Baby rashes are mild allergic reactions or skin conditions that develop immediately after birth or while your baby is still under the age of one. These skin disorders or allergies cannot be treated with regular medications that are designed for and tested on adults. Knowing what causes baby rashes allows you to take precautions and avoid unnecessary concerns that may arise when your baby shows signs of a rash.
Infant Acne
Infant acne usually starts appearing in babies who are at least a month old, notes the Mayo Clinic. White and red bumps appear on your baby's cheeks and forehead, then disappear automatically after 3 to 5 months without leaving behind any traces. Infant acne is caused by an allergy your baby develops when she is exposed to different body hormones in the womb. Infant acne can also appear in your baby if she is being breast fed.
Infantile Eczema
Atopic dermatitis, also known as infantile eczema, is an allergic reaction during which your baby's skin becomes itchy and can swell, crack, become red or ooze a clear liquid. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) estimates that 10 to 20 percent of children develop this condition. It most commonly affects children under age 5. Avoiding scented soaps and cleansers will help your baby to stay away from this allergy.
Diaper Rash
A diaper rash is an allergic reaction that occurs when your baby is kept for a long period in a wet or soiled diaper. Diaper rash is characterized by red and scaly skin where it contacts the diaper. When the rash gets infected, it becomes brighter and leads to swollen skin. This irritation may also be caused by some brands of soap or disposable diapers.
Stork Bites
Popularly known as angel kiss or salmon patch, stork bite is a common temporary birthmark that is usually pink and flat. Dilation or stretching of blood vessels under the skin causes stork bites. Your baby may be born with it as a birthmark or it may develop a few months after birth. These marks commonly occur on the back of the neck, forehead, nose, upper lip and eyelids.
Mongolian Blue Spots
Mongolian blue spots are congenital blue or bluish-gray marks that appear on your baby's skin. These non-cancerous skin markings are not associated with any disease and are often mistaken for bruises. These spots are flat and pigmented cuts with indistinct borders and asymmetrical shapes. They are found at the spine's base or on the buttocks, and they may appear immediately after the birth or a short time later. Commonly found in dark-skinned babies, particularly those of African, East Indian and Asian descent, these spots usually fade away in a few years without any treatment.
