Parents are usually concerned when their newborn has any type of scratch, rash or discomfort. Although any type of skin problem may cause concern, most newborn skin problems will disappear on their own without any treatment. Newborn skin problems are very common and are not life-threatening.
Types
Diaper rash is a common skin problem among newborns. It will cause your baby's skin to become red, scaly, tender and sore.
Erythema toxicum, or ETN, is a harmless rash appearing on at least half of all full-term infants. This rash usually appears within one to two days after birth and consists of tiny firm bumps that are yellowish or white and surrounded by a ring of redness. This rash is found on your newborn's face, chest, arms and legs.
Cradle cap is a common skin problem for newborns. It consists of scaly patches on the baby's scalp. These patches can be crusting with white or yellow scales.
Baby acne is small red bumps or pustules on your newborn's cheeks, chin and forehead. This is a common skin problem in newborns that usually develops within the first three to four weeks after birth and is more common in boys.
Causes
Diaper rash is usually due to your baby's skin being irritated by soiled or wet diapers left on for too long or because of certain detergents, soaps or baby wipes on sensitive skin. The plastic on diapers prevents air circulation, creating a moist environment where fungi and rashes can thrive. New foods your baby may be eating can also lead to diaper rash as well as diarrhea, which makes a diaper rash worse.
According to the website KidsHealth, the cause of ETN is unknown because there is no bacteria or viruses found in the rash area. Sometimes, the rash contains pus-like fluid and this fluid only contains harmless blood cells. This rash is not contagious.
The cause of cradle cap is unknown but, according to MayoClinic.com, it may be due to hormones that pass from the mother to baby before birth. These hormones may cause an abnormal production of oil in the hair follicles and oil glands. Another cause may be a fungus called malassezia that grows in the sebum with bacteria.
The hormonal changes occurring in a mother during pregnancy is usually the cause of baby acne.
Prevention
The best prevention for diaper rash is to keep your baby's skin as dry as possible and change diapers often. You should occasionally soak your baby's bottom in warm water between diaper changes and allow your baby's skin to completely dry before putting on another diaper. Diapers should be put on loosely to prevent chafing.
ETN is harmless, and there is no way to prevent it.
Prevention for cradle cap includes shampooing your newborn's hair with a mild baby shampoo every few days.
There is no way to prevent baby acne. To keep the symptoms under control, you should keep your baby's face clean, dry the face gently and avoid using lotions or oils on your baby's skin.
Treatment
According to KidsHealth, diaper rash will usually clear up by keeping your child's skin clean and dry. Cream and ointments containing zinc oxide or petroleum will also help to soothe the skin and protect it from moisture. Diaper rash will usually disappear within two to three days.
ETN is not associated with any other problems, and when the rash disappears your newborn will feel completely well. Since the rash is harmless, it does not require any medical treatment.
Cradle cap will usually resolve itself within a few months. Washing your baby's scalp daily with a mild shampoo may help to remove the scales.
No medical treatment is needed for baby acne because it usually disappears on its own within several weeks. If it lingers for longer than normal, your doctor may recommend a medicated cream or other treatment.
Considerations
It is important to contact your doctor if you feel your baby has a skin problem that is getting worse instead of better over time.
If diaper rash persists or if sores appear on your baby's skin, you should contact your doctor. You doctor may recommend an anti-fungal cream, antibiotic ointment or mild steroid to help with the diaper rash.
If your newborn's cradle cap persists or becomes more severe, your doctor may suggest a medicated shampoo or other treatment.
