Common Newborn Skin Issues and How to Handle Them
Newborn skin is extremely delicate. It’s extremely common for newborns to develop some kind of skin condition when they are young, and it’s not because you’re doing anything wrong. In fact, most babies will have one, or even more skin conditions over the first year of their life, and it’s not something that you need to panic about.
The most important thing that you can do here is to educate yourself on the different skin issues, and understand what to do if they arise. Of course, you can speak to a doctor if you are concerned, but many newborn skin issues can be sorted by you at home. So, that’s what we’re going to be focusing on today. If you would like to know more about the common newborn skin issues and how to handle them, stay with us.
Nappy Rash
The most common newborn skin condition is nappy rash. This is seen quite regularly, but can be combatted so you don’t need to worry too much. Nappy rash is caused by moisture, wee, or poo being on the skin for a period. As we’ve mentioned, newborn skin is very sensitive, so even a few minutes regularly can cause nappy rash in your child. The same can be said for sweat in the area, or if there is any moisture leftover from a wipe.
How can you combat this? You can change the nappy promptly and regularly to ensure that there is less of a chance for moisture build-up. You can also try using water free wipes, or unscented wipes to avoid excess moisture.
If your baby has a nappy rash which you will see with inflamed red skin, clean the area thoroughly, pat it dry, and then apply a soothing cream to help the skin heal.
Baby Acne
Baby acne is another common condition, and yet a lot of people don’t seem to realise just how common it is. This is where little white or red spots appear on your baby’s body, usually on their cheeks, forehead, and chin. They are not dangerous, they do not hurt the baby in any way, shape or form, so don’t panic about this. Parents often wonder if the baby acne is bothering their little one, but in most cases the answer is no.
So, what can you do about this skin issue? Not a lot to be honest, it usually clears up on its own in a few weeks. The best option is to just keep cleaning your baby with water, ensure that you’re not scrubbing anything on them, and allow the skin to sort itself.
Dry Skin
Dry and peeling skin is a common newborn skin issue, but we can understand why it might set off the alarm bells. If you see your newborn's skin peeling, you might start worrying that you’ve done something wrong, but this is not the case. This is particularly common to see in babies that were born slightly late, and it will generally resolve itself over time as the skin adapts.
What you need to do though is make sure that you’re not bathing them too frequently. Due to the fact that newborn skin is delicate, frequent baths are not good for them. You can destroy the skin barrier if you’re not careful, which is the last thing that you need.
A good idea would be to gently rub a mild emollient cream on the areas, which you can get from a doctor or a pharmacy.
Eczema
This one we’re sure that you’ve heard of because adults can have eczema as well. Baby eczema though is categorised by dry, scaly, itchy red patches on the skin. They are commonly seen on the face and the joints in babies, so that is something for you to look out for. Again, this is a relatively common newborn skin issue, and not anything to panic about.
To handle eczema, you should be using moisturising products designed specifically for sensitive skin as this is gentle enough to soothe the area. It also helps to repair any damage that is done, helping your baby to be more comfortable.
If eczema persists, it might be worth booking an appointment with your doctor, or bringing it up when you next see your midwife just to be on the safe side.
Heat Rash
Another common newborn skin issue you may find yourself contending with is heat rash. This one is particularly common in the summer as your baby is going to sweat more. Generally, heat rash is found in folds in the skin, but it can be found all over the body so try not to be too alarmed. They are small pink or red bumps, and they can look alarming but try not to get worked up about this.
To handle this, you should cool the baby as best you can, remove any excess clothing that they don’t need, and allow the skin to breathe. Wash down with cool (not cold) water, and they will go away over a few days.
Cradle Cap
Last but by no means least, we’re going to mention cradle cap. This newborn skin issue is extremely common and is seen by flakes or scaly looking pieces of skin on the top of the head. Ensure that you are gently washing the area and using a soft brush to try and loosen the flakes as this will help you get rid of it.
There are dedicated shampoos that you can purchase to help with this if this is something you’re interested in.
Try To Stay Calm
We hope that this has highlighted to you how common newborn skin conditions are, and that there is no need to panic. We know it’s hard when it seems as though there is something wrong with your baby, especially if you feel as though you had something to do with it. Just remember that their skin is slightly different to ours at this age, and all you can do is your best. As long as you’re remaining vigilant and tackling issues as they arise, you’re on the right track.
