Newborn allergy rash on face
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.
Allergic reaction in baby: Treatment and pictures
A baby can have an allergic reaction for a variety of reasons.
An allergic reaction occurs when the body has an adverse response to a usually harmless substance, such as a soap or a specific food.
Babies have sensitive skin, which makes them more likely than adults to develop a rash. Even a slight irritation to a baby’s skin may be enough to trigger a rash.
Identifying the cause of the allergic reaction or sensitivity can help parents and caregivers to prevent and treat any future reactions.
Babies can have several different types of skin rash, which have a range of causes. Some allergic reactions can also lead to additional symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting.
Common types of allergic reactions in infants include the following:
Eczema
Share on PinterestIrritating fabrics, soaps, and heat can lead to eczema outbreaks in babies.Eczema is one of the most common skin conditions in babies. There are different types of eczema, but atopic eczema is one of the most likely to affect babies and small children.
An eczema rash may consist of tiny red bumps, or it may look like scaly, dry skin.
Doctors do not know why some people develop eczema while others do not, but it may be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Common triggers of eczema outbreaks in babies include irritating fabrics, soaps, and heat.
An eczema rash may look slightly different in older infants. According to the National Eczema Association, babies younger than 6 months tend to develop eczema-type rashes on the scalp, face, and forehead.
In babies aged between 6 months and 1 year, the rash often appears on the knees and elbows.
Papular urticaria
Papular urticaria is a localized allergic reaction to a bug bite. Bites from various insects, including mosquitoes, mites, and bedbugs, can cause the reaction.
Although it usually affects children aged 2–6 years, papular urticaria can also occur in infants.
Papular urticaria resembles small clusters of red bumps or bug bites. Some of the bumps may be fluid-filled. Papular urticaria can last for several days or even weeks.
Hives
When the body is allergic to a substance, it releases a chemical called histamine that can lead to the development of hives and other allergy symptoms.
Hives are itchy, raised patches on the skin. They can range in size and shape but are usually pink or red with a thin red border.
Hives can develop anywhere on the body and often appear in clusters.
Share on PinterestA baby can develop hives as the result of a food allergy.
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, about 6 percent of children aged 2 and under have food allergies.
Signs of a food allergy can include skin reactions and respiratory or intestinal symptoms, such as:
- hives
- itching
- coughing
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- blood in the stool
Occasionally, it is even possible for babies to have allergic reactions to foods before they start eating them. This is because they can develop allergies to the foods that the person who is breast-feeding them eats.
The foods that children are most likely to be allergic to are:
- milk and dairy products
- peanuts
- shellfish
Once they start eating solid foods, babies may show signs of additional allergies.
Doctors often recommend that parents and caregivers introduce new foods to a baby one at a time. This way, if an allergy does develop, it is easier to determine which food is responsible for the reaction.
Not all reactions in babies require treatment. For example, a mild rash is likely to fade within a few hours and may not trouble the baby in that time.
However, if the symptoms of a reaction are causing visible discomfort, treatment may be necessary.
The treatment can vary according to the type of rash or reaction. In general, the following treatments may help:
- Avoiding triggers: Soaps, detergents, and scented lotions can often irritate a baby’s skin, so it may be best to avoid using chemical cleaners and to choose hypoallergenic products instead.
- Washing with a fragrance-free cleanser: After using a mild, scent-free soap, pat the baby’s skin dry and avoid rubbing too hard, as this can irritate the skin.
- Applying a moisturizer: Using a hypoallergenic moisturizer after a baby’s bath can help to prevent dry skin. Moisturizers also provide a barrier to protect the skin from irritants.
- Using 1-percent hydrocortisone cream: Hydrocortisone cream can treat skin rashes relating to eczema or other allergic reactions. Although it is usually safe to use for infants for short periods, it is essential to speak to a doctor first.
- Considering scratch mitts: Scratch mitts prevent a baby from scratching a rash with their fingernails. Too much scratching can injure the skin and lead to an infection.
It is not possible to prevent all allergic reactions in babies, but there are steps that parents and caregivers can take to reduce the risk.
These include:
- washing the baby’s clothes in hypoallergenic detergent
- using fragrance-free shampoo, lotions, and soap
- washing the baby’s bedding in hot water every week to reduce the chance of dust mites
- vacuuming frequently
- introducing new foods one at a time
If a baby has an allergic reaction after breast-feeding, it might be beneficial to keep a food diary to try to determine the underlying cause. Dairy is a very common culprit, especially before the infant reaches 1 year in age.
