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

Common Baby Rashes

Milia

 
This type of rash usually occurs in babies within a day or 2 after delivery although it may take longer to appear in premature babies. They are tiny , white bumps that appear on the nose, chin or cheeks. Most cases of milia disappear on its own within a few weeks.

What you should do : Wash your baby’s face once daily with water and mild soap.

Erythema toxicum

 
Newborns usually get this rash in about 2 to 5 days of child-birth. This rash appears as red spots  with small yellow or white pustules in the middle. The rash can appear on any part of the body apart from the palm of the hands and soles of the feet. Erythema toxicum usually disappear in about 2 weeks.

Impetigo

 
This is a highly contagious bacterial infection on the baby’s skin surface layers. It can occur anywhere on the body but it is more common around the mouth and nose. It usually appears as red sores on the face especially around the child’s  nose and mouth . These sores burst and  develop honey colored crust.

What you should do :Your need to see your doctor if you think your baby has this rash. Your baby will need antibiotics to prevent him  from spreading it to others.

Hives

 
This is also known as Uticaria . They are raised, red itchy rashes that appear on the skin. Hives usually appear suddenly from nowhere and can spread quickly. It happens when a trigger such as something your baby is allergic to causes the release of histamine into his skin. Things that can cause hives include  foods, medications, external irritants such as  soap, clothing material or detergent.

What you should do : Baby hives are short-lived and usually go away on their own within a few hours or days. You can manage the discomfort with calamine lotion or antihistamine cream. If your child gets hives repeatedly, you need to see your doctor. If hives is accompanied by symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing  or persistent vomiting, you need to go to the emergency room right away.

Fifth disease (slapped cheeks disease )

 
This is a common viral infection in children. It causes a bright red rash on both cheeks and is accompanied by fever. This condition does not require any treatment. It is a mild condition and usually disappear  within a few days.

Hand, foot and mouth disease

 
This is a common viral infection. It causes blisters in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It also causes ulcers  in the mouth. It may be accompanied by fever.  Treatment is usually not needed for this condition. It usually goes away in about 7 to 10 days. You should see your doctor if you have any concerns.
 
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