Baby rash on face comes and goes

Newborn Rashes and Birthmarks

Is this your child's symptom?

Normal skin rashes and birthmark questions about newborns

Newborn Rashes - Topics Covered

If your baby is healthy, skip the "What to Do" section. Go directly to the topic number that relates to your question for advice.

Acne. Small red bumps on the face (onset 2-4 weeks).
Drooling or Spit-Up Rash. Rash around the mouth and on the chin (onset anytime).
Erythema Toxicum. Red blotches with small white "pimple" in the center (onset 2-3 days).
Skin Injury from Birth Process. From forceps, scalp electrode or birth canal (present at birth).
Milia. Tiny white bumps on the nose and cheeks (present at birth).
Mongolian Spots. Bluish-green birthmark, often on buttock (present at birth).
Stork Bites (Pink Birthmarks). On back of neck or bridge of nose (present at birth).
Strawberry Hemangiomas. Raised red birthmarks (onset 2-4 weeks).
Port-wine Stains. Dark red or purple flat birthmarks (present at birth).

Newborn Face Rashes: Most Common Ones

Erythema Toxicum 50&percnt; (onset day 2 or 3)
Milia 40% (present at birth)
Baby Acne 30% (onset week 2 to 4)
Drooling or Spit-up Rash (common and onset any time)
Heat Rash (common and onset any time)

Heat Rash

Many newborn rashes that have no clear cause are heat rashes.
Heat rashes are a pink blotchy area with tiny bumps.
They mainly occur on the face, neck and chest.
During hot weather, most temporary newborn rashes are heat rashes.
Cause: blocked off sweat glands. The openings are so tiny in newborns, that any irritation can block them. Examples are getting any ointment on the skin, friction from clothing or being overheated. Being held against the mother's skin while nursing causes many face rashes.

Herpes Simplex: Serious Newborn Rash

Appearance. Several water blisters or pimples grouped in a cluster. They look like the cold sores (fever blisters) that adults get on their lip. After several days, they crust over.
Location. Just one part of the body, usually the scalp or face.
Redness. The base can be pink. The pinkness does not extend beyond the cluster of vesicles.
Onset. Within the first 2 weeks of life.
Importance. Early treatment with anti-viral drugs can prevent serious problems. If you think your newborn's rash looks like herpes, call your child's doctor now.
Imitator. Although herpes can be confused with erythema toxicum, they look very different.

When to Call for Newborn Rashes and Birthmarks

Call 911 Now

Not moving or very weak
You think your child has a life-threatening emergency

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

Age less than 1 month old and looks or acts abnormal in any way
Fever in baby less than 12 weeks old. Caution: do NOT give your baby any fever medicine before being seen.
Purple or blood-colored spots or dots not present at birth
Tiny blisters (little bumps that contain clear fluid)
Pimples (little bumps that contain pus). Exception: looks like erythema toxicum which occurs in half of newborns.
Skin looks infected (such as spreading redness, sores or pus)
Rash is painful to touch
You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

Mild newborn rash, but cause is not clear
You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