After identifying the allergen, it may help to avoid eating this food while breast-feeding. However, it is best to speak to a doctor before making changes to the diet.
Share on PinterestSeek medical advice if a rash worsens over time.
People can often treat allergic reactions in babies at home. However, in some cases, it is best to see a doctor.
If the rash spreads or worsens over time, a person should consult a doctor. It is also essential to seek medical advice if the skin shows signs of an infection, such as blistering, bleeding, or seeping fluid.
In some cases, a rash can signify another illness. If a rash appears alongside the symptoms below, people should consult a doctor:
- fever
- lethargy
- poor feeding
- coughing
- excessive crying
Babies who develop allergic reactions that include wheezing, swelling of the lips or tongue, or trouble breathing will require immediate medical attention. They may be having an anaphylactic reaction, which can be severe.
Allergic reactions and sensitivities are common in babies, in part because they have such sensitive skin.
In most cases, these reactions are mild, and parents or caregivers can treat them at home.
Identifying the allergen can help to prevent future reactions. Many babies will grow out of their allergies, but others will develop new allergies as they get older.
Rashes in newborns | clinic blog Nashe Vremya
The rash is localized on the face, head, in the oral and nasal cavities, as well as any part of the body.
When combing, abrasions and erosion occur, a secondary infection may join.
A rash in a baby does not appear on its own, most often it is a sign of pathological processes in the body, although sometimes it is also a consequence of physiological conditions. Usually accompanied by additional symptoms - fever, sleep disturbance and appetite, joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, weakness.
The rash may look different. First, primary elements are formed:
- pustules - small vesicles with purulent contents
- papules raised hard nodules
- bullae blisters raised above the skin
- vesicles - small vesicles up to 5 mm containing exudate
- maculae - flat red spots
- plaques vesicles fused together
- petechiae - subcutaneous hemorrhages caused by capillary injury
- hemorrhages - subcutaneous hemorrhages caused by high permeability of vessel walls
After a while, secondary elements may form on the affected areas:
- hyperpigmentation or depigmentation skin discoloration
- desquamation - scaling of dying epidermis
- erosions - superficial lesions resulting from the opening of a vesicle or abscess
- abrasions - violations of the integrity of the skin when scratching
- crusts - formations in place of burst pustules and vesicles
- lichenification - thickening of the skin with enhancement of its pattern
Most rashes are harmless and go away either on their own or with minor interventions.
A baby is born with thin and sensitive skin, which tends to react sharply to any stimuli. Because of this, acne, peeling, redness appear. Despite the fact that usually skin manifestations are physiological and disappear on their own, some of them still require a mandatory examination and follow-up by a doctor.
Reasons for the appearance of
The causes of skin changes and lesions are physiological conditions, various diseases, allergic reactions and physical irritants.
Physiological states
At birth, the baby is covered with primordial lubrication, which protects the skin from pathogenic microorganisms. In the hospital, it is not completely removed so that the skin adapts to the environment. But later, external conditions begin to act on it, causing various reactions that pass over time and are not dangerous for the baby.
A few minutes after childbirth, the color of the skin changes - it becomes bright pink or reddish. This is due to the fact that the air pressure is lower than the pressure of the aquatic environment in which the newborn has been for a long time, blood begins to flow to the skin, changing its color.
When the vessels return to normal, it will become the usual pink color. This takes about 2 weeks, premature babies a little more - up to 3 weeks.
At first, the baby's skin may look like marble due to pink-purple spots. This is how the vessels react to cold, so marbling is usually noticeable when dressing or swaddling until the child is protected by clothes. If the marble spots are uniform and disappear when the baby is warmed, then there is no cause for concern. However, if something worries you, it is better to consult a doctor for advice so as not to miss heart or lung diseases, when marbling is a symptom of oxygen starvation.
On days 2-3, the baby's skin begins to peel off due to the transition to a dry environment after the womb. The degree of peeling is different, in post-term children it is more pronounced. It goes away in a few days. If cracks occur during peeling, you need to use special tools - emollients. However, if the skin bursts and is very desquamated, you need to see a doctor to exclude ichthyosis, hyperkeratosis and other pathologies.
