Understanding Baby Skin Rashes

No parent wants to find that their little bundle of joy is covered in scaly patches or tiny red bumps. Like it or not, though, most babies will experience skin irritations. The good news$1 Baby skin rashes are often easy to handle – and aren’t an indication that you’re a bad parent. And, unlike colic and night time crying fits, they’re altogether manageable. Diaper rash is one of the most common baby skin rashes. Most babies will experience this irritation at some point, since it is caused simply by tight or chafing diapers, or a dirty diaper that remains in contact with delicate skin for too long. Cradle cap happens when your baby’s scalp produces new skin cells even before the old cells have been shed. Scaly, crusty patches form. Although it doesn’t look pretty, cradle cap is common even in healthy babies, and won’t cause any more irritation than perhaps a little itching. It can only be outgrown – by 12 months, usually – and not prevented. Another common baby skin rash is heat rash, which some people may call prickly heat or heat bumps. This aptly named skin irritation will look like very small pimples, and crops up when your baby is too hot. Keep the little one cool in summertime or warmer climates with breathable, loose-fitting clothing to avoid this condition. If your family is allergy-prone, don’t be surprised if your infant develops eczema. Look out for reddish, scaly patches as a sign that this baby skin rash has set in. Other irritants, including harsh laundry soaps and dietary difficulties, can also prompt this skin rash, which is made worse by very hot or cold weather. Unlike some other baby skin rashes, eczema is often treated with a cream or medication from your doctor. Milia, which takes the form of small pimples and spots on the face, is most common in newborns. This condition also won’t bother your little one, so don’t distress yourself; in a couple of weeks, it’ll be gone. However, if you’re not sure about this or any baby skin rash, you can always double check with your doctor.