Skin rashes commonly occur in infants and can have a variety of causes. Most types are harmless and disappear on their own, but their presence can be a significant source of concern for parents.
Erythema Toxicum Neonatorum
In the January 2008 issue of the "American Family Physician," Dr. Nina O'Connor, reports that erythema toxicum affects 40 to 70 percent of newborns, making it the most common type of pustular, or pimple-like, rashes in this age group. This condition presents as 2 to 3 mm flat red splotches with a pustule in the middle, usually found on the face, trunk and extremities.
Erythema toxicum appear at birth or during the next few days of life, though rarely past the 5th day. The cause remains unknown but the rash usually disappears without treatment in 7 to 14 days, according to the National institute of Health, or NIH.
Diaper Rash
The Merck Manual defines diaper rash, or diaper dermatitis, as a bright red rash caused by prolonged skin contact with urine or stool. Other causes include a yeast infection or an allergic reaction to diapers.
Diaper rash affects more than half of all infants, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, or AAP, presenting most often when babies begin to eat solids. They occur less commonly in breastfed babies because their stools contain fewer substances that can irritate the skin.
Cradle Cap
Cradle cap, or seborrheic dermatitis, occurs very commonly in infants during the first 3 months of life. Characterized as yellow greasy, scaling or crusty patches, it occurs most often on the scalp and occasionally in the skin folds. Cradle cap is harmless and usually clears up on its own.
Eczema
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common inflammatory skin condition that usually affects children with a family history of eczema or other kinds of allergies. It may appear as itchy, red, small bumps or patches on the cheeks, forehead or scalp. The rash later spreads to the arms and trunk, and often affects the skin on the inner elbows and behind the knees. The AAP states that 60 percent of babies who have eczema will outgrow it, but others will experience it as a chronic, life-long condition.
Heat Rash
According to the NIH, blocked pores leading to the sweat glands can cause heat rash or prickly heat. These appear as small red or clear bumps, usually on the baby's neck or back. Heat rash commonly appears during hot, humid weather and disappears on its own.
Baby Acne
Baby acne, or acne neonatorum, appears as white or red bumps on a baby's cheeks and forehead. Dr. O'Connor's article states that this condition results from glandular stimulation by maternal or infant hormones and the rashes usually disappear spontaneously within four months with no scarring.
Milia
Milia are small, white, pearly bumps that commonly occur on the face, and occasionally found on the trunk, limbs and penis. It disappears spontaneously without treatment, usually within the first month of life.
