Skin problems in infants are very common. The outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) is immature in the newborn, which causes the skin to be more susceptible to irritation and illness. Many skin problems are treated with over-the-counter medications and some need a prescription. Regardless of the diagnosis, parents should be aware of symptoms so that appropriate treatment can be started to relieve the child's discomfort.
Baby Acne
Acne in the newborn is also known as acne neonatorum. It affects roughly 20 percent of newborns and is caused by excess hormones passed through the placenta from the mother to the infant at the end of pregnancy. The excess hormones cause the oil glands in the skin to form bumps that look like pimples. This usually occurs around three to four weeks of age and affects males more often than females. The acne usually develops on the cheeks, forehead and chin and usually doesn't require treatment. Because the lesions can be aggravated by lotions and perfumed soaps, it's recommended that skin is cleansed once or twice daily with water and hypoallergenic baby soap only. Baby acne usually resolves in four to five months without any additional treatment.
Cradle Cap
Cradle cap, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is a condition that affects the scalp, but can also affect the face, ears, and groin area. A newborn's skin tends to be oily because of hormone imbalance, and cradle cap is the result of new skin cells attaching themselves to old skin cells due to the excess oil. It often appears between birth and four months, as yellow or white scales. Because cradle cap can cause the skin to itch, treatment is recommended to relieve the symptoms. Cradle cap usually resolves between three and six months of age. If it persists after the infant is six month old, additional treatment may be necessary.
Heat Rash
Heat rash, also known as prickly heat and milaria rubra, is a common skin disorder of infants. It is caused by clogged sweat glands because of fever or the baby being dressed too warmly. The rash looks like small red bumps and usually appears on the face, neck, trunk and diaper area. Heat rash usually resolves without treatment in two to three weeks without complications. Infection can occur if the rash is scratched, and heat exhaustion can occur if the child's temperature is not controlled.
Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is a common skin rash that occurs in infants and young children. Diapers trap moisture from urine, stool, and sweat and can cause the skin to become irritated. Repeated cleansing and drying of the skin can cause skin breakdown, increasing the risk of diaper rash. There are many types of diaper rash, including eczema, yeast infection, impetigo, seborrheic dermatitis, and intertrigo. Treatment depends on the type of diaper rash and symptoms. Diaper rash can best be prevented by promptly changing soiled diapers and washing and drying the area thoroughly. Even with the best prevention, diaper rash can still occur.
References
- Maternal-Infant Nursing Care; Elizabeth Jean Dickason, RN, MA, MEd, Bonnie Land Silverman, RNC, MS, NNP, Martha Olsen Schult, RN, MA; 1994.
- Newborn Rashes and Skin Conditions
