Baby Rash on Face

­Even though you expect your newborn baby to have a smooth and perfect skin after birth, actually, it rarely happens. Within a few weeks of his or her birth, you must have noticed rash on face and neck. It is irritating for the baby. As the little ones are unable to express their sufferings, they cry a lot. When they are crying and are in an agitated condition, the baby rash on face looks all the more severe. As parents, you get worried and confused with such a situation. However, you need not panic, unless and until this skin rash is not accompanied by other symptoms like fever, lethargy, cough, etc.

What Causes Baby Rash on Face?

Newborn babies have highly sensitive skin. This is because their immunity is still not very strong to withstand environmental irritants and any form of skin infection. These rashes occur due to certain maternal hormones that are passed on to the baby in the final stages of pregnancy. These hormones tend to increase production of oils by the oil glands of the skin and cause baby acne. Usually, these newborn acne go on their own, after few months. Allergic reaction towards food or medicines taken by the baby can be responsible for this problem. If the baby is still breast feeding, certain foods like nuts or citrus fruits taken by the mother, or some medications of the lactating mother, can cause baby rash.

Infantile Eczema
Infantile eczema also known as atopic dermatitis is reddish, dry and scaly in appearance. This is commonly found in babies; and is often triggered by rough fabric, harsh chemicals present in detergents and other kinds of skin allergens. Infantile eczema rash occurs primarily on the face and other regions like the head, chest, legs and arms. Mild skin care products should be used like a chemical-free soap, and moisturizer that contains olive oil. Using a mild detergent for washing clothes is necessary.

Baby Acne
Baby acne is a harmless bump on baby's face. It is pink in color and looks quite similar to a pimple. A baby may be born with acne due to exposure to the mother's hormones while still in the womb. In some cases, baby acne may appear two to four weeks after birth.

Impetigo
Impetigo is a highly contagious skin condition which gives rise to formation of raised red blisters on baby's face, nose and hands. Since this infection is highly contagious, it requires immediate antibiotic treatment, as soon as it is diagnosed.

Milia
Milia is a condition in which sweat glands are blocked. If your baby is experiencing tiny raised white boils on his face that do not cause irritation, they could be caused by milia. However, this condition does not require any cure, as the rashes disappear on their own after some time.

Dribble Rash
This rash appears due to excessive dribbling of saliva. The dribble rash develops around the mouth, on the chin area and in some cases, on the neck of the bay. Parents can prevent this rash by wiping the saliva from the skin from time to time.

Allergic Reaction
Allergic reactions to certain foods or medicines may also result in rashes on baby's face. Sometimes, foods consumed by breastfeeding moms can also cause rash in infants. In such cases, avoiding consumption of foods like citrus fruits or nuts by the mother would help in preventing rash.

Seborrheic Dermatitis
This condition causes rashes on face where the baby has hair and can spread to other regions like shoulders and neck. Seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by red bumps with yellow crusty scales on the scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes. This condition develops due to allergic reaction to some foods like baby formula.

Dry Skin
Sometimes, dryness may be causing rashes on face. Babies born late often face this problem, as the upper layer of skin becomes extremely dry.

Other Causes
Insect bites also turn into rashes. Heat rash is another common cause of skin rashes. Heat rashes cause red blisters or spots on the face as well as other body parts like neck and back. Apart from that, certain harmless conditions like Salmon patches, Erythema toxicum and Mongolian spots could also cause rash in newborns.

How to Treat Baby Rash on Face

The main aim of the treatment for eczema in babies is to provide relief from itching and skin irritation. Pediatrics often suggest use of hypoallergenic lavender balm to ease off this condition. Apply balm on the skin with the help of a cotton swab only. This will have a soothing effect on itching sensation and have a hydrating effect on the skin. For severe allergic rashes, hydrocortisone cream can be applied. Sometimes, antihistamine medicines are prescribed to control allergies and in a more extreme condition, steroid is administered. Blisters of impetigo rash have to be treated with antibiotics at an early stage or else, they may aggravate further. Do not apply any oils, lotions or acne treatment ointments on infant acne, as it may clog the skin pores and aggravate them even further.

Apart from these treatments, certain measures have to be taken, at home, to keep your baby's skin clean. Wash the skin with an organic or hypoallergenic wash and warm water, once a day. Do not rub it while washing. The dampness caused by saliva, sweating and milk often delays the healing of baby face rash. Therefore, try to keep their face as dry as possible. The materials for baby clothes, baby blankets and baby bedding should be made of cotton. Use a mild detergent, suitable for babies, to wash your baby's and your clothes. Use of humidifier in homes will also help the baby skin to remain hydrated.

Touching often worsens baby rash. Try to keep your baby's hands away from the cheeks. I know it is difficult, but you have to find out some ways for that. People have a tendency to squeeze baby cheeks, that should be strictly avoided. Keep a close watch on the condition of rashes. If you find any signs of aggravation, report that to your pediatrician.