Infants have very sensitive skin that is easily irritated by a number of factors, including chemicals, climate, clothing and allergens. This is why rashes are much more common in babies than in older children or adults. Rashes in infants are usually caused by a minor skin irritation but can also be the result of a virus or infection.
Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is a common skin condition that nearly all infants experience at one time or another, according to Healthwise, a website of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. The rash causes red skin that may look like a burn and affects the areas around the buttocks, genitals, thighs and abdomen. Reasons your baby gets diaper rash, include friction caused by rubbing of the diaper, irritation from urine, an allergic reaction to chemicals in the diaper material or bacteria in the stool. A yeast infection can also cause diaper rash, Healthwise reports.
Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is a scalp rash that is common in infants. It is caused by a buildup of sebum, or skin oil, and sloughed-off skin. Symptoms include yellow crusty or greasy patches on your baby's scalp. The Mayo Clinic states that cradle cap is most common in newborns and usually goes away within a few months. It is not considered a serious condition, and you can treat it at home with mild shampoo and mineral oil or petroleum jelly if necessary. However, you should contact your doctor if cradle cap does not resolve within a few months, as there are prescription treatments available.
Heat Rash
Heat rash, also called prickly heat or sweat rash, is common in babies during hot and humid weather. Prickly heat is caused by blocked sweat glands and appears as red, pink or clear dots that may look like tiny pimples. It most often occurs on the head, neck and trunk, according to Healthwise. Well-meaning parents often cause or exacerbate the rash by dressing their infant in clothes that are too warm for the conditions. The Mayo Clinic recommends dressing your baby in cool, lightweight clothing when it's hot outside and in layers when it is cooler, so you can quickly adjust if the temperature rises.
Eczema
Eczema causes dry, scaly patches of red skin that are often itchy. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, your child may be more prone to eczema if he has allergies or asthma, although it is common in children who don't have these conditions as well. You child also is more likely to have eczema if you or a family member have it.
