How to clear up baby face rash
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.
How to treat baby rashes at home: tips and remedies!
That toothless grin, those tiny feet, that adorable waddle – there are certain things that you can always count on to be a part of your baby and rashes are almost always one of them!
Baby rashes on the face or on your pipsqueak’s bum are common, albeit painful and itchy. So, before you leap to the worst possible conclusion, let us take a look at the types of rashes that are most common in babies.
AcneThese appear as small red bumps on the skin and typically do not progress to the blackhead or whitehead stage. This is the most commonly occurring baby rash on the face.
Flaky or dry skinPatches of the skin become dry and flaky, much like in adults. The skin can sometimes become swollen if prompt action is not taken.
MiliaWhite bumps (much like an adult’s whitehead acne) appear on the baby’s nose and cheeks.
Cradle capThis type of rash appears mostly on the baby’s scalp (hence the term ‘cap’) and is marked by red, irritated skin with a yellowish, greasy crust. If left untreated, it can spread quickly to your baby’s arms, ears, neck, and face.
EczemaThese rashes look like swollen, red patches on your baby’s skin, most commonly in the chest area.
Prickly heatAlso known as heat rashes, these red bumps can often be confused with acne. However, they appear only in places that are susceptible to sweating and overheating, like armpits and neck.
Diaper rashA general term for rashes that appear on your baby’s diaper area. It mostly occurs when you use disposable diapers instead of cloth diapers. The baby’s skin becomes red and itchy. Disposable diaper rashes are very common, however, they can be prevented if you start using cloth diapers!
Prevent baby rashes with these simple tips!- Start off by using a gentle baby detergent (low on chemicals) for all your baby’s clothes. Harsh products may cause rashes on your baby’s skin.
- While bathing your baby, use a mild, hypoallergenic cleanser instead of regular soap. Also, use warm water instead of hot.
- Change your baby’s diapers frequently. Overexposure to moisture, pee, and poop are sure-fire recipes of baby rashes!
- Pat dry your baby’s skin thoroughly before applying any moisturiser or cream. Adding cream to even a slightly damp body part can severely up the odds of rashes.
- Give your baby’s backside a breather. Remaining stuffed up in a diaper can cause your baby’s skin to react! Work a bare-butt time into your baby’s schedule every day.
- Limit the consumption of acidic and citrus fruits. If you’re breastfeeding, watch your own intake of tomatoes, oranges, and other citrus foods.
- To prevent prickly heat baby rashes on face and body, dress your baby in loose clothing and give ample space for his skin to breathe!
Try these home remedies to cure your baby’s rashes in a natural way that are also more long-lasting.
Aloe VeraNature’s most miraculous cure for rashes of any kind! The best way to go about this extracting the gel out of the leaves and applying it directly on the affected areas. I personally vouch for this one!
Oatmeal BlendOatmeal is very high on antioxidants, hence, makes for an amazing home remedy for baby rashes on face or body! A simple way to make the blend would be putting the oatmeal and water in a blender and grinding it till it turns into a paste. Apply it on your baby’s skin and let it dry. Rinse with water thereafter.
NeemA century-old cure for all kinds of skin diseases, Neem’s antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties are super for your baby’s rashes, especially eczema. Simply make a paste out of the neem leaves and apply liberally on the affected areas. Rinse with warm water.
Banana peelsAn extraordinary skin rash treatment tool, the miraculous healing properties of banana peels remain unknown. Refrigerate the peels for about an hour and apply on your baby’s rashes. Notice the difference almost immediately!
CucumberParticularly effective on baby rashes on the face, cucumbers are also loaded with anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the itchiness and irritation. The symptoms of rash are alleviated almost instantly.
Your infant has very sensitive skin, therefore, avoiding store-bought creams containing unnecessary chemicals becomes utterly important. However, if none of the above-mentioned remedies work out for you, you must immediately consult the paediatrician.
If you loved these home remedies for baby rashes, do let me know which ones you liked the best in the comments below!
*Consult with your physician before trying out any of the home remedies mentioned above.
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; nine0010 fish;
- strawberry;
- 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. nine0008
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. nine0005 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 blisters with clear contents, prone to burning and itching; nine0011
- in difficult cases, reddish nodules with an inflamed rim;
- with extensive skin lesions - weeping areas.
Miliaria itself is not dangerous to 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. nine0008
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 unsuitable cosmetic products for baby skin care.
In fact, the disease is caused by a high content of maternal hormones in the blood or a change in the biochemical composition of lipids on the surface of the skin [4].
Most childhood seborrheic dermatitis resolves on its own. Parents need only take care of proper care , but diligently remove the 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 Cream for "milk crusts" 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 an uncontrolled allergic reaction in infants are:
- food allergens - animal protein, soy products, certain types of vegetables; nine0011
- 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 zone in infants. Rash appears as a result of prolonged body contact 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.
9 indicated for non-drug treatment of pathology0006 air baths [7], bathing in decoction of string and celandine [8] and meticulous hygiene procedures. 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;
- reduces the risk of exacerbations by 74% [5]; nine0010 protects, restores 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.
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References:
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. nine0005 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. Zanko NI Efficiency of new technologies for skin care in young children: Ph.D. dis. ... cand. honey. Sciences, M., 2000
4. Naldi L., Rebora A. Clinical practice. Seborrheic dermatitis.
N Engle Gee Med. 360(4):387-96 (2009 January).
5. Results of the study 1035 F4.
5.1 Test results 1016F10.01.02
5.2 Test results 1008F4.01.16
5.3 Results of the study 1042F3.01.24
6. Thompson M., Hanifin J. Effective treatment of atopic dermatitis in children alleviates problems associated with food allergies
// GM Akad Dermatol. 2005; 53: S214-S219.
