It can be frightening to a parent to find any kind of rash on their child. However, one of the most common medical problems that babies have is some form of rash. There are many different types of rashes that are common to babies, and although they can look serious, most do not require medical attention.
Cradle Cap
The medical name for cradle cap is Seborrheic Dermatitis. According to the Mayo Clinic, cradle cap usually resolves itself within a few months. Symptoms of cradle cap include dry, scaly patches on a baby's scalp that may be yellow or white. These patches cause the scalp to crust over. Some pediatricians will recommend a special scalp shampo to wash the baby's hair if the condition is particularly severe.
Milia
When dead skin cells become trapped beneath new skin growth, irritation occurs. This irritation appears as tiny white bumps on a baby's skin, which are called milia. The University of Maryland Medical Center states these bumps are most commonly found across the nose, cheeks, and chin. These bumps can sometimes be found in baby's mouth, as well.
Heat Rash
Heat rash is one of the most commonly seen rashes in newborns. When the skin's sweat ducts become clogged, perspiration becomes trapped under the skin and causes a rash. Itching and burning are common symptoms of heat rash.
Eczema
Eczema is commonly seen in infants between 2 and 6 months of age. It comes in the form of a severe, crusty rash that can cause lesions on the skin. According to Kids Health, eczema is sometimes referred to as the itch that rashes rather than the rash that itches. This is because the skin will become itchy before the rash ever develops.
Diaper Rash
Diaper rash occurs most often between the ages of 8 and 10 months of age, but can appear at any time the baby is in diapers. The reason for the rash is overexposure to a wet or dirty environment. The area that is diapered becomes red, swollen, and tender to the touch. The baby's legs, buttocks, and genital area will be affected. In order to reduce the irritation caused by the rash, the diaper should be left off for a period of time so the area can dry off.
Yeast Infection (Thrush)
Thrush is a yeast infection caused by Candida albicans, and shows up as white patches in the mouth and on the tongue. These patches could bleed if scraped. When infants develop thrush, the typical symptom that arrives first is trouble feeding or being fussy when feeding. The mouth will develop fluffy-looking white patches that seem to spread. Thrush can be passed on to the breast feeding mother, as well.
