How To Avoid Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is often caused by irritation to the skin due to contact with urine, stool, and detergent. Sometimes it can be caused by yeast infections, bacterial infections, or even due to an allergy to diaper material. In general, most diaper rashes can be prevented by changing diapers when they are wet or soiled and allowing the diaper area to dry between changes. Using a topical barrier cream or ointment such as zinc oxide or A& D ointment can help. Diaper rash creams and treatments are available if recommended by your pediatrician.
Newborn Skin Soaks Up Calming Touch
Giving your newborn a massage is important one-on-one time. Like cuddling, a massage is a way to convey your love and affection for your baby. In fact, research shows that a baby’s very survival depends on being touched by others — as touch triggers hormones, boosts immunity, and helps fight disease. Also, massaged babies are calmer, sleep better, and cry less — every parent’s dream!
There’s no special technique to massaging a baby. Find a carpeted floor in a warm room. Simply lay baby on a soft blanket or fabric. Get a little baby oil or a gentle lotion. Warm it in your hand. Then gently massage baby’s chest and tummy — using a gentle yet firm touch. Try to make eye contact and talk to your baby. Sing softly.
If there’s any fussing, baby may not be ready for a massage. Or the massage may be too forceful, so use a gentler touch. It’s the time spent together that’s most important.
Why Does Peeling Dry Skin Occur
A newborns appearance including their skin can change a lot within the first few weeks of life. Your babys hair can change colors, and their complexion may become lighter or darker.
Before leaving the hospital or within days of coming home, your newborns skin may also begin flaking or peeling. This is completely normal for newborns. Peeling can occur on any part of the body, like the hands, soles of the feet, and ankles.
Newborns are born covered in various fluids. This includes amniotic fluid, blood, and vernix. Vernix is a thick coating that protects a babys skin from amniotic fluid.
A nurse will wipe fluids off a newborn shortly after birth. Once the vernix is gone, your baby will begin to shed the outer layer of their skin within 1 to 3 weeks. The amount of peeling varies and depends on whether your baby was premature, delivered on time, or overdue.
The more vernix a baby has on its skin at birth, the less they may peel. Premature babies have more vernix, so these newborns often peel less than a baby born at or after 40 weeks.
In either case, some dryness and peeling after birth are normal. Skin flaking will go away on its own and doesnt usually require special care.
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Eczema Or Atopic Dermatitis
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a pruritic rash that occurs in response to a specific exposure or allergy. It is generally seen in children over 3 months of age and appears most commonly on the scalp, face, trunk, extremities , and even in the diaper area. Infant atopic dermatitis treatment is focused on avoiding the trigger and then allowing the skin to “heal.” This may include using moisturizers and even topical steroids.
Can You Prevent Newborn Dry Skin
The simple answer is no, you cannot always prevent newborn dry skin.
Because your newborns dry skin is often the result of your babys body adjusting to a new environment and new hormones, theres not much you can do to stop it from happening. Your babys body simply needs time to adapt.
You can, however, keep your baby comfortable while theyre experiencing dry skin and ensure that it doesnt get worse by following our expert tips listed below.
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Dress Your Newborn In Loose Soft Fabrics
Dress your newborn in loose, soft fabrics to prevent their dry skin from becoming more irritated. Even well-moisturized skin can react badly to tight, rough fabrics. It is vital to choose clothing, blankets, sheets, and even plush toys that won’t cause friction on your baby’s delicate skin.
Try choosing cotton clothing when possible, like our Stelatopia Skin Soothing Pajamas. Specially designed for babies with dry or eczema-prone skin, these pajamas provide soothing comfort all night long.
Its also important to avoid using harsh detergents and softeners when washing your babys clothing and bedding. Instead, opt for natural products to avoid irritating your little ones already dry skin.
Adjust Your Shampoo Schedule
Shampooing your babys hair not only removes dirt and oil from their delicate strands, but it helps remove excess dirt and oil from their scalp, too. The amount of times you shampoo your babys scalp can vary based on their condition, though.
