Rashes are characterized by inflammation that can make the skin red, warm, bumpy, itchy or scaly. MedlinePlus, an online medical encyclopedia sponsored by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, reports that most rashes that affect infants are relatively harmless and usually clear up without medical treatment. Several types of skin rashes can be caused by an infection, irritation or allergy.
Diaper Rash
The most common type of rash that affects babies is diaper rash, according to MedlinePlus: The majority of babies who wear diapers will get diaper rash. A damp and dirty diaper can induce this irritation. Diaper rash also can result from an overgrowth of the fungus Candida, a normal fungus present on virtually every person's body. Overgrowth of Candida can occur in the area of skin underneath a diaper, because this fungus grows best in warm, moist places. The symptom of this type of diaper rash is red skin with small bumps, commonly appearing at the outer edges of the rash. Diaper rash is most common in babies who wear a dirty diaper for a very long time, who are taking antibiotics and/or who have frequent bowel movements. Diaper rash caused simply by irritation requires no treatment other than attempting to keep the baby's diapers dry; diaper rash caused by an overgrowth of Candida requires treatment with medication.
Erythema Toxicum
The Nemours Center for Children's Health, a nonprofit organization that provides information to promote healthy kids, reports that erythema toxicum is a common rash occurring in 50 percent of newborns that were born full-term. Erythema toxicum causes tiny, firm bumps that are yellowish or white, surrounded by a red ring. Sometimes no bumps appear, and only a red patch on the skin distinguishes the rash. This rash generally appears one to two days after birth and disappears when the baby is about a week old. The cause does not appear to be infectious, as no virus, bacteria or fungus can be found in the region of the rash. And because an infectious agent does not cause it, this rash does not need medical treatment.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as cradle cap, is a type of rash that usually occurs on a baby's head. The skin of the scalp becomes dry and flaky, according to the University of Michigan Health System. If the rash becomes severe, the skin may feel itchy, burning and have greasy scales that cover red areas of the scalp. This rash is not caused by an infectious agent but may be a type of allergy. This rash usually clears by the time the infant is 6 months old.
