What Is A Rash
A rash is a swelling or irritation of the skin making the skin appear red, bumpy, lumpy, or scaly. A rash can be itchy and sometimes is accompanied by a fever. Keep in mind that a rash can also be a sign of an allergic reaction, which may need immediate medical attention.
In this article, weâll cover the most common rashes in babies. However, not all rashes are listed, so contact your babyâs healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your baby’s skin.
Home Remedies To Treat Itching Rash In Babies
As a parent, even a small cut or rash on our baby makes us worried. No parents like their child to suffer. As a newborn, our babys body is adapting to the new outside world, also the digestive system of the baby is not that strong. So, as a parent, you need to be very careful about what you are using for your baby and hows babys skin reacting to it. Baby Rash is a very common skin problem. We have brought to you some Home Remedies to Treat Itching Rash in Babies.
The rash is a normal drying of the skin, which can happen due to many reasons. They are harmless and can get away very soon just with little care by parents. So, have a look at the remedies which you can use to treat the rash in babies.
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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
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When To Worry About A Rash
Babies have sensitive skin, so even the smallest thing can cause a reaction.
Most rashes are harmless and will improve or disappear within a few days. Always contact your pediatrician if a rash looks suspicious or is accompanied by a fever.
Rashes can sometimes be caused by an allergic reaction. With this comes the risk of anaphylactic shock.
The symptoms of this include:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Any swelling in the face, around the mouth or throat .
Home Remedies For Rashes On A Babys Face
Most rashes such as red rash, milk rash, or heat rash on a babys face can be taken care of at home by means of simple remedies. Try these home remedies if your baby has a rash on his face which is not severe or because of the conditions mentioned above.
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Use Ice Cubes Rashes may lead to irritation, which will make your baby uncomfortable. Use ice cubes to soothe the pain. Place 2-3 ice cubes in a piece of cloth and wrap it. Then place it on the affected area gently. Ice cubes should help alleviate the pain to an extent.
- Try Breast Milk Using breast milk on the affected area can also help treat rashes. If your baby has a rash, apply some breast milk on the affected area. It is loaded with antibodies that will help in treating the rash. In addition, there is no risk of your baby developing an allergic reaction to the same.
- Use Moisturizer Apply a moisturizer containing ceramides as it can improve the barrier function of the skin.
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Immediate Action Required: Call 999 Or Go To A& e Now If:
your child has a rash, is also unwell, and has any of these symptoms:
- a stiff neck
- seems confused
- a high temperature
- their rash does not fade when you press a glass against it
- difficulty breathing , breathlessness, or they’re breathing very fast
- their skin, lips or tongue look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
These can be signs of meningitis.
It can be harder to see a change in skin colour on brown and black skin. Check the soles of the feet, palms, lips, tongue and inside the eyelids for colour changes.
As a parent, you may know if your child seems seriously unwell and should trust your own judgement.
Tips To Help Prevent Drool Rash
Drooling is a natural behavior for babies, and preventing it can be a challenge. But there are a few things you can do to help keep your babys skin clean and dry to minimize drool rash, Dr. Singh says.
Try these tips:
1. Gently wipe
Keep a soft burp cloth handy to wipe away drool from your babys mouth and chin, especially after feedings and naps. Also check the folds of the neck and the chest for saliva that may have dripped from your babys face. Always use a cloth that is clean and dry and use gentle blotting motions to remove saliva.
2. Use a bib
Some babies drool so much that their clothing becomes damp, which can lead to drool rash on the body as well as make your baby uncomfortable. Try using a bib to keep saliva away from your babys shirt and skin. If the bib becomes damp, replace it with a clean, dry one.
3. Take breaks from pacifier
Pacifiers can encourage drool rash if saliva is trapped against your babys skin. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away saliva and take breaks from pacifier use to let the skin air out.
4. Dont wait too long to clean
Dont let smeared food remain on your babys face after meals, as this too can lead to a rash. Clean your babys mouth and face after eating to remove any traces of wet food.
When to call your pediatrician
- Pediatrics
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Is A Heat Rash Dangerous
A heat rash alone is not dangerous to your baby. It may be uncomfortable and cause itchiness but usually nothing more .
Heat rashes occur as a result of your baby being too hot, so you should take action to help lower your babys body temperature. If your baby is overheated for too long, it can lead to life-threatening complications, like a heat stroke.
Overheating at night has been proven to increase your babys chances of developing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome . Take extra precautions to ensure your baby is dressed appropriately and their room is at a comfortable temperature. If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for your baby .
Avoid Irritating Your Babys Skin Rash
This may seem somewhat obvious, but your baby will be much more comfortable if you dont irritate their skin rash. How can you avoid bothering your little ones rash? Follow these tips:
- Keep your baby out of direct sunlight, as the suns UV rays can cause dryness and further irritate the rash.
- Be extremely gentle with the affected area of your babys skin, and dont rub, stretch, or scratch the rash itself.
- Always use gentle cleansers when bathing your baby, and apply baby-friendly soothing creams and lotions to keep your little ones skin moisturized.
These three basic steps will go a long way toward keeping your baby comfortable while they recover from their skin rash.
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Baby Skin Care: Diaper Rash
Most often, diaper rash is caused by the irritating wetness of a soiled diaper. The rash can also develop when baby’s skin is not properly dried after a bath. Sometimes, a bacteria or yeast infection will cause diaper rash. Babies taking antibiotics are especially susceptible to a yeast infection diaper rash because the drugs allow fungal growth.