For cradle cap, shampooing daily can help remove oil and loosen the flakes on your babys scalp. All other causes of dry scalp may benefit from shampooing every other day to avoid excess dryness.
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Cut Out Unnecessary Chemicals
Many chemicals in skincare and cleaning products are harmful to the skin, so, its best to avoid them as much as possible.
Perfumes and scented products can especially irritate your babys skin and trigger a flare-up. Try using special soaps or laundry detergent, which are milder for your babys skin.
If your baby has sensitive skin but soap is really necessary, try Dr. Bronners Pure-Castile Liquid Soap. As it isnt tear-free, I suggest keeping it away from babys eyes, but it will soften and moisturize the skin without harsh perfumes.
You could also try washing your clothes with the Puracy liquid detergent, which is plant-derived and contains no harsh chemicals. If you prefer unscented products, try Mollys Suds, a natural powder detergent, gentle on clothes for sensitive skin.
Treat And Prevent Dryness In Your Babys Diaper Area
Your babys diaper area is especially susceptible to dry skin because of all the activity going on down there! Diaper changes can be a lot for newborn skin to handle, so its important to give the skin some extra TLC with gentle products.
After using our Soothing Cleansing Wipes, reach for Mustela’s Liniment to cleanse and soothe babys delicate skin. This creates a moisture barrier that provides long-lasting hydration between diaper changes.
After your little one is all cleaned up, use our Diaper Rash Cream 1 2 3 to relieve and recover your babys skin. This 3-in-1 product helps soothe irritated skin and prevent diaper rash, leaving your baby with smooth, moisturized skin.
We also recommend our Diaper Cream with Olive Oil and Aloe. This easy-to-apply formula is EWG Verified and soothes and diminishes redness at every diaper change.
Our Certified Organic Cotton Wipes with Water are also great for cleaning and caring for delicate newborn skin.
All of Mustelas products are clinically tested to be hypoallergenic and safe for use on newborns, babies, and children alike. So dont be afraid to use our products on your whole family!
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Prickly Heat Skin Irritation
Prickly heat is also known as miliaria rubra. It is due to a sweat gland dysfunction. Prickly heat in a baby appears on the neck, diaper area, armpits, and any skinfolds most likely to be prone to increased sweating. The rash may itch as well. Keep the infant cool and it’s likely the baby will avoid this reaction. In most cases, prickly heat resolves within a couple of days, but speak to a pediatrician about other options if it persists.
Causes Of Dry Baby Skin
Sometimes, babies are born with dry skin. This is most common in babies who are born after 40 weeks gestation. Generally, dry skin improves after birth, especially when the skin is moisturised.
One reason for babies developing dry skin is that they are spending time in air that is either dry, cold, or heated. These conditions remove moisture from the skin. Salt water or chemicals like chlorine or salt used in pools can also be drying.
Many babies also develop dry lips, and in newborns, dry lips are not uncommon. There is no special treatment for dry lips, other than making sure the baby is feeding well and they are not dehydrated. Dry lips can sometimes result from friction caused during feed times.
Another cause for dry skin may be too much bathing. As much as we love bathing our newborns, too much bathing can remove important natural oils from the surface of the skin.
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Whats Causing My Newborns Skin To Peel
While in gestation, your baby is surrounded by something called amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid helps to protect your infant while in the womb. It also helps to pass nutrients from mother to child.
Around the 20th week of gestation, a thin layer of protective wax forms on the outside of your babys skin. This waxy outer layer is called vernix. Interestingly, the official name for vernix is vernix caseosa, which is Latin and roughly translates to cheesy varnish.
While researchers arent entirely sure what the purpose of vernix is, there are a number of theories, such as:
- Vernix may stop your child from absorbing too much fluid while in the womb.
- It can act as a natural lubricant during labor.
- Vernix supplies antibacterial protection around the time of birth.
- It can protect your newborns skin during and immediately after delivery.
Whatever the reasons for its development may be, vernix is usually washed off a newborns skin soon after birth. Some small patches of vernix may remain in your little ones creviced skin, such as the armpits or between the toes.
Thats perfectly fine. In fact, medical professionals advise against washing off vernix intentionally. Instead, you should allow it to fall off naturally .
