As a new parent, every medical condition your baby experiences for the first time can be concerning. Unexpected rashes are no exception. Thankfully, many skin conditions in infants are common and harmless. This guide will help you understand which ones may require professional help.
Common Baby Rashes & Skin Conditions
Babies have sensitive skin. As such, they’re prone to a number of skin conditions. Here are some of the most common:
- Diaper Rash: Prolonged exposure to wet or soiled diapers can lead to red, irritated skin in the diaper area.
- Heat Rash: When your baby gets too warm, these small red bumps can appear in skin folds or where clothing fits snugly.
- Cradle Cap: Yellowish, scaly patches on the scalp, often appearing in the first few months of life.
- Eczema: These dry, itchy, red patches can appear anywhere on the body but often appear on the cheeks and in joint creases.
- Baby Acne: Small red or white bumps on the face, typically appearing within the first few weeks after birth.
- Milia: When skin flakes get trapped in skin glands, they can cause these tiny white bumps on the nose, chin, or cheeks.
- Erythema Toxicum: A common newborn rash consisting of small yellow or white bumps surrounded by red skin.
- Molluscum Contagiosum: These are flesh-colored bumps which, as the name implies, are contagious and spread through skin-to-skin contact.
Identifying Baby Rashes Correctly
Properly identifying baby rashes can help you know when to contact a professional. Here, we’ll explore two common sources of confusion among new parents.
Baby Acne vs. Rashes
Rashes and baby acne are easy to tell apart. Rashes can appear anywhere on the body, and the exact appearance can vary wildly, as we’ve seen above. Baby acne, on the other hand, typically appears on the face. It’s especially common on the cheeks, nose, and forehead. Baby acne bumps are small, red, and may have white heads.
Baby acne typically clears up on its own within a few months and doesn’t require treatment. However, if your baby has a rash that persists, spreads, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s best to consult a pediatrician.
Baby Acne vs. Milia
Of all the skin conditions we discussed above, milia is the easiest to confuse with baby acne. After all, they both appear as small bumps on the face. The appearance is the first giveaway. Baby acne consists of red bumps, and milia consists of white bumps. The timing can also be a clue. Milia typically occurs at birth or shortly after, while baby acne commonly occurs after the first few weeks of life.
Thankfully, both of these conditions are usually harmless and will clear up on their own without treatment. However, if either condition lasts longer than 6 months, it’s wise to contact a pediatric dermatologist.
When to Speak with a Dermatologist
Although many baby skin conditions are harmless and will clear up on their own, there are some that require professional help. Consider making an appointment with a pediatric dermatologist if:
- The rash is severe or spreads quickly
- The condition doesn’t improve with over-the-counter treatments.
- Your baby is irritable, seems uncomfortable, or has a fever.
- There is blistering, oozing, or excessive dryness and cracking on the skin.
- The condition persists for an extended period or frequently recurs.
- You don’t know the cause of the rash or how to properly treat it.
Book a Pediatric Dermatology Appointment Today
Your baby’s health is the most important thing, so if you have any concerns about a skin condition your baby is experiencing, don’t hesitate to contact a professional. Our pediatric dermatology specialists have extensive experience working with children, including newborns. We have several locations, so you can find one that’s convenient to you. To book an appointment, contact us today.
Image credit: FotoDuets, Shutterstock