Normal newborn rashes or birthmarks

Seattle Children's Urgent Care Locations

If your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

Bellevue
Everett
Federal Way
Seattle

Care Advice for Newborn Rashes and Birthmarks

Acne:
- More than 30 percent of newborns develop baby acne of the face. Acne consists of small red bumps.
- This baby acne begins at 2 to 4 weeks of age. It lasts until 4 to 6 months of age.
- The cause appears to be the transfer of maternal hormones just prior to birth.
- Since it goes away on its own, no treatment is needed. Baby oil or ointments make it worse.
Drooling or Spit-up Rash:
- Many babies have a rash on the chin or cheeks that comes and goes. This is often due to contact with food. It's more common after starting baby foods. In newborns, it can also be from stomach acid that has been spit up. Prolonged contact with spit-up during sleep can cause the rash to get worse.
- Other temporary rashes on the face are heat rashes. These can occur in areas held against the mother's skin during nursing. Heat rashes are more common in the summertime.
- Rinse the face with water after all feedings or spitting up. During hot weather, change the baby's position more often. Also, put a cool wet washcloth on the rash. Do this for 10 minutes.
Erythema Toxicum:
- More than 50 percent of babies get a rash called erythema toxicum. It starts on the second or third day of life.
- It's a harmless baby rash that doesn't need to be seen.
- The rash is made up red blotches. They are ½ inch to 1 inch (1 to 2.5 cm). The blotches have a small white or yellow "pimple" in the center.
- They look like insect bites, but are not. Red blotches are the main feature.
- They can be numerous, keep occurring, and look terrible. They can occur anywhere on the body surface, except the palms and soles.
- Their cause is unknown, but they are not an infection.
- They go away by 1-2 weeks of age.
- No treatment is needed. Ointments or baby oil make it worse.
Skin Injury from Forceps, Scalp Electrode or Birth Canal:
- The pressure of a forceps on the skin can leave marks. You may see bruises or scrapes anywhere on the head or face.
- During birth, skin overlying bony prominences can become damaged. You might see this on the sides of the skull bone. This is from pressure from the birth canal. Even without a forceps delivery, you may see bruises or scrapes.
- Scalp electrodes can also cause scalp scrapes and scabs.
- The bruises and scrapes will be noted at birth. They will be more noticeable by day 2. They heal over or go away by 1 - 2 weeks of age.
- A fat tissue injury won't appear until day 5 to 10. Look for a firm coin-shaped lump. It will be under the skin and sometimes with a scab. This lump may take 3 or 4 weeks to go away.
- For any breaks in the skin, apply an antibiotic ointment (such as Polysporin). No prescription is needed. Use 3 times per day until healed.
- Call Your Doctor If:
- It becomes tender to the touch
- Becomes soft in the center
- Starts to looks infected
Milia:
- Milia are tiny white bumps that occur on the face. The nose and cheeks are most often involved. Milia can also be seen on the forehead and chin.
- Milia occur in 40 percent of newborn babies. Present at birth.
- Milia are many in number. They occur equally on both sides of the face.
- Although they look like pimples, they are much smaller (pinhead size). They are not infected.
- They do not look like water blisters.
- They are blocked-off skin pores. They will open up.
- Milia will go away by 1 to 2 months of age.
- No treatment is needed. Ointments or creams can make them worse.
Mongolian Spots:
- A Mongolian spot is a normal bluish-green or bluish-gray flat birthmark. They occur in over 90 percent of Native American, Asian, Hispanic, and African American babies. They are also seen in 10 percent of Caucasians, especially those of Mediterranean descent.
- They are present at birth.
- They occur most commonly over the back and buttocks. However, they can be present on any part of the body.
- They vary greatly in size and shape.
- They do not indicate illness or any disease.
- Most fade away by 2 or 3 years of age. A trace may last into adult life.
Stork Bites (Pink Birthmarks):
- Flat pink birthmarks that occur over the bridge of the nose or the eyelids. You can also find them on the back of the neck ("stork bites"). The ones in front are often referred to as "an angel's kiss".
- They occur in more than 50 percent of newborns. They are present at birth.
- All the birthmarks on the bridge of the nose and eyelids clear completely. Those on the eyelids clear by 1 year of age. Those on the bridge of the nose may last for a few more years. Those on the forehead from the nose up to the hairline usually last into adulthood. Laser treatment during infancy should be considered. Most birthmarks on the nape of the neck also clear. But, 25 percent can last into adult life.
Strawberry Hemangiomas:
- Strawberry hemangiomas are red birthmarks that are raised or increasing in size.
- Onset usually between 2-4 weeks of age. Most often, start after 3 weeks of age. Sometimes (although rare), they don't appear until the second month of life.
- They become larger for 1 year. Then, they fade away over 6 to 8 years without any treatment.
- They run a small risk of bleeding with trauma. Any bleeding should stop with 10 minutes of direct pressure.
- Discuss with your child's doctor on the next regular visit. Call sooner if you are concerned.
Port-Wine Stain Birthmarks:
- Present at birth in 1 out of 200 newborns
- Deeper in color (dark red or purple) than stork bites (salmon patches)
- Flat, smooth surface
- Natural course: Do not fade or disappear like stork bites. May become darker.
- Grow with the child, but cover the same area
- Treatment: May refer to dermatologist for laser treatments early in infancy
Call Your Doctor If:
- Your baby starts to look or act abnormal in any way
- You think your child needs to be seen

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Last Reviewed: 12/30/2022

Last Revised: 12/30/2022

Rash on a baby's face: Pictures, causes, and treatments

In babies, most facial rashes are harmless and tend to clear up without treatment. Causes can include eczema, acne, and infection.