Babies can develop seborrheic dermatitis, which forms in areas with strong sebum production. Appears as yellow scales on the head and behind the ears, less often in the axillary and inguinal folds. The second name for seborrheic dermatitis is "milk crusts". Usually pass without treatment, do not cause itching and do not cause discomfort, although it does not look aesthetically pleasing. To speed up the healing process, you can use baby oil and comb out the scales with a soft baby comb. Sometimes antifungal and anti-inflammatory creams may be needed.
For physiological reasons, various rashes can occur - toxic erythema, neonatal acne, milia. This is normal, because the delicate skin of the baby adapts to new living conditions. A rash in a baby appears due to an increased content of hormones, activation of the sebaceous glands and blockage of the follicles.
Physical influences (overheating, cold, friction)
Baby's skin is sensitive not only to the natural environment, but also to various mechanical influences and irritants.
For example, overheating can cause prickly heat, contact with saliva can cause contact dermatitis, and a diaper can cause diaper dermatitis.
Infections
Infections that can cause rashes are viral, bacterial, or fungal. In this case, other symptoms are usually present - fever, intoxication, pain. See a doctor as soon as possible if the baby refuses to eat, the rash is accompanied by high fever, pus, severe swelling or redness of the skin. Hemorrhages in the form of red-blue blots, which do not disappear when pressed (test with a glass), require special attention.
Allergy
A rash in newborns can also appear upon contact with an allergen. Allergy can be food, contact, drug, cold, etc. Its symptoms are manifested by rashes, itching, urticaria, Quincke's edema, runny nose, cough, bronchospasm and intestinal disorders (diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, colic). Anaphylaxis is life-threatening and requires an immediate emergency call.
Also, a rash in newborns is caused by autoimmune diseases, vascular and other pathologies of the body, but this happens extremely rarely.
Types of rashes
Types of rash in newborns depend on its cause and are divided into physiological and pathological , and the latter - into infectious, allergic and mechanical .
Physiological
Neonatal acne (neonatal pustulosis)
In the 3rd week of life, 20% of newborns may develop teenage acne. They occur under the influence of hormones and look like pustules with a red border. The rash on the body of the baby is usually localized on the face, sometimes spreads to the scalp, less often to the collar zone. It is not dangerous and goes away on its own in 1-3 months.
With neonatal acne, the skin needs to be properly cleansed and moisturized, and may sometimes require the use of medicated creams. It is absolutely impossible to squeeze pimples and cauterize with alcohol-containing solutions. If the rash in the baby is abundant and leads to secondary infection, you should definitely see a doctor. Acne can drag on for a month or more, then it is considered infantile.
If more than six months do not pass, the risk of developing acne in adolescence increases.
Milia
50% of babies develop small yellow or white nodules 1-2 mm in size, called milia or milia. These are cysts of the sebaceous glands that do not require removal. They spread to the face, head, chest and disappear in about a month.
Toxic erythema
This is a benign rash in a newborn child, resulting from the influence of the external environment on delicate skin. Develops by 2-3 days of life in 70% of babies in the form of small red rashes on the face, limbs, trunk. First, small dots appear, which later merge into spots with a 1-2 mm tubercle in the center. Toxic erythema is not dangerous and disappears within a week, sometimes 2-3 weeks. If something worries you, it is better to consult a doctor to rule out infections.
Pathological
Viral eruptions
Chickenpox
It starts with a few blisters and spreads throughout the body, including the scalp and mucous membranes.
First, red spots appear, and then turn into bubbles. Then they burst and form crusts that cause itching and bother the baby. The rashes last 5-10 days.
Measles
A highly contagious disease characterized by a small raspberry-red rash that first appears in the mouth, then spreads to the whole body. Affected skin becomes rough, later scaly patches remain for 1–2 weeks. Develops against the background of high temperature.
Rubella
Small pink-red spots appear on the head, and then all over the body, which last 2-4 days, and then disappear. Other symptoms are sore throat, nasal congestion, high fever.
Herpes
A rash in newborns occurs in the form of blisters on the lips and in the oral cavity, which disappears in 1-2 weeks.
Infectious mononucleosis
With infectious mononucleosis, densely spaced pink spots of about 10–15 mm appear. Other symptoms are high fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat.
Roseola
First, the temperature rises, after its normalization, small light pink dots appear. It goes away on its own and does not require treatment.
Coxsackie syndrome
Bubble rashes appear on the palms, feet and in the oral cavity. Additional symptoms are fever, vomiting.
