Babies don't always look like the pure, soft-faced cherubs seen in baby food ads. Just like older children and adults, they are susceptible to skin problems. Some skin conditions are unique to babies, because their skin is delicate and they have been exposed to maternal hormones in the womb. Most of the time, baby skin conditions go away on their own, but parents should know how to care for their baby's skin and recognize when to take their little one to a pediatrician.
Causes
Baby skin problems are caused by a variety of external factors. For example, BabyCenter online says that common baby acne and flaky scales on the head (cradle cap) may be caused by maternal hormones or certain medications passed onto infants while still in utero. Neither of these conditions is thought to be caused by poor hygiene. Babies are also highly susceptible to a variety of rashes, caused by anything from allergies to excessive exposure to heat or moisture.
Allergies
Some baby skin problems are directly related to allergies. Hives, for example, are almost always the result of an allergy to a medication or food. Eczema is another skin condition related to allergies. Though eczema is scarcely caused by allergies, it may be aggravated by allergies.
Skin Care
Even if parents use the best soaps and pay special care to their baby's skin, that baby is still at risk of developing skin problems. Because no one formula is guaranteed to fully protect a baby's skin, Pregnancy.org suggests that parents should simply follow a "common sense" regimen that includes consistent cleansing of the diaper area, moisturizing dry skin in cool or arid climates and using products specifically designed for a baby's sensitive skin. Moreover, most babies don't need a daily bath because they aren't as active as toddlers and older children; excessive bathing is likely to dry infant skin.
When to Seek Medical Care
Parents should ask a pediatrician for advice if they are concerned about the appearance of their baby's skin. However, Pregnancy.org mentions that parents may want to wait until a well visit if their baby seems well aside from the skin problem. If the baby exhibits symptoms such as a fever or itching, parents should seek further evaluation.
Treatments
Many baby skin treatments call for extra home care rather than medications. For example, symptoms of cradle cap may be alleviated with consistent washing with baby shampoo and an application of baby oil. Heat rashes may subside if parents focus on clothing their baby in loose cotton clothing, and diaper rashes be alleviated with diaper-rash ointments and petroleum jelly. However, diaper rash may turn into a yeast rash, which appears as a flat red mark and red bumps. In this case, a pediatrician may prescribe an antifungal medication.