Sometimes, however, a rash on a baby’s face can indicate a more serious condition.

Being able to distinguish between different rashes can help a parent or caregiver know when to seek professional advice.

In this article, we describe common facial rashes in babies, treatments, and when to see a doctor.

Eczema refers to a group of conditions that cause the skin to become rough, irritated, itchy, and inflamed.

These conditions are common in young children, often appearing between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. Many children grow out of their eczema.

According to the National Eczema Association in the United States, if eczema develops within the first 6 months of life, it tends to appear on the cheeks, chin, forehead, or scalp. The rash will be dry, red, and itchy.

Between the ages of 6 and 12 months, eczema may develop in other parts of the body. The elbows and knees are particularly susceptible when babies start to crawl.

Treatment

Although the exact cause of eczema is unknown, experts believe that both genetic and environmental factors can play a role.

Certain environmental triggers may over-activate the immune system, causing inflammation and skin irritation.

When trying to establish the cause of a child’s eczema, it may help to keep a diary of symptoms and potential triggers. By avoiding these triggers, it may be possible to prevent flare-ups of symptoms.

Below are some common triggers of eczema in babies:

heat and sweating
dry skin
irritants, such as soaps, washing detergents, and cigarette smoke
allergens, such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander
certain fabrics, such as wool and nylon

Treatments for eczema include:

over-the-counter (OTC) moisturizers
prescription creams and ointments, such as steroid creams
immunosuppressant drugs
phototherapy

A doctor can consult with a pediatric dermatologist and recommend a course of treatment. They can also advise about triggers and how to avoid them.

Check that over-the-counter treatments are suitable for infants.

Seborrheic dermatitis causes a rash to develop on areas of skin that contain many oil-producing glands.

In babies, the rash mainly appears on the scalp, and people commonly refer to it as cradle cap. However, cradle cap can also affect the cheeks, particularly around the eyes and nose.

The rash may have the following characteristics:

redness and inflammation
an oily or greasy appearance
white or yellow scaly or crusty patches

Treatment

Cradle cap is generally harmless and usually disappears between 6 and 12 months of age.

If the child is not experiencing any discomfort, treatment may not be necessary.

For mild symptoms, OTC medications, such as antifungal creams and medicated shampoos, may help to relieve discomfort and speed healing. However, talk to a doctor before using these products on an infant.

If the rash is scaly, applying mineral oil or petroleum jelly to the baby’s scalp 1 hour before using an anti-dandruff shampoo can help loosen and remove the scales.

For babies with more severe symptoms, a doctor may prescribe topical steroids to reduce inflammation.

Particularly severe cradle cap can increase the risk of infection. See a doctor immediately, if the baby’s skin:

feels hot
oozes fluid
gives off an unpleasant odor

Around 40–50 percent of healthy newborns develop milia, which are tiny white or yellow bumps about 1–3 mm in size.

Milia result from blocked pores and typically develop on the face, often around the eye and nose. The bumps can appear in large numbers, and usually a roughly equal number form on each side of the face.

In babies, milia can also develop in the mouth. In this case, the medical name is Epstein pearls.

Treatment

Milia tends to clear up on their own within a few weeks, once the pores open up.

No treatment is usually necessary. Avoid using creams and ointments on the baby’s skin, as these can further clog the pores and lead to more milia.

Newborn, or neonatal, acne causes small, red pimples to develop, usually around 2–6 weeks of age. However, some babies are born with them.

The medical term for acne that develops between 6 weeks and 6 months of age infantile acne, and we discuss this below.

Neonatal acne affects around 20 percent of newborns, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

The pimples tend to develop on the baby’s cheeks and nose, but breakouts can also appear on the:

forehead
chin
scalp
neck
chest
upper back

Treatment

Generally, newborn acne is not a cause for concern. It is unlikely to cause scarring and tends to clear up without treatment after a few weeks or months.

Parents and caregivers should:

gently wash the baby’s skin with lukewarm water
avoid scrubbing affected areas
avoid oily or greasy skincare products
seek advice from the child’s doctor before using acne medicines or cleansing products

Infantile acne develops in babies older than 6 weeks. It typically appears between 3 and 6 months of age.

