Red dots on infants face
Is It Baby Acne, a Rash, or Something Else?
Even adults can find it difficult to identify their skin issues. Everyone’s skin is different, and the way rashes and acne flare up can vary. Babies can’t tell you what they’re feeling, so you’ll have to go on looks alone.
Read on to learn about some of the most common skin issues that babies face and how you can treat them at home.
Baby acne usually develops about 2 to 4 weeks after birth. Tiny red or white bumps appear on the baby’s cheeks, nose, and forehead. The cause is unknown. It typically clears up on its own in about 3 to 4 months without leaving marks.
To treat baby acne, don’t use any of the over-the-counter acne products you’d use on yourself. These can damage your baby’s delicate skin.
Regular home care should be enough to treat baby acne:
- Wash your baby’s face daily with warm water. You may also try a gentle, unscented soap.
- Do not scrub hard or pinch irritated areas.
- Avoid lotions and oily face products.
If you’re concerned that your baby’s acne isn’t going away, their doctor can recommend or prescribe safe treatments.
Eczema is a skin condition that causes a dry, red, itchy, and sometimes painful rash. It’s more common in children and often develops in the first 6 months of life. The condition can continue as the child gets older, or they may grow out of it.
In babies up to 6 months old, eczema often appears on the cheeks or forehead. As the baby gets older, the rash may move to the elbows, knees, and skin creases.
Eczema flares up when the skin is dry or when the skin comes into contact with an allergen or irritant, such as:
- pet dander
- dust mites
- detergent
- household cleaner
Drooling can also irritate eczema around the chin or mouth.
There’s no cure for eczema, but there are ways to manage your baby’s symptoms:
- Give your baby short, lukewarm baths (between 5 and 10 minutes) and use an unscented or gentle soap on the affected areas.
- Use a thick, unscented cream or ointment as a moisturizer twice a day.
- Use fragrance-free laundry detergent designed for sensitive skin.
Your baby’s pediatrician may be able to prescribe a steroid ointment to help reduce inflammation. Use this as directed by their doctor.
Milia are tiny white bumps on a newborn’s nose, chin, or cheeks that look similar to acne. They can also appear on the baby’s arms and legs. The bumps are caused by dead skin flakes becoming trapped near the skin’s surface. Like baby acne, milia go away without treatment.
However, you can use the same at-home care:
- Wash your baby’s face daily with plain water or if needed, an unscented or gentle soap.
- Do not scrub hard or pinch the irritated areas.
- Avoid lotions or oily face products.
Cradle cap looks like scaly, yellowish, crusty patches on the baby’s head. Depending on your baby’s skin tone, the patches may appear yellowish, brown, purple, or grey.
Cradle cap usually develops when a baby is 2 or 3 months old. There may also be redness surrounding the patches. This rash may also appear on the baby’s:
- face
- eyebrows
- neck
- ears
- armpits
Cradle cap is not harmful to your baby. It’s not itchy like eczema. It’ll go away on its own in a few weeks or months without treatment.
Some things you can do at home to manage cradle cap are:
- Wash your baby’s hair and scalp with a gentle shampoo.
- Brush scales out with a soft-bristled hairbrush.
- Avoid washing hair too often, as it’ll dry out the scalp.
- Use baby oil to soften the scales so they’re easier to brush out.
Heat rash is caused when sweat gets trapped under the skin because of blocked pores. It’s usually caused by exposure to hot or humid weather. When a baby gets heat rash, they develop tiny, red, fluid-filled blisters. These can appear on the:
- neck
- shoulders
- chest
- armpits
- elbow creases
- groin
The rash generally goes away within a few days without treatment.
However, see your baby’s doctor if they develop a fever or if the rash:
- does not go away
- looks worse
- gets infected
To avoid overheating, dress your baby in loose-fitting cotton clothing during hot summer months. Take off extra layers if they get too hot in cooler weather.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious viral infection. HFMD commonly causes blisters or sores to appear in or around the mouth or on the hands or feet. The rash may be seen in one or more of these locations.