As a result, something as ordinary as dry air has the potential to cause dryness and peeling on your newborns skin.
When To See The Doctor
Its easier to distinguish dry skin from other skin conditions. When you apply lotion for dry skin, notice that the skin becomes soft and supple. If your newborns skin still doesnt become soft after taking care of it every day and doing everything you can to get rid of dry skin, then its time to visit the doctor.
If the skin is dry, peeling, or itchy with redness, it could be eczema. Eczema can be bad for your newborn and make things worse for them if not treated at the right time. Visit your pediatrician and dont start treatment by yourself under such circumstances.
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Look Out For Infant Sunburn
The sun may feel great, but it could be exposing your baby’s skin to the risk of damaging sunburn. You can use baby sunscreen on infants at any age. Hats and umbrellas are also good ideas. But for the best protection from sunburn, keep your infant out of direct sunlight during the first 6 months of life. For mild infant sunburn, apply a cool cloth to your baby’s skin for 10-15 minutes a few times daily. For more severe sunburn, call your child’s pediatrician.
What Cream Stops Itching Fast
Hydrocortisone Get an anti-itch cream that contains at least 1 percent hydrocortisone. This drug inhibits inflammatory responses in the body and can help calm inflamed, itchy skin. This cream should be used for the shortest period possible and then discontinued. Anti-itch creams are available over-the-counter.
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What Causes Dry Scalp In Babies
One of the most common types of dry scalp seen in babies is related to a condition called cradle cap. Its also called infantile seborrheic dermatitis.
Though the exact cause isnt known, cradle cap is thought to be attributed to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Its also sometimes caused by the overgrowth of Malassezia fungi in sebum underneath the skin.
Cradle cap causes thick, oily patches on the scalp that may range from white to yellow in color. If your baby has cradle cap on the scalp, they may also have these patches in other oily areas of the body, such as their armpits, groin, and ears.
Cradle cap doesnt itch and doesnt bother your baby.
Dandruff can also cause a dry scalp. Baby dandruff is also a type of infantile seborrheic dermatitis. Unlike the more common appearance of cradle cap, dandruff is white, dry, and sometimes itchy. Dandruff may be genetic. If you have dry skin, your baby could have dry skin, too.
Overwashing your babys skin doesnt cause dandruff. But if your baby has this condition, you may want to shampoo their scalp less frequently. Wash every other day instead of every day to prevent dryness from getting worse. Cold weather and low humidity can also worsen dandruff.
Allergies can also cause your baby to have a dry scalp, though this is less common. If the dry scalp is accompanied by a red, itchy rash, allergies may be the cause.
Once youve identified the cause of your babys dry scalp, its usually treatable at home.
Which Oil Is Best For Baby
Healthline Parenthoods picks of the best baby oils Burts Bees Baby Nourishing Baby Oil. SHOP NOW AT Amazon. Motherlove Birth & Baby Oil. SHOP NOW AT Amazon. Weleda Baby Tummy Oil. SHOP NOW AT Amazon. Pipette Baby Oil. Earth Mama Calendula Baby Oil. SheaMoisture Baby Oil Rub. Johnsons Baby Creamy Oil. Badger Calming Baby Oil.
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Common Rashes In The First Few Months Of A Baby’s Life
- Cradle cap often shows up at 1-2 months of age. Greasy, yellowish crusts appear on the scalp and may include a red, irritating rash on the face, behind the ears, on the neck, and even in the armpits. Your doctor will tell you how to best treat this common condition, depending on your baby’s symptoms.
- Eczemais red, itchy patches on the skin, often seen on the baby’s chest, arms, legs, face, elbows, and behind the knees. It is caused by dry, sensitive skin, and sometimes allergies . Your doctor can determine if the rash looks like eczema and prescribe the appropriate treatment. In general, treatment consists of:
- Using a very gentle soap
- Using a gentle detergent and no fabric softener in baby’s laundry
- Using skin moisturizers
- Applying a steroid cream +topical/details” rel=”nofollow”> hydrocortisone or even a stronger one) if the eczema won’t go away