Infantile acne is less common than newborn acne. Symptoms can be more severe and may require treatment.

Before treating infantile acne, it is important to rule out other conditions, such as such as eczema and infections, which are more common in this age group.

Treatment

Infantile acne usually clears up within 6–12 months after it first appears.

After diagnosis, a dermatologist can advise about treating the acne and preventing scarring. If they suspect that the acne results from an underlying medical condition, they may consult a specialist.

A doctor can diagnose the cause of a rash.

Slapped cheek syndrome is a viral infection. Anyone can get it, but it most commonly develops in school-aged children.

Other names for the syndrome include fifth disease and erythema infectiosum. It results from infection with the B19 parvovirus.

The defining characteristic is a bright red rash on one or both cheeks. The rash is not usually painful. It typically appears within 4–14 days of infection.

The cheek rash often disappears in a few days, but another rash may develop on areas such as the chest, arms, and legs. This rash usually lasts for 7–10 days, but it may come and go.

The rash on the body is usually blotchy and light in color. It can be itchy, but it is not typically painful.

Slapped cheek syndrome can also cause the following symptoms:

a fever of 38°C or higher
a headache
a runny nose
a sore throat

Children can initially pass the infection to other children, but it usually stops being contagious once the rash appears.

Treatment

The symptoms of slapped cheek syndrome are usually mild, and the underlying infection typically clears up without treatment.

OTC medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can help relieve any discomfort. However, speak to a doctor before giving these drugs to babies or young children.

Never give a child aspirin, as it may increase the risk of a serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.

Most rashes on babies’ faces are harmless. They usually clear up on their own.

However, a rash in this area can indicate an infection or an underlying health condition.

See a doctor if the rash is severe, or if the baby has:

fluid-filled blisters
a fever
a loss of appetite
red streaks extending from the rash
tiny red or purple spots that do not fade when someone applies pressure
swollen lymph nodes
lethargy
a cough

Facial rashes are common in babies and young children. The many possible causes include eczema, acne, and infection.

Most rashes clear up without treatment. However, see a doctor if a rash is severe or persistent, or if it accompanies other symptoms.

Read the article in Spanish.

Rash in a child on the body, legs, back

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Red pimples on the face of a newborn: symptoms, causes and treatment

Allergic rash in a newborn

An allergy in a baby is an unfavorable immune response of a child's body to a potentially dangerous substance. Most often, an allergic rash occurs against the background of the use by a nursing mother of products that can act as an irritant. This group includes:

cow's milk;
soy [1] and egg white;
fish;
strawberries;
nuts.

The first sign of developing allergic rash is peeling. Pathological foci with dry skin on the face of a newborn are formed symmetrically, localized on the cheeks and on the forehead.
It is necessary to consult a doctor if the appearance of rashes affects the general condition of the baby. Irritability, restless sleep, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, fever and vomiting are dangerous symptoms that should be stopped immediately under the supervision of a pediatrician. nine0003

Neonatal acne

Neonatal acne may appear in the first weeks of a child's life on the forehead, nose and cheeks. In appearance, they resemble acne with purulent heads, characteristic of a teenage rash. It is assumed that the cause of the appearance of acne is increased production of sebum, which clogs the ducts of the sebaceous glands and provokes an inflammatory reaction.
The pathogenesis of the appearance of small pimples in newborns is also associated with the processes of the formation of the hormonal system. The body gets rid of the transplacental influence of maternal androgens [2], adrenal hormones begin to be produced more intensively, which affect the condition of the skin. nine0097 Neonatal acne does not require treatment [9] - standard daily care using delicate soap or baby cosmetics is sufficient. In most cases, pimples that appear on the face go away on their own by 4 months of age.

Miliaria

Miliaria is a skin lesion that is associated with hyperfunction of the sweat glands and irritation of the excretory ducts . The disease can develop due to improper skin care newborn, with a long stay in hot rooms and the wrong choice of clothing (the child is heavily wrapped up).
Miliaria resembles an allergic rash, but differs from it in localization. Signs of allergy most often appear on the skin of the child's face, and with miliaria, rashes form throughout the body - most often in natural folds, on the neck, lower abdomen and upper chest.
What prickly heat looks like:

small vesicles with transparent contents, prone to burning and itching; nine0034
in difficult cases, reddish nodules with an inflamed rim;
with extensive skin lesions - weeping areas.