The rash looks like red blisters or bumps. As the disease progresses, the sores may crust over. The spots may be harder to identify on darker skin tones.
While it can occur in anyone, it’s more commonly seen in children under 5 years old.
Additional symptoms may include:
- fever
- decreased appetite
- general malaise
- drooling
- irritability
- sore throat
- headache
Because HFMD is a viral infection, there is no treatment.
People typically recover within 7 to 10 days.
Talk with your baby’s pediatrician to determine if you can offer baby acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help make your child more comfortable while they recover. Your pediatrician may also recommend ibuprofen (Motrin) in babies 6 months and older.
A pediatrician may also be able to recommend over-the-counter or prescription topical ointments to help relieve pain from the sores.
Limit acidic or spicy foods, such as citrus, as these can irritate the sores. Instead, offer cold foods, like popsicles, to help soothe sores in the mouth. It’s also important to keep your child isolated and out of care settings until the sores have healed. HFMD is extremely contagious.
These skin conditions are generally harmless and usually go away on their own with little or no treatment. You can help your baby avoid irritating the area by keeping their nails short and putting soft cotton gloves or socks on them at night.
If you’re concerned or feel that your child may require medical intervention, talk with their pediatrician.
Pictures of childhood rashes: Red dots, bumps, and more
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From diaper rash and cradle cap to eczema and baby acne, here are some of the most common children's rashes and skin problems.
Photo credit: BabyCenter Community Member
Baby acne
Where it appears: Usually on the cheeks; sometimes on the forehead, chin, and even the back of a newborn.
What it looks like: Small white pimples that may be surrounded by reddish skin. Can be present at birth or develop between 2 and 4 weeks of age.
Baby acne is not contagious. Learn more about baby acne causes and treatments.
Photo credit: instagram.
com/brownskinmatters
Chicken pox
Where it appears: Often on the scalp, face, or torso first, then spreading to the entire body.
What it looks like: Small red bumps at first, which quickly become clear, fluid-filled blisters on a pink base; these eventually become dry brown crusts or scabs. New waves of itchy blisters often emerge as the illness progresses. Children usually get between 250 and 500 blisters, although it's possible to have just a few, especially if the child has had the chicken pox vaccine. Child may have a slight fever. Uncommon before the first birthday.
Chicken pox is very contagious. Learn more about chicken pox causes and treatment.
Photo credit: BioPhoto Associates / Science Source
Detail: Chicken pox blister
Where it appears: Often on the scalp, face, or trunk first, then spreads to the entire body.
What it looks like: Clear, fluid-filled blisters on a pink base, which eventually become dry brown crusts or scabs.
Chicken pox is very contagious. Learn more about chicken pox causes and treatment.
Photo credit: iStock.com / somethingway
Cold sores
Where it appears: On or near the lips.
What it looks like: Small, fluid-filled blisters that may get bigger, burst, or crust over. They can appear individually or in clusters. Uncommon before age 2.
Cold sores are contagious. Learn more about cold sore causes and treatment.
Photo credit: Chris Priest / Science Source
Cradle cap
Where it appears: On the scalp, around the ears, eyebrows, armpits, and in neck creases.
What it looks like: Flaky, dry skin or yellowish crusty patches; may cause some hair loss. Usually clears up in the first year.
Cradle cap is not contagious. Learn more about cradle cap causes and treatments.
Photo credit: Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source
Diaper rash
Where it appears: In the diaper area and in skin folds on boys and girls.
What it looks like: Inflamed red skin; rash may be flat or raised. Causes discomfort during diaper changes. Most common in babies under 1 year.
Diaper rash is not contagious. Learn more about diaper rash causes and treatments.
Photo credit: Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source
Diaper rash (yeast)
Where it appears: In the diaper area and in skin folds, with some isolated bumps around the main rash.
What it looks like: Small red bumps that may be pus-filled. Lasts more than two days and doesn't respond to diaper cream. More common in children who have recently taken antibiotics.
