Newborn skin is sensitive and easily irritated. Treatment can be relatively simple, but first the cause must be determined. You can usually identify and treat a diaper rash without consulting the pediatrician. But other forms of skin irritations may require a trip to her office. The sooner you do that, the more quickly your baby will be soothed.
Types
Diaper rash, baby acne, eczema, dry skin, cradle cap, prickly heat and yeast infections are common causes of skin irritation in infants. Most of these conditions are not serious and resolve without a great deal of medical attention. In fact, you can relieve many of these conditions all by yourself.
Identification
Diaper rash presents as red skin that appears in the area of the diaper. Baby acne starts before birth and appears most often on the nose and cheeks during the first few weeks after birth. Eczema often begins on the baby's face and can also appear on the elbows, chest, knees and arms. This condition begins as a rash that dries thick and rough. Dry skin often peels. Cradle cap is a waxy rash on the face and scalp. Prickly heat manifests as small pink bumps. Yeast infections can appear as a white coat on the tongue and mouth or as red pimples in the diaper area.
Causes
Skin irritations in newborns have several causes. Diaper rash is caused by wet diapers left on the baby or sensitivity to specific diapers and wipes. Baby acne is the result of exposure to a pregnant mother's hormones. Eczema is a reaction to a trigger substance most common in babies with a family history of allergies. Dry skin is common shortly after birth and appears most frequently in late-term babies. Cradle cap is caused by excess production of oils in the scalp. Overheating is the main cause of prickly heat, especially when a baby is overdressed in cold weather. Yeast infections are a side effect of antibiotics.
Prevention/Solution
To treat diaper rash, leave the baby's bottom uncovered as much as possible, change diapers as soon as they are wet, clean the area with a warm and soft washcloth and apply anti-itch cream such as zinc oxide. Treat eczema by using hypoallergenic and gentle soaps on the skin and clothing. Reduce the dryness with gentle moisturizers. For cradle cap, wash your infant's scalp daily with a gentle shampoo. Consult a doctor if the condition does not improve in a few weeks, because treatment may require special shampoos, oils or creams. To treat prickly heat, keep your newborn in a cool and dry environment, wearing loose clothes. Dress your baby in layers so that clothing can be removed if the baby becomes overheated. Consult a doctor for anti-fungal medications to treat a yeast infection.
Considerations
Some sources of baby skin irritation usually clear up on their own and do not need specific treatment. In cases of baby acne and dry skin, the condition should resolve on its own. If your newborn experiences any of these skin irritations, watch the condition carefully and consult a pediatrician if the situation does not improve or worsens.
