The care we take with babies is always tremendous. Any change in any part of their body or even in their behavior can cause concern and even panic in some mothers, especially those who have never been through similar situations before. This happens, for example, when we notice skin rashes on the baby, which can mean many different things and, for this very reason, we never really know what to do or what caused this change in their skin. For this reason, in today’s text we will talk about the types of rashes and skin conditions that a baby can have, as well as the treatments each one requires. Of course, seeing a doctor is essential, but it is also always good to have an idea of what is happening with your child both to be able to relieve possible itching and irritation and to alleviate the parents’ concerns.

Why Do Skin Rashes Occur?

The most common rashes in babies are known as miliaria and are characterized by small white dots that usually appear on the tip of the nose and chin, normally caused by the sweat glands. They occur in a baby’s first weeks and have a peak at around their third week of life, when the skin tends to become smoother. Of course, as we said, this is only a tendency and can vary a bit from baby to baby, with some even developing pimples similar to those most people have in adolescence or even adulthood. These pimples also usually disappear after the baby is two months old. In addition to miliaria, which are the most common lesions, there are also some diseases they can acquire that may cause rashes on the baby’s skin. Most rashes occur due to the mother’s hormones that are still circulating in the child’s blood. Despite this, miliaria and pimples do not usually bother or hurt babies, at most causing mild itching that passes quickly.

How to Deal with Skin Rashes in Babies?

It is not recommended for mothers to use any type of cream or ointment to relieve the rashes and pimples that a baby may have. This is because, as rashes on the baby’s skin are common, they tend to disappear on their own, even though some may take a little longer than others. If the baby’s skin is too oily to the point of causing more itching, the mother can wash the child several times a day with lukewarm water, always gently and carefully. However, other types of rashes on the baby’s skin may require treatment, whether they are based on medicinal herbs, ointments, or even medication.

WARNING: Before medicating your baby, consult a doctor to find out the correct treatment. Never make this decision on your own, as it may be harmful to the baby’s health.

Types of Baby Skin Rash

In addition to miliaria and pimples we’ve already mentioned, a baby’s skin can undergo some other changes in the first few months of life. That’s because the environment the child is in is very different from the intrauterine life their body was used to. For this reason, it is very common to see cases of dermatitis in babies. This skin sensitivity can last up to three years of age, when the child begins to fully get used to the outside environment. Some of the main external factors that can cause rashes on the baby’s skin are:

  • The use of certain clothes – Certain types of fabric, such as synthetic fiber for example, can irritate fragile skin and cause rashes to appear on a baby’s skin.
  • Heat – Often, excessive heat can make the baby’s skin irritated, especially during their first summers, when this type of weather and temperature are new for their body.
  • Contact with chemicals – Certain types of shampoos, perfumes, chlorine and even some soaps may end up irritating the baby’s skin. For this reason, it is always recommended to use products specific for each age group.
  • Food intake – Just as the baby’s skin is not fully used to the environment, the body isn’t either. Therefore, ingesting certain foods, especially processed ones, may cause skin reactions in the baby.

A baby’s skin is always very sensitive, so it is common for diaper rash to occur and you need to be prepared to deal with this type of situation. Moreover, contact with diapers can also cause reactions that lead to some rashes. These are not serious problems, but rather something that is part of daily life for all parents with babies. Parents’ worries when any change appears in their babies are always significant. Even more so when one of these changes appears as skin rashes on the baby and could mean many different things. But despite all this, it is necessary to stay calm and know that many times these small rashes are common and can appear because of the weather or the environment the baby is in, and they are not very dangerous. And even though there are some diseases as we also mentioned, a good doctor can recommend the best treatment so that the child doesn’t suffer too much and so parents can feel more at ease regarding skin rashes in babies. Also See: How to Remove Baby Cradle Cap? Photo: Vera Kratochvil