Prickly heat in itself is not dangerous for the health of the child. But damage to the skin is fraught with the addition of a bacterial or fungal infection. In this case, purulent processes develop, the skin becomes edematous, a putrid odor appears. Red pimples with prickly heat cause discomfort in the child - he becomes capricious and irritable, refuses to eat and sleeps poorly. nine0003

Seborrheic dermatitis

In addition to red pimples, yellowish scales may appear on the skin of a newborn. These are signs of seborrheic dermatitis, a disease associated with increased secretion of sebum. Scales are formed in the first month of life in areas of the body with a large accumulation of sebaceous glands - on the scalp, upper third of the back, on the face, chest and in the area of the auricles. Seborrheic dermatitis is sometimes called “milky crusts”, which may be associated with the use of inappropriate cosmetic products for baby skin care.
In fact, the disease is caused by high levels of maternal hormones in the blood or changes in the biochemical composition of lipids on the surface of the skin [4].

Most childhood seborrheic dermatitis resolves on its own. Parents need only to take care of proper care , but diligent removal of crusts is not recommended - you risk damaging delicate skin and causing infection. It is better to use specially designed products - such as Shampoo-foam from "milk crusts" for newborns. He facilitates the removal of scales in 90% of cases and soothes the scalp in 95% of babies [5.2]. The product contains 99% ingredients of natural origin. The shampoo is fragrance-free and has a tear-free formula.
In the presence of thick, dense scales, which are located not only on the scalp, but also in other areas, a good helper will be Milk crust cream which helps to completely remove milk crusts in an average of 7 days [5.3].

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is an allergic disease that is accompanied by chronic inflammation of the skin. Causes of uncontrolled allergic reactions in infants are:

food allergens - animal protein, soy products, some types of vegetables; nine0034
airborne allergens - household dust, pollen, pet hair, tobacco smoke, etc.;
pathogenic microflora - fungi, viruses, bacteria.

Newborns are most often diagnosed with erythematous-squamous form of atopic dermatitis with signs of an acute inflammatory reaction:

hyperemia of the skin;
peeling;
flat small papules.

Red spots are localized on the arms and legs in the area of the folds , on the sides of the neck, on the back of the hands and on the cheeks.
Children with atopic dermatitis are advised to regularly cleanse and moisturize their skin [6]. Anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed only for extensive skin lesions that impair the quality of life of the baby - in this case, you should contact your pediatrician.

For daily care it is recommended to use STELATOPIA Emollient Cream . Studies [5.1] have shown that emollient:

In 90% of cases reduces increased dryness of the skin [5.1] and reduces the likelihood of clinical signs of AD by 51% [10]
Soothes itching in 91% of cases [5. 1]
Reduces inflammation after 32 hours [11]

Diaper dermatitis

This disease is better known as diaper rash and is accompanied by inflammation of the skin in the diaper area zone in infants. The rash appears as a result of prolonged contact of the body with wet diapers - the skin becomes excessively moist and defenseless against damaging factors (chemical, physical, infectious). The situation is aggravated by the simultaneous effect on the skin of children's feces that remain in a diaper or diaper.

Diaper dermatitis is not localized on the face - pimples in newborns appear on the lower abdomen, on the convex surfaces of the thighs and buttocks. nine0003

For non-drug treatment of pathology, air baths [7], bathing in a decoction of string and celandine [8], and thorough hygiene procedures are indicated. For the prevention of diaper dermatitis and redness, it is recommended to use Diaper Cream 1 2 3.

Useful properties of the product:

reduces redness and irritation by 80% from the first application [5];
does not interfere with skin breathing; nine0034
reduces the risk of exacerbations by 74% [5];
protects, repairs and soothes inflamed skin.

A number of dermatological diseases of newborns develop as a result of improper care, so parents should pay special attention to children's hygiene, and if the baby's condition worsens, immediately consult a doctor.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Literature:
1. Bhatia J, Greer F, for the Committee on Nutrition of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The use of mixtures based on soy protein in infant feeding.// Pediatrics, 2008; 121:1062–1068.
2. Herani M.I., Ando I. Acne in infancy and acne genetics // Dermatology 2003. Volume 206. Number 1. pp. 24-28. DOI: 10.1159/000067819
3.