A newborn baby's delicate skin can turn red and splotchy for a number of reasons, although most of these causes are harmless. If your baby develops other symptoms in addition to her rash, such as fever, congestion or difficulty breathing, contact your pediatrician right away.
Diaper Rash
Most babies will experience a diaper rash at some point, as the diaper area often comes into contact with moisture, ammonia and bacteria, and the diaper may rub against the skin, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center. Diaper rashes are red or pink in color. If the rash is caused by a yeast infection, it will appear red and raw and may bleed. Your pediatrician can prescribe an antifungal diaper cream to treat a yeast rash. You can prevent a rash from developing on your infant by changing his diaper frequently and making sure his diapers fit properly.
Acne
It is not uncommon for newborn babies to develop acne on their cheeks or chins, according to AcneNet, an informational website run by the American Academy of Dermatology. This happens as a result of hormonal changes and should clear up on its own in a couple of weeks. Wash your newborn's face with a soft cloth and gentle soap, but do not use any acne products on your baby's delicate skin. If the acne persists for more than a few weeks, consult your pediatrician to ensure it isn't a rash mimicking acne.
Milia
Milia is sometimes mistaken for acne, but is instead a cluster of dead skin cells underneath the surface of the skin. When infants develop milia-like cysts inside the mouth, which is not uncommon, they are referred to as "Epstein's pearls." Milia most often appears across the cheeks, nose and chin of a newborn baby. It is a harmless condition, does not require treatment and is not preventable.
Other Causes
Babies born in the summer or in warm climates can develop prickly heat in reaction to excessive heat or sweat. Some newborns may also develop hives, which are small, red, raised areas of skin that come and go. They may also develop small patches of "acne" anywhere on the body that also disappear and reappear randomly---this is a harmless condition known as erythema toxicum. There is no known cause for hives or erythema toxicum in newborns.