Most forms of diaper rash don’t require medical care. To treat diaper rash — and prevent further newborn skin problems:
- Check diapers frequently.
- Change diapers immediately when wet or soiled.
- Wash the diaper area with mild fragrance-free cleanser or plain water. If the rash is severe, use a squirt bottle to cleanse without rubbing.
- Use a soft clean cloth, not baby wipes. The perfume or alcohol in some wipes can further irritate and dry baby’s skin.
- Pat baby dry. Don’t rub. Let the diaper area air-dry fully before putting on a fresh diaper.
- Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly or a protective ointment such as Desitin, A& D or Triple Paste.
- Avoid using using baby powder.
See your pediatrician if the rash doesn’t clear up in two to three days. If the rash is caused by eczema, a bacterial or yeast infection, or other condition, you may need a prescription treatment.
What To Expect At Your Office Visit
The provider will perform a physical exam. The baby’s skin will be thoroughly examined to determine the extent and type of the rash. Bring a list of all the products used on the child’s skin.
You may be asked questions such as:
- When did the rash start?
- Did symptoms begin at birth? Did they occur after fever was relieved?
- Is the rash related to skin injury, bathing, or exposure to sunlight or cold?
- What does the rash look like?
- Where on the body does the rash occur? Has it spread to other areas?
- What other symptoms are also present?
- What type of soaps and detergents do you use?
- Do you put anything on the skin ?
- Is your child taking any medicines? How long has the child taken them?
- Has your child recently eaten any new foods?
- Has your child been in contact with grasses/weeds/trees recently?
- Has your child recently been sick?
- Do any skin problems run in your family? Does your child or anyone in your family have allergies?
Tests are seldom required but may include the following:
- Blood studies
- Microscopic examination of a sample of the affected skin
Depending on the cause of the rash, antihistamines may be recommended to decrease itching. Antibiotics may be prescribed if there is a bacterial infection.
The provider may prescribe a cream for diaper rash caused by yeast. If the rash is severe and not caused by yeast, a corticosteroid cream may be recommended.
For eczema, the provider may prescribe ointments or cortisone drugs to decrease inflammation.
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Newborn Skin Rash And Eczema
*Scratch scratch* Newborn skin rash may be more common than you think it is. If your newborn has diaper rash, click here. If the rash appears on the rest of his/ her tiny little body, continue reading…
Why does your baby have eczema? What causes it and what can you do to treat it? There are things you should know about skin rash, especially if you have a history of eczema in your family or if your newborn is simply presenting symptoms that may be diagnosed as being eczema.
Apply A Cool Cloth To Your Babys Skin Rash
Rashes often cause your babys skin to feel dry, tight, itchy, or hot. Thats why applying a cool, damp cloth to your babys skin rash will comfort your little one. All you need to do is find a washcloth or rag, soak it in cold water, wring it out, and gently place it on your babys rash. This will provide instant, if only temporary, relief from the discomfort of the rash.
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Additional Tips To Treat Rash
Changing Diapers Often- Many times we just put one diaper on the baby and let it stay for a day, this can cause a rash in the baby. When your baby is suffering from this, make sure to change diapers frequently and promptly. Dont let your little one stay in wet or soiled diapers for long.
Switching Diaper Brand- If you feel, particular diaper brand is causing the rash. Try switching the diaper brand. Babies skin is very sensitive and It is possible to develop a diaper rash, so keep switching the diaper brand and trying your way out.
- Make sure Diaper fits properly- Diapers irritate and also increases the rash. Parents and caregivers should check that the diaper is fitting properly or not. Also, keep a check on the size of the diaper as the baby grows.
- Use Diaper cream or ointments- If you find any itching or rash on your baby, you can soothe the skin by applying any ointment. Yes, there are many skin-soothing ointments present at the pharmacy and grocery store, always look for the one which contains ingredient zinc oxide. Apply it on the affected area.
- Allow the private area to breathe- It is very necessary that for some time you let the baby without diaper or bottom, this will help the babies part to get some air, dry out and also heal. Also try to avoid putting your little one in tight, synthetic or rubber bottoms if they are suffering from diaper rash.
How do you take care of your babys rash?
Rash On Infant Face Without Itching Or Fever
Milia
Milia include small white spots mainly on your babys nose caused by blocked oil glands. They fade in a few weeks without treatment as the pores expand and open up.
Erythema Toxicum
Erythema toxicum is a red, yellow or white blotchy rash on infants face with patches or tiny bumps. It may appear within 2 weeks after birth and spread to the limbs and body. It usually disappears without treatment within a few weeks.
Baby Acne
Baby acne is like pimples which may appear on your babys nose and cheeks within the first few months after birth. They fade within a few months without treatment.
Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is the non-itchy yellowish, scaly greasy patches on your babys scalp. If its severe, it may become a red itchy rash on his face, ears, neck and armpits. It generally cures within some weeks or months without treatment.
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Does My Child Have Diaper Rash
Depending on the cause of dermatitis, the appearance of diaper rash can vary. A rash caused by contact dermatitis is red and mostly appears on the backside but not the folds. However, a rash due to a yeast infection usually starts from the folds before spreading outwards. The rash is commonly associated with satellite lesions.
Symptoms of diaper dermatitis may be similar to other more serious conditions. Thus, it is advisable to consult your childs paediatrician to get a proper assessment.