The delicate skin of a baby or toddler can be irritated in many different ways, sometimes mystifying the parents. Hormonal changes that occur directly after birth, along with viral infections and disruptions of the immune system, can cause skin problems in very young children. Many skin problems experienced by babies and toddlers resolve themselves without any specific treatment and only need time to heal.
Baby Acne
Baby acne is usually a short-term skin problem that develops within the first few weeks after birth, according to the Mayo Clinic. Hormones from the mother's body can wreak havoc on the infant, causing pimples to form on the baby's face. Though the skin condition can be unattractive, there is little need for treatment other than keeping the baby's face clean though normal washing with lukewarm water two to three times a day. Baby acne runs its course in a matter of weeks as the child's hormones even out.
Eczema
A type of eczema, atopic dermatitis, is a common skin problem for many young children. Dry, red, sometimes oozing, patches of skin develop in response to irritations and allergies. According to KidsGrowth.com, eczema is most often diagnosed within a child's first five years. As the child gets older, he might outgrow the skin condition, but for some people it remains a life-long challenge. Treatments for eczema might include diet adjustments if flare-ups occur after eating particular foods, topical medications to reduce inflammation and soothe itching, and antibiotics if open skin lesions develop into infections.
Cradle Cap
Infantile seborrheic dermatitis, better known as cradle cap, is another form of dermatitis that affects babies' scalps. The skin can become scaly, with thick crusty lesions, or it might appear greasy with yellow- or white-colored flakes, according to the Mayo Clinic. Most infants do not appear to be bothered by cradle cap and do not require treatment. However, you can remove the scales through gentle shampooing and combing the baby's hair. the condition usually resolves itself within several months. Consult your doctor about cradle cap that does not clear up; the condition might warrant treatment with an anti-fungal medication.
Impetigo
Babies and toddlers are prime candidates for impetigo, a bacterial skin infection that develops from a cut or scratch. Impetigo is very contagious, as reported by Babies Today, and is characterized by blisters that open and weep yellowish fluid that later becomes crusty. Some children develop impetigo after having another type of infection, such as strep throat. The American Osteopathic Association explains that impetigo can affect school-age children, as well as babies and toddlers, and is most prevalent in warm months. Treatment includes removal of the crusty material through soaks in lukewarm water. Parents can apply antibiotic ointment to the blisters as well.
Rashes
Rashes of many kinds affect babies and toddlers, and they range widely in appearance and cause. Diaper rash is a type of yeast infection to which children in this age group are prone. Diaper, which rash thrives in damp environments, can be treated with anti-fungal diaper creams. Skin rashes that stem from viral infection include the red-face of a child with roseola, which is accompanied by a high fever. Fifth disease is another skin problem that strikes young children; it also resolves itself once the virus has passed.
