Rashes in Babies

Babies may be born with perfect, spotless skin, but it does not remain so during the period of their growth. Rashes are something almost all parents will notice in their baby, at some point or the other. Some of the rashes are minor and heal quickly with the help of some care, but some may require to be treated for a while, before they leave the baby. These rashes are developed due to various factors and knowing the factors can help prevent the rashes or treat them, in case your baby develops them. Here are a few common types of rashes in babies.

Types of Rashes in Babies

Heat Rash - Miliaria
The sweat glands in infants and babies are highly underdeveloped, and their bodies cannot regulate their body temperature adequately. Due to this, they develop heat rashes or prickly heat. This can occur when they are bundled up, to keep them warm or when the atmosphere in their room is too warm or hot. Heat rashes appear in the form of small pink boils around the neck, on the chest and on the back, and may cause a lot of itching and discomfort. The rash can be cured by cooling the room, using loose cotton clothes for the baby and by applying calamine lotion and prickly heat powder.

Nappy or Diaper Rash
This is the most common skin rash, that babies tend to develop. This occurs when the baby diapers are not frequently changed, due to which the baby’s skin is in prolonged contact with bacteria, ammonia from the urine or feces, and moisture. The skin develops an irritation due to all these components and turns red. This might cause considerable itching and burning for the baby, in the area where the rash has developed. The best way to cure and prevent diaper rash is to keep the baby dry. Change the diapers frequently and allow the baby’s skin to breathe for a while, in between diaper changes. Use a mild powder before securing the diaper and if the rash persists after a few days, medical assistance may be required.

Milia
This type of skin rash develops in babies, due to blocked sweat glands. It is characterized by tiny white boils on the forehead, cheeks, chin and nose. These are harmless and disappear in a few days, even without treatment.

Cradle Cap
This kind of rash appears on the scalp and behind the ears of the baby. It has a dark, scaly appearance and is developed in new born babies, just a few weeks after birth. Cradle cap can be treated by loosening up the scales, by applying baby oil followed by shampooing. Do not use nails or forcefully try to remove the scales.

Drooling Rash
This is observed in those babies who drool excessively, especially when during the baby teething phase. The rashes appear around the mouth, under the chin and sometimes even on the neck. This can be treated by frequently cleaning the baby’s drool and keeping the areas prone to developing drooling rashes, clean and dry.

Thrush
Oral thrush usually develops inside the mouth of babies, due to an infection caused by candida yeast. This can also develop on the top of a nappy rash, if it is not treated appropriately. Medical assistance is needed to treat this kind of a rash, as it may also pass on to the mother, if she is breastfeeding the baby.

Eczema
Eczema or dermatitis is a kind of allergic rash, that babies can develop. They may develop either atopic eczema or seborrhoeic eczema. They are characterized by thick scaly skin and red, dry, itchy skin. This can be treated by keeping the baby’s skin well moisturized, avoiding the use of soap and keeping the baby off woolen and synthetic clothing.

Impetigo
This kind of rash is developed due to an infection caused by the bacteria known as Staph or Strep bacteria. The rash appears in the form of tiny red blisters on the face and hands. It is extremely contagious and needs immediate medical attention and treatment with antibiotics.

Fever Rash
A baby develops fever rash when it suffers from very high fever, over 103°F. The skin develops pink blotchy patches due to the heat in the body. This rash cures on its own, when the baby’s body temperature returns to normal. If the rash is persistent for a few days, medical attention may be needed.

For a few of the persistent common skin rashes in babies, it is always better to consult a medical practitioner, than trying a home remedy to cure it. Some of them are just a part and parcel of the baby’s new life and you need not worry much about them.