When a baby's smooth skin is speckled with a rash, parents may become worried. But, here's news to help you relax: Most skin rashes aren't serious or a major cause for concern. Of course, it's never a bad idea to have your pediatrician check it out for your peace of mind and your baby's health. Some rashes are common and easy to identify, and require simple at-home treatment---or sometimes no treatment at all.
Diaper Rash---Air It Out
This is the most frequent rash that strikes baby's tender skin, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, or NLM. It's easy to spot: it's red, irritated and appears in the diaper area. To treat it, the NLM suggests keeping baby's diaper area as dry as possible, being sure to swap out dirty diapers for clean ones promptly. Use alcohol-free wipes to clean baby's diaper area, and apply a diaper cream or ointment to help it heal and protect it from further irritation.
Heat Rash---Cool It Down
In hot and humid weather, baby's skin can become red and prickly with heat rash. The NLM recommends treating a simple heat rash by keeping baby out of the heat and avoiding applying any creams, lotions or ointments to her skin. It's also wise to dress her in lightweight, cotton clothing. You could also wipe her down with a cool cloth, keep her in the air conditioning or turn on a fan in the room to keep baby cool and comfy and help her rash clear up.
Baby Acne---Wash Gently
When those sweet cheeks are covered in a bumpy, inflamed rash across baby's face, the likely cause is baby acne. The NLM says that no real treatment is required for baby acne aside from keeping baby's face clean. Wash it with just water or a gentle soap made just for baby's skin.
Eczema---Moisturize
Eczema causes red, dry and itchy skin all over baby's body. The NLM notes that moisturizing is essential to treat baby's eczema. So, apply a rich cream or ointment to baby's skin regularly---and especially after a bath. Don't bathe baby too frequently (every two or three days is plenty), and make sure the water is only lukewarm. Also use a gentle, non-drying cleanser on baby's skin.
When to See a Doctor
If your baby's rash is alarming for you, it bothers baby or it's not getting any better, head to your pediatrician to have it checked out. The pediatrician can properly diagnose the skin rash and recommend any treatment necessary to help restore baby's smooth and healthy skin.