Erythema infectiosum (fifth disease)
This is a common viral infection among newborns, which is manifested by a red rash on the cheeks and is accompanied by fever. It resolves on its own in a few days and does not require treatment.
Molluscum contagiosum
Appears as a cluster of white-pink bubbles with curdled contents inside. It is usually localized on the face, neck, eyelids, trunk and extremities.
Bacterial eruptions
Scarlet fever
With scarlet fever, numerous red dots appear in the folds of the skin, on the abdomen and on the sides of the body, accompanied by itching and flaking. A distinctive feature is that there are no rashes in the nasolabial triangle.
Passes in 3-7 days. Additional symptoms are severe sore throat, crimson tongue.
Meningitis
Terrible disease, accompanied by a rash in the form of hemorrhages caused by rupture of capillaries, which do not go away and do not turn pale when pressed. Additional symptoms are headache, vomiting, pain in the extremities, stiff neck. The disease develops rapidly and can be deadly. If you suspect meningitis, you need to urgently call an ambulance.
Impetigo (streptoderma)
Accompanied by large blisters with purulent contents. Treatment is with topical or systemic antibiotics.
Fungal eruptions
Caused by contact with a fungal infection, they are divided into keratomycosis (damage to the stratum corneum of the epidermis) and dermatophytosis (damage to the skin, hair and nails). Usually appear as red rings on any part of the body. Transmitted from sick animals and people.
Rashes caused by parasites
Scabies
It manifests itself in the form of pairwise located points between the fingers, in the inguinal folds, on the knees and elbows.
Accompanied by severe itching and disturb the baby. The reason is the scabies mite. Special creams are usually prescribed, and all family members should be treated.
Allergic rashes
Urticaria
This is an acute allergic reaction in which raised red blisters quickly appear, similar to a nettle burn. It develops suddenly upon contact with an allergen, accompanied by severe itching. It has an acute and chronic character. Occurs with the use of food proteins, viral infections, insect bites and the use of drugs. In severe cases, it is accompanied by Quincke's edema, which requires an ambulance call.
Atopic dermatitis
This is a genetically determined disease associated with a defect in the skin barrier. It is important to note that allergy is not the cause of its occurrence, but rather a consequence. Only in 30% of cases, atopic dermatitis is combined with food allergies. The rash in the baby is localized on the face, buttocks, torso, extensor surfaces of the limbs.
It is manifested by redness and peeling, accompanied by itching. Exacerbation is provoked by various triggers - stress, infections, sweat, histamine liberator products, tobacco smoke, animal hair.
For treatment, special creams are used that restore the barrier function - emollients. They need to be used daily, plentifully lubricating the skin. In severe cases, hormonal ointments are prescribed.
Pseudo-allergic
A pseudo-allergic reaction looks like an allergic reaction, but in fact it is not, since its development does not have an immune mechanism. The reasons are an increased content of histamine in foods, the ability of foods to stimulate its release from mast cells, increased absorption of histamine due to gastrointestinal pathologies. Histamine liberators include strawberries, chocolate, cocoa, citrus fruits, cheeses, preservatives, colorants and flavor enhancers. In a breastfed newborn, they arise due to the use of these products by the mother. Treatment consists of a tolerable dose, skin care, and sometimes antihistamines.
Mechanical eruptions
Prickly heat
Appears in the form of small red spots when overheated. It may also look like nodules or vesicles, appears in the folds of the skin, on the face, head, trunk, limbs. The occurrence of prickly heat contributes to an increase in body temperature, overheating due to too warm clothes, the use of things made of dense fabric. Lasts from several hours to several days, air baths speed up the healing process.
To prevent prickly heat, do not wrap the baby while walking, dress according to the principle - plus one layer of clothing relative to an adult. During wakefulness, periodically undress the baby for air baths. If prickly heat has already appeared, choose looser clothes, bathe without soap and protect from overheating.
Contact dermatitis
This is skin damage due to prolonged exposure to various irritants - saliva, fruit and vegetable juices, detergents. In newborns, saliva often causes dermatitis near the mouth and on the neck.
Passes when the irritant is eliminated, anti-inflammatory creams are sometimes prescribed.
Diaper dermatitis
Prototype contact dermatitis, only appears under a diaper. The cause is both overheating and contact with urine, sweat and feces. A rash in a baby occurs on the thighs, abdomen, buttocks in the form of red spots, bumps and peeling.
