Baby Skin Care - Caring for the Sensitive Skin of your baby - Common Baby Skin Problems

We often talk about the perfect skin of a baby. And the delicate, sweet-smelling skin of a newly bathed baby can be incomparable. But most babies are not born with smooth, flawless skin, and during the first months of life they can suffer from a variety of distressing blemishes and skin irritations.

Early Days

  • At birth a baby's skin is usually covered with vernix, a white, waxy substance that helps to protect the skin while in the womb. When this is removed, you might notice blotches, pressure marks, bruises, or scratches. These can occur in the uterus or during the birth- especially if it was a difficult delivery- and will fade quickly.

  • Within the first week or so of life, a baby's skin may peel a little, especially if the delivery was overdue. This usually affects the hands and feet, and settles down quickly.

  • Around this time, it is also common for babies to develop a few little white or yellow spots around the nose and cheeks. This is due to temporary activity of the sebaceous glands, probably stimulated by the mother's hormones, some of which will still be circulating in the baby's bloodstream. Again this normally clears up within a couple of weeks of birth.

  • Occasionally the glands remain active, and a mild form of acne develops. This more often happens in newborn boys than girls, and is easily treated.

Caring For A Baby's Skin

A baby's skin is still building up its immune response and is very vulnerable to external factors. That is why it is crucial to treat it with special care.

  • Use soap, cleansers, and shampoos specially formulated for a baby's delicate skin.

  • If your baby has a skin condition or dry, sensitive skin, choose a simple, non-scented soap.

  • For babies with highly sensitive skin, use a soap substitute. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

  • Detergents can irritate fragile skin, especially if it is already broken or inflamed. Choose nonbiological products to reduce the risk of irritation from bedding, diapers, and clothing.

Common Problems

A baby's skin, which has been safely protected in the womb, is very vulnerable when it comes into contact with the outside world. As it adjusts to this new environment, it is subject to all sorts of handling, rubbing, washing, drying, and temperature changes. And any of these can lead to rashes and other skin conditions.

Diaper rash

The diaper area is one of the most vulnerable parts of a baby's skin. The delicate skin is continually subjected to wet conditions, the harsh sting of urine, and the irritating effects of feces. These can all contribute to the development of diaper rash. Symptoms can range from a slight redness and irritation to severe skin inflammation with sores and spots.

Treatment

To prevent diaper rash it is crucial to keep the skin clean and dry. Change diapers frequently, dry the skin thoroughly, and apply a cream or ointment to provide a barrier from dampness. Such creams also help to soothe any chapping. Expose your baby's skin to the air whenever possible.

Heat rash or prickly heat

A patch of small raised, red bumps, especially on the stomach or back. Newborn babies cannot regulate body temperature effectively, so they easily become too warm. Too many layers of clothing, very hot weather, or rubbing from clothes and sheets, can also cause a rash.

Treatment

Remove some of your baby's clothing and lower the temperature in the room. Applying a light dusting of powder can help.

Warning: If your baby develops a rash without obvious cause, seek prompt medical advice. Contact your doctor immediately if your baby also seems unwell or lethargic. A rash in an unwell baby or child can sometimes be a symptom of a serious illness such as meningitis.

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