7. Galliamova Yu.A. Diaper dermatitis and skin trauma in children. Therapist. – 2013; 9:42-6.
8. Zverkova F.A. Skin diseases in young children. SPb.: Sotis, 1994.
9. Tamrazova OB, Zaslavsky DV Diseases of the sebaceous glands in infants. Medical advice. 2019; 2:152-160.
10. Atopic-prone skin: latest discoveries (Laboratoire Expansion Center for Development and Research)
11. Inhibits the synthesis of inflammatory mediators. “A study of the activity of sunflower oil distillate on inflammatory mediators. June 2010»
How to care for the skin of a newborn.
After discharge from the hospital, mother and baby gradually get used to the daily routine. The child should eat well and be warm - this is the first on the list. No less important is the care of the skin of the baby, which is very delicate and sensitive to external stimuli. To adapt to the new environment, the baby needs time and care of parents. Chemicals, fragrances, dyes in clothes, and detergents cause redness, diaper rash, or a rash. How to properly care for the skin of a newborn to protect the child from contact dermatitis, allergies, and other rashes? nine0222
Bathing
The baby is born with a protective coating. During this period, there is no need to bathe the baby or use baby lotions and creams.
A full bath is normal from the first days of a baby's life, the main thing is to follow the rules:
- bathe your baby in a warm room.
- water should be at body temperature: 36-37 degrees to the touch.
- make sure that the necessary items for the procedure are within reach. - remove jewelry that can scratch the child.
- hold the newborn firmly by lifting his head above the water.
- do not use cotton swabs to clean the nose and ears.
- To wash your baby's face, use water without soap.
- never leave a child unattended while bathing, even for a moment.
- for the first 2-3 months after birth, avoid shampoo and soap, which can cause an allergic reaction in the baby.
- if you do use baby bath products, make sure they are soft, suitable for babies and odorless.
- then carefully wrap the baby in a cotton towel or a special corner robe for newborns. nine0222
- the room in which the baby will be after the bath should be warm, and the air conditioners and fans should be turned off to prevent colds.
Umbilical Cord Care
By the time of discharge from the hospital, this organ, which connected mother and baby during all 9 months of pregnancy, will begin to dry out. Gradually, the umbilical cord atrophies and falls off within 1-2 weeks. Until then, the place of its attachment to the belly of the newborn must be kept clean and dry. All you need is plain water. You can not pull the keratinized part, even if it begins to fall off. The process will end by itself. To protect your baby's delicate skin, buy diapers for newborns that have a notch in the waistband for the unhealed navel. If you are using regular diapers, fold the edge so that the fabric does not rub against the tummy. In some cases, the child may need a doctor. Contact your pediatrician if your child has a fever of 38°C or more along with changes in the navel: the area is red and swollen; oozing yellow pus; there is an unpleasant smell. Many mothers are worried about the appearance of small specks of blood on the baby's undershirt or diaper, the child's bed. A little bleeding is normal. nine0008
Diapers and diapers
Change diapers more often as soon as you notice that they are wet or dirty. If left for too long, it can cause infections. For newborn hygiene, thoroughly clean the genital area after every diaper change. Wash your baby under warm, running water to prevent irritation. Allow a few minutes for the skin to air dry, or gently pat dry with a soft towel. Use baby wipes less often to care for your newborn's skin. Perfume and alcohol in them can cause irritation, cause a rash. Make sure you buy diapers in a size that fits your baby. If the baby's skin in the diaper area is irritated, choose a different brand or stop using them for a while. . Wash reusable diapers and diapers with a mild, unscented detergent or clean, hot water. Most diaper rashes on a newborn's skin are not dangerous, but some can be a sign of an infection and need to be looked after. If the baby's skin is very reddened, itchy, or causes pain, contact your pediatrician immediately. nine0005
What to do in case of skin problems
In the first months after birth, the baby may develop a rash, irritation, diaper rash, which seem unusual to parents.
Most of the skin problems in a newborn do not need treatment:
- baby acne - a small red rash on the face. As a rule, it disappears over time without intervention.
- milia are tiny whiteheads on a child's face. nine0222
- erythema is a common patchy rash that can affect newborns. Some appear as yellow or white bumps surrounded by a red halo. The rash tends to migrate to different parts of the body. It is most common on the second day of life, but may appear at birth or within the first two weeks. There is no cure - erythema gradually disappears on its own.
Eczema
This rash appears as red bumps that may fester. It usually appears on the forehead, cheeks, or scalp, and sometimes spreads to other parts of the body. The risk group includes infants who suffer from allergies from birth or have a genetic predisposition to the disease. In case of pathology, it is recommended to use special moisturizers: ointments, creams, oils. Do not bathe the baby for a long time with this disease. When an allergic rash appears, a consultation with a pediatrician is required. nine0222
Diaper rash
Causes:
- untimely diaper change. Urine or stool in a diaper irritates a newborn's skin, causing red weeping spots.
- bacterial or yeast infection. Taking antibiotics can cause the growth of fungi of the genus Candida. It usually appears around the genitals and buttocks of an infant. It looks like red spots with a whitish coating. nine0222
How to properly care for your skin to prevent diaper rash:
- do not use reusable diapers frequently.
- Avoid talcum powder: it dries out the skin of a newborn.
- air baths for half an hour.
Prickly heat
Heat rash is caused by overheating of the body. It is usually visible in the folds of the baby's skin. Hot, humid weather is a favorable time for prickly heat. To avoid rashes, keep your newborn cool by dressing him in loose cotton clothing.