Bringing home an infant is an exciting time for new parents. Although as parents you always want your baby to be healthy and happy, there are a number of skin problems your infant may experience. Most infant skin problems are not life-threatening but may cause discomfort in your infant until the symptoms subside.
Types of Skin Problems
Erythema toxicum is a common rash that appears within one to two days after birth. This rash consists of tiny, firm, yellowish or white bumps that are surrounded by a ring of redness. These bumps are sometimes filled with fluid that looks like pus, but is not. This rash usually appears on your infant's chest, face, arms and legs.
Jaundice is another common condition in newborns and is described as a yellowing of your infant's skin and whites of their eyes.
Your infant may be born with vitiligo, which are white spots or patches that appear on your infant's skin.
Infantile eczema is also a skin problem that infants may experience. It is an itchy inflammation of your infant's skin and usually appears on the face and scalp but may appear in other areas such as the arms or behind the knees. Eczema appears as a red to brownish-gray colored itchy patch that may have small, raised bumps. These bumps may leak fluid and crust over if scratched. It is also accompanied by cracked or scaly skin.
Causes
According to KidsHealth, the cause of erythema toxicum is unknown, with no bacteria or viruses found in the rash area.
The cause of eczema is also unknown but, according to MayoClinic.com, it is likely due to dry, irritated skin and a malfunction of the body's immune system.
Jaundice is a result of excess bilirubin building up faster than your infant's liver can break it down and pass it through his body. Bilirubin is produced by the normal breakdown of your infant's red blood cells.
Vitiligo is caused from a loss of skin pigment in your infant's skin. Experts do not know why some infants may have this loss of skin pigment but think it may be an autoimmune disorder or genetic.
Effects
There are no health problems associated with erythema toxicum or vitiligo.
Jaundice needs to be controlled because, according to KidsHealth, bilirubin above 25 mg is considered high and may result in cerebral palsy, deafness and other forms of brain damage in your infant.
Eczema may result in skin infections from scratching and breaking the skin.
Treatment
Erythema toxicum often will disappear on its own within a week.
In mild levels of jaundice your baby's body normally will take care of the excess bilirubin on its own. High levels of jaundice require phototherapy, which involves a special light that helps your infant's liver get rid of the excess bilirubin.
There is no cure for vitiligo, but using sunscreen will help keep the other parts of your infant's body from tanning, which would make the light patches stand out more.
Treatment for eczema includes anti-itch creams and an antibiotic if your infant develops a bacterial infection of the skin. If you infant has eczema, keep him out of extreme temperatures and avoid skin irritants such as scratchy clothing or harsh soaps. Keep your child's skin lubricated with specially formulated creams and lotions.
Considerations
If you notice any change in your infant's skin after coming home from the hospital, you should contact your child's doctor. Although it is most likely not life-threatening, it is important to see your doctor to determine the cause of the skin change and find the treatment required to make your child comfortable.