Treatment is carried out according to the abbreviation ABCDE (air, barrier, cleansing, diaper, education) - air, barrier, cleansing, diaper, education. With diaper dermatitis, you need to change diapers every 2-3 hours, arrange air baths when changing clothes, dry the skin thoroughly after bathing, and also lubricate with diaper cream. Sometimes local hormonal agents are used.
How to tell a rash from an allergy
An allergic reaction develops when an allergen enters the body. The immune system rushes to the defense, while blood vessels dilate, the skin turns red and inflamed, rashes appear, and edema may develop.
If there was no contact with the allergen, then the rash is most likely not allergic.
It is also worth distinguishing an allergic rash in an infant from an infectious one. With an allergy, it occurs suddenly, with an infection in stages - first it is localized in one place, and then it appears in another, it has clear boundaries of lesions. An infectious rash is contagious, so if one of the family members has it, then it is not an allergy. Viral or bacterial infections are often accompanied by fever, allergies are not. With an allergic rash, there is almost always severe itching, swelling, rhinitis, conjunctivitis may appear.
But still, it is very difficult to establish the cause on your own, so you should consult a doctor for the correct diagnosis and treatment. The doctor may prescribe tests to confirm a particular disease.
What to do if a child has a rash
A rash in a newborn baby can be of different etiologies, in some cases it goes away on its own, and in some it requires treatment.
It is especially dangerous to miss formidable diseases such as meningitis or scarlet fever. Since eruptions often occur in greased molds, it is easy to make a mistake.
If simple methods like air baths, using breathable fabrics, frequent diaper changes, using emollients do not help, and even more so if the condition of the newborn worsens - the temperature rises, breathing is difficult, swelling has developed, the baby refuses to eat, urgently seek medical help .
When to see a doctor
In fact, it is better to show any rashes to the doctor. And do it in person, not by photo or video call. The doctor needs not only to examine the rash live, but also to feel, conduct certain tests, and also independently assess the condition of the child. If you find yourself in such a situation, you can contact our specialists.
Pediatricians of the Nashe Vremya clinic work in accordance with the principles of evidence-based medicine. They treat children with great care, carefully and carefully treat babies and are tactful with parents.
Here they will not prescribe unnecessary tests, they will not make non-existent diagnoses, they will answer all questions, reassure and prescribe the correct treatment in case it is necessary.
If you want the baby to be examined at home, contact our field service. The pediatrician will arrive on the day of the call, after the examination he will give the necessary recommendations and will observe the baby until he is fully recovered.
We have specialists with extensive experience, as well as great love for their profession and little patients.
Prevention
To prevent rashes, the following measures should be taken:
- take care of the baby's hygiene and wash hands before touching the baby
- monitor the cleanliness of the room, humidify and ventilate in time
- use loose, breathable clothing for the newborn
- avoid overheating and hypothermia of the child
- change diapers more often and take air baths
- limit the amount of contact other people have with the baby
- buy quality toys and baby care products
- if possible, invite a doctor to the house, and not come to the clinic yourself
- avoid contact with allergens
- keep the baby safe from insects
And the most important thing is to vaccinate both the child and others in a timely manner, especially if the child cannot be vaccinated due to age.
For example, adults should be vaccinated against influenza or covid.
Methods of treatment
Treatment depends on the cause that caused the damage to the skin. First you need to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Further, depending on the disease, antihistamines, hormonal ointments, emollients, antibiotics, antifungals can be prescribed.
And sometimes a rash in a newborn baby does not need to be treated at all, but just wait. But additional measures may be required - air baths, a comfortable indoor climate, breathable clothing, quality diapers.
Tips for parents
A rash in a baby is not an independent disease or its cause, it is always a symptom. Therefore, it is very important to determine what caused the rash in the baby - allergies, infections, insect bites or mechanical damage.
If the rash is accompanied by fever, the child is lethargic - urgently see a doctor, if hemorrhages appear - immediately call an ambulance! If the rash occurs against the background of the complete health of the child, see the pediatrician in a planned manner.
Terminals
The rash can manifest itself in the form of various elements - from small dots to large blisters and hemorrhages. Types of rash in newborns, as well as their causes, can be completely different:
- physiological - neonatal acne, milia, toxic erythema
- pathological - viral, bacterial, fungal, allergic
- mechanical - prickly heat, contact dermatitis, diaper dermatitis
Therefore, it is important to understand what exactly caused this or that rash in an infant.