Yeast diaper rash is not contagious. Learn more about yeast diaper rash causes and treatment.
Photo credit: Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source
Eczema
Where it appears: Typically in the creases of the elbows or knees and on the cheeks, chin, scalp, chest, and back.
What it looks like: Dry, thickened, scaly red skin or tiny red bumps that may ooze or crust.
Very itchy. Most common in families with a history of allergies or asthma. Typically shows up in the first year of life and often is gone by age 2 but can persist through adulthood.
Eczema is not contagious. Learn about eczema causes and treatments for your baby or child.
Photo credit: instagram.com/brownskinmatters
Detail: Eczema
Where it appears: Typically in the creases of the elbows or knees; on the cheeks, chin, scalp, chest, and back
What it looks like: Itchy rash that appears as dry, thickened, scaly red skin, or tiny red bumps that may ooze or crust. Most common in families with a history of allergies or asthma. Typically shows up in the first year of life and often is gone by age 2, but can persist through adulthood.
Eczema is not contagious. Learn more about eczema causes and treatments for your baby or child.
Photo credit: CDC
Erythema toxicum
Where it appears: Anywhere on the body.
What it looks like: Small yellow or white bumps surrounded by red skin. Very common in newborns, usually showing up two to five days after birth. Usually disappears on its own in about two weeks; may linger for a few months.
Erythema toxicum is not contagious. Learn more about erythema toxicum causes and treatments.
Photo credit: Dr. H.C. Robinson / Science Source
Fifth disease
Where it appears: Cheeks, torso, and feet.
What it looks like: Bright red cheeks and a lacy, red, and sometimes itchy rash following a slight fever, achiness, and cold symptoms. Also called “slapped cheeks disease,” or erythema infectiosum. Most common in preschool and school-age children.
Fifth disease is contagious. Learn more about fifth disease causes and treatment.
Photo credit: Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source
Folliculitis
Where it appears: Neck, underarm, and groin.
What it looks like: Pimples or pustules around hair follicles that may crust over. Uncommon before age 2.
Folliculitis is not contagious. Learn more about folliculitis causes and treatments.
Photo credit: instagram.com/brownskinmatters
Hand, foot, and mouth disease
Where it appears: In the mouth, on the palms of hands and soles of feet, sometimes on the buttocks.
What it looks like: Blisterlike sores in the mouth; rash on palms, soles, and buttocks. The rash starts as small, flat red dots that may turn into bumps or blisters; blisters are painful. Most common in preschoolers but can occur at any age.
Hand, foot and mouth disease is contagious. Learn more about hand, foot, and mouth disease causes and treatment.
Photo credit: © Biophoto Associates / Science Source
Detail: Hand, foot, and mouth disease
Where it appears: In the mouth, on the palms of hands and soles of feet, sometimes on the buttocks.
What it looks like: Blisterlike sores in the mouth; rash on palms, soles, and buttocks. The rash starts as small, flat red dots that may turn into bumps or blisters; blisters are painful. Most common in preschoolers but can occur at any age.
Hand, foot and mouth disease is contagious. Learn more about hand, foot, and mouth disease causes and treatment.
Photo credit: instagram.com/brownskinmatters
Hives
Where it appears: Body, face, and hands.
What it looks like: Red bumps on skin that are often itchy. May come and go. Usually lasts from a few hours to a few days but can persist for weeks or even months. Can occur at any age.
Hives are not contagious. Learn more about hive causes and treatments for your baby, toddler, preschooler, or big kid.
Photo credit: iStock
Impetigo
Where it appears: Often develops around the nose and mouth; may spread to other parts of the body.
What it looks like: Small red bumps that may be itchy. Bumps become pus-filled blisters that may burst and develop a soft yellowish-brown crust. Child may have a fever and swollen lymph glands in the neck. Most common in children between 2 and 6 years old.
Impetigo is very contagious. Learn more about impetigo causes and treatment.
Photo credit: Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source
Jaundice
Where it appears: Throughout entire body.
What it looks like: A yellow tinge to the skin. In dark-skