Skin Conditions in Newborns

It never fails that I get a text from a new parent about their baby’s skin! Skin conditions in newborns are common and typically nothing to be concerned about. However, most parents expect their baby to be soft and smooth. Unfortunately, this isn’t always or even typically the case.

Baby Acne

Let’s get into this one because it’s the most common, and parents usually get the most concerned! This is actually a recent image from a Newborn Care Specialist…who knows ALL the things about newborns, but still reached out asking if this was normal.

Baby acne is typically a reaction to the birth mother’s hormones. It peaks around 2-4 weeks after birth. It typically does not bother the baby.

The only true treatment is time. However, here are some things that can help:

• A thin layer of fresh breastmilk
• Gently wiping with a clean washcloth 1-2x a day
• Breastfeeding parent taking probiotics and limiting dairy

Eczema

Eczema is not the same as baby acne. Baby acne comes and goes on its own. Eczema typically has a cause. It might be an allergy, intolerance, sensitivity or digestion issue. This is typically uncomfortable for your baby and can be sad to witness.

Things to consider that might be causing eczema:

• Breastfeeding parent eating something that the baby is not digesting correctly [typically dairy gluten or eggs]
• Something in the formula that the baby is not digesting correctly [typically dairy gluten or eggs]
• Environmental factors such as the detergent on clothes or sheets. Perfume or lotion that the caregiver uses. Or any creams or bathing products that are used on the baby.

Things that can help eczema:

• Figuring out the cause
• A humidifier
• A moisturizing barrier cream [Tubby Todd is a fan favorite]
• Keeping the face clean and dry [eczema skin can be very reactive]
• Probiotic
• A prescription cream may be recommended by your doctor. This is a temporary bandaid and typically not a cure

Cradle Cap

Cradle cap is essentially a scaly build up of skin cells on your baby’s head. I’ve seen cradle cap continue on children even to preschool and kindergarten.

This can be itchy and uncomfortable, and you need to get the flakes off. Depending on who you are this can be a very satisfying process!

Step one: Moisturize

You want the flakes to be very moisturized and easy to remove. You can slather the baby’s head in oil or vaseline and rub it in. You can put a hat on over the cream/oil and wait an hour or two. Technically you could use anything- I prefer coconut oil because it is antimicrobial and can help soothe, but if there are any potential allergy concerns you may want to use olive oil or jojoba oil.

Step two: Remove

Once the flakes are essentially…mush, you gently rub them off. I don’t recommend using nails as you can scratch the baby’s skin. I prefer to use a baby wash cloth or a baby brush to loosen it from the head..and then use a fine tooth comb to work it out of the hair. Do not push the comb into the baby’s head as their skin is very thin. This is a slow and careful process

Step three: Repeat

You may need to do this process multiple times, on multiple days. Some babies have cradle cap for long periods of time and need to be de-scaled weekly so it doesn’t build up.

Milia

Milia are tiny white bumps that appear across a baby’s nose, chin or cheeks. It’s usually from birth but can appear after as well. Milia are common in newborns but can occur at any age.

There is no treatment or cure, it will go away over time. It’s not a big deal and usually not noticeable. But when parents do notice bumps on their baby they tend to get concerned!

Diaper Rash

Diaper rashes are a whole other beast! Learn about how to diagnose, treat and prevent in our other blogs.

Other Rashes Not Covered

• Measles [distinctive rash covering entire body]
• Hand foot and mouth [Virus with bumps that open to sores typically in hands and on foot and mouth but can also be in diaper area/torso]
• Teething rash [redness around mouth and cheeks]
• Viral Rash [unexplained rash typically torso/full body. Usually accompanied with other symptoms]
• Chicken Pox [raised bumps starting on torso]
• Roseola [Baby will have high fever and then torso rash]

Want to learn more about skin conditions in newborns? Or anything else newborn?! We’d love to teach you. @ Babycareclasses.com