Most often, a rash on the body of a baby goes away on its own and does not need treatment, for example, a hormonal rash in a newborn. However, you need to be careful not to miss a serious illness.
It is difficult for parents to figure out the reasons themselves, so it is better to entrust this to a doctor. If the rash is not dangerous, calmly wait until it passes, and if it is the cause of some kind of disease, establish it in time and start treatment.
Sources
1. Kudryavtseva A.V., Atopic dermatitis and food allergy: features of patient management in Russia and other countries (Europe, USA and Japan), School of atopic dermatitis as the basis for successful treatment of children, 2018.
2. Kudryavtseva A.V., Urticaria in children: pathogenetic mechanisms and possibilities of modern therapy, 2017.
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How to tell acne from allergies
Many mothers face the problem of rashes on the face in the first month of a baby's life. The first thoughts that visit that it is an allergy. Often, unfortunately, a nurse who comes for patronage can also “erroneously” convince that mommy ate forbidden chocolate or oranges. A young mother "sits down" on a diet, leaving only buckwheat and chicken breast, excluding all colored foods.
In the first three weeks of a baby's life, a rash usually appears that is absolutely not related to the foods consumed by the mother. This is neonatal acne, or newborn acne, is more common than allergies.
And why do acne occur at such an early age?
In general, acne in children is divided into several groups depending on age.
Newborn acne (neonatal acne) appear in the first three weeks after birth. It occurs quite often, in about 20% of newborns. There are different points of view about the appearance of acne in newborns. The main reason is the increased function of the sebaceous glands in response to androgens ("male" sex hormones) of the mother and the synthesis of own androgens in the newborn. This creates good conditions for the reproduction of microorganisms on the skin Propionbacterium acne . The main feature of acne at this age is open and closed comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules (pustules). The usual places of localization are cheeks, forehead, chin, less often the neck and back. There is a variety of neonatal acne - cephalic pustulosis. It is believed that these are not quite classic acne, since usually the rashes are not in the form of comedones, but pustules (pustules) - whiteheads.
Their appearance also falls on about the 3rd week of life. And cephalic pustulosis in babies is associated with the colonization of yeast-like fungi Malassezia (malassezia).
Early childhood acne is less common than neonatal acne and may appear as early as 6 weeks during the first year of life. The reasons for their appearance are also associated with "male" hormones. The rash is not as profuse as with neonatal acne. Rash in the form of single comedones, papules, pustules.
What to do about acne in children of the first year of life?
In general, identifying acne in newborns is not a problem. The main problem is the concern of the mother, since in most cases acne at this age does not cause discomfort to the child himself. No special laboratory tests are required. Special treatment too. Neonatal acne refers to one of those child conditions that occur in connection with the birth of a child, in connection with the child's adaptation to extrauterine life, i.
e. outside the mother. Therefore, the main thing is the time and patience of the mother. Mommy doesn't need to blame herself for not resisting the "yummy" and start exhausting herself with diets.
Usually, acne in newborns and early childhood will go away on its own within a few days/weeks, leaving no marks or scars. All that is required is careful but gentle hygiene, and the patience of the mother. Skin cleansing with gentle baby products. Unfortunately, a piece of baby soap will not work for this. It is necessary to use products with neutral ph, without alcohol and irritating components. Non-greasy cosmetics are essential. Avoid herbal decoctions, as they can additionally irritate children's skin.
If acne does not go away for a long time, you should consult a doctor. For cephalic pustulosis, usually with a prolonged course, topical antifungal agents may be needed. Although for the most part, it also does not require special treatment.
You should definitely not delay a visit to the doctor if acne appeared at the age of over 1 year to 7 years - this is acne of middle childhood .
By the age of one year, androgen synthesis decreases and remains at a low level until about 7 years of age. Therefore, after a year, problems with acne should go away. Otherwise, you need to look for the causes of hyperandrogenism (elevated levels of androgens). This will help the endocrinologist. In such cases, tests are usually prescribed to determine the level of hormones: free and total testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones (LH and FSH), prolactin and 17-hydroxyprogesterone.
How can you tell baby acne from allergies and other skin conditions?
Unlike acne, true allergies are rarely limited to the face, and the rash spreads throughout the body. The lesions are usually bright red, large, swollen, and may merge. In such cases, the doctor may start looking for the cause of the allergy, if necessary, prescribe allergy tests.
The appearance of acne can also suggest that it is "diathesis," a medical term for atopic dermatitis, which many consider an allergic reaction.
