heat

 
This looks like small , red bumps. They are usually found on  the areas of the baby’s body that tend to overheat and sweat. These areas include the neck, ampit and diaper area.

What you should do : This type of rash is treated by keeping the area dry. You should also avoid overheating by dressing the baby in cool , comfortable clothing.

Diaper rash

 
The patch of bright, red skin on your baby’s bottom is likely to be diaper rash.  It is usually caused by prolonged contact with urine and feces.

What do you do : Air out the baby’s bottom to treat diaper rash. You can also apply diaper rash cream or ointment during reach diaper change. If you use a thick barrier cream, be sure to remove only the soiled layer of cream during a diaper change to prevent further irritation. See your pediatrician if diaper rash doesn’t improve. Change the baby’s diaper frequently to prevent diaper rash. You can also apply a diaper rash  ointment or cream barrier regularly during each diaper change.

Baby acne

 
These usually appear as red or white bumps on the baby’s forehead or cheeks. Baby acne usually appears within the first month after birth. It is believed to be due to exposure to maternal hormones during pregnancy. It usually disappear on its own within a few months.

What you should do : You should wash your baby’s face once a day with mild soap and water. If acne does not improve within a few months, contact your baby’s doctor.

Baby eczema

 
This is characterized by patches of dry, scaly and itchy skin. The patches ooze and crust over occasionally.

What you should do : You need to avoid extreme temperatures and anything that bothers  the baby’s . You should bath your baby every 2 or 3 days rather than daily and pat your baby’s skin dry. Apply generous amount of fragrance free moisturizing ointment. Contact your pediatrician if eczema gets worse.

Cradle cap

 
It appears as yellowish, greasy , scaly patches on the baby’s scalp. It may occasionally also affect the face, ear and neck . Cradle cap  does not itch and should not bother baby. This condition is common in newborns and usually clears up on its own within 6 months.

What you should do : Wash your baby’s hair with mild shampoo. Loosen scales with a small , soft bristled brush. For scales that are hard to remove, apply a few drops of mineral oil onto the baby’s scalp, wait for a few minutes, then shampoo and brush hair. If cradle cap persists, contact your child’s pediatrician.