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Baby rashes
A baby’s skin is delicate and can easily break into rashes in response to various irritants. Rashes on a baby’s skin may be caused by miliaria, baby oil or soaps, viruses, bacteria, fungi, excessive dryness, moisture, insect bites, food allergy and exposure to heat and sun.
A baby’s skin is delicate and can easily break into rashes in response to various surrounding irritants. Most of these rashes do not need treatment. These go away on their own or with the application of over-the-counter creams.
Rashes on a baby’s skin may be caused by any of the following
- Miliaria or sweat rash
- Sensitivity to baby oil or soaps
- Bacteria
- Virus
- Fungi
- Excessive dryness
- Moisture
- Insect bites
- Food allergy
- Exposure to heat or sun
The most common disorders that present with a rash in a baby include
- Erythema toxicum: This is a common newborn rash. The cause is unknown. This rash doesn’t need any treatment and it disappears within a few days.
- Diaper rash: Diaper rash can be recognized by red areas formed on the baby’s bottom. Clean the area every time the diaper is changed and wipe it dry. Over-the-counter creams can help soothe the rash.
- Cradle cap: Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition that occurs in newborns often due to the transfer of maternal hormones to the babies. In babies, it is referred to as cradle cap. Cradle cap is characterized by greasy, yellowish crusts on the scalp. Additionally, the rash may also be found on the face, behind the ear area and neck \. This condition needs medical treatment.
- Neonatal acne: Acne can affect not only teens and adults ,but also babies. Exposure to maternal hormones in the womb is the most likely cause. It does not need treatment and it usually subsides on its own within a few months.
- Insect bites: Bites of insects, such as mosquitoes, bees and bedbugs, can produce a rash that can be itchy, painless or painful depending on the insect bite.
- Food allergy: The baby may be allergic to foods such as eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy.
- Baby milia: Baby milia is a common skin rash that affects about 40 to 50 percent of newborns. The rash is in the form of multiple tiny white or yellow bumps that are about one to three millimeters in size. They are typically found on the face, particularly around the eye and nose. They are caused by blocked oil glands.
- Eczema: Eczema is characterized by red, itchy patches that develop anywhere on the trunk and lower and upper limbs. It is caused by dry, sensitive skin. The doctor will evaluate the baby’s rash and prescribe medication, such as moisturizer and steroid cream.
- Prickly heat: Also known as heat rash, prickly heat looks like small red bumps. Typically, areas that are prone to sweating get this rash. The neck, diaper area and armpits are the most common areas. To prevent the rash, dress the baby in loose-fitting clothing and always keep the baby in a cool and comfortable surrounding.
- Fifth disease (or erythema infectiosum): Fifth disease is a viral illness that causes rash and fever in children, including babies. The rash is often red and typically appears on cheeks. Additional signs and symptoms include runny nose and headaches.
- Candidiasis: Candidiasis is a fungal infection that can develop anywhere in the body, especially in moist or hidden areas, such as the groin region. It can also be found in the mouth (oral thrush) and look like dried milk.
- Hand, foot and mouth disease: Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common rash that appears in children younger than five years of age. The red rash appears on the skin near hands, feet or mouth and may blister. Other symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease include
- Fever
- Mouth sores
- Soreness in throat
- Loss of appetite
- Sixth disease (or roseola): Roseola is a self-limiting viral infection that most often affects kids six months of age to two years old. The condition is highly contagious and spreads through coughing, sneezing or touching infected surfaces.
Other less common causes of rash in babies include
If the baby develops a rash with other symptoms, such as a cold, sore throat, poor feeding, lethargy and swelling of the face and hands, visit the doctor as soon as possible to get diagnosed and treated early.