5 Newborn Skin Conditions You Need to Know About

Knowledge Partner: 

Even the most common newborn skin conditions can bother you new mommies and we totally understand your apprehension! After all, this is about your little precious person!

You however need to understand, that your baby’s tender skin is only just adapting from the water-based environment of your womb to the dryer environment after birth and the transition isn’t immediate.

Your baby’s skin is still developing and is far more delicate than yours. Even though baby skin can absorb moisture at a faster rate than yours, it can lose it faster too – leaving your baby’s skin prone to dryness. Plus, the baby’s immune system is yet to develop which makes them more susceptible to infections.

Baby Acne

Baby acne is pretty common and approximately 20 percent of babies experience it, as a result of immature sweat glands. So if you see a spot on your baby, you need not panic! These acne spots appear in the form of small white pimples, whiteheads, even rashes on the face, specially the nose and chin. But the good news is, they aren’t itchy and won’t bother the baby.

More often than not, it resolves itself in the first few months without treatment but if your baby’s acne seems severe, it’s always better to ask your pediatrician.

Skin Peeling

During the first few days, you might notice that your newborn’s skin peels slightly, especially on the palms and on the soles closer to the ankles. This is perfectly normal, especially if your baby was born past the due date. After a few days, the peeling will disappear on its own. You can however, ask your doctor if using a baby ointment or moisturizer can help.

Eczema & Dry Skin

Eczema is a condition when dry patches appear on your baby’s skin in the form of rashes. This rash is itchy and might look like dry, thickened, scaly skin. It can also be made up of tiny red bumps that ooze. Either way, it is important to recognize it so it can be treated well. This is when you absolutely need a doctor’s intervention.

Cradle Cap

Some babies have cradle cap or seborrheic dermatitis – a skin condition that looks like crusty or scaly patches on the scalp or eyebrows. This again is a common condition that can surface in the first few weeks of your baby’s life and might last for several weeks, even months. Fortunately, it usually resolves completely between the 8th and 12th month of your baby’s life. 

Meanwhile you can use a trusted baby oil or moisturizer and gently massage it onto the patches to soften and remove the flakes.

Diaper Rash

Most babies experience diaper rash at some point. Even though these rashes mostly resolve on their own, they can irritate your baby. This is when you can resort to diaper rash creams or skin care wipes.  

If you still have concerns, it’s best to speak to your doctor.

*Caring for Your Baby’s Skin Means So Much More

You might not read much into it, but your regular and routine touch can prove critical to your baby’s growth. Babies can actually recognise and react to familiar touch and scents, which paves way for healthy development and lasting memories!

Explore the entire collection of articles: Baby’s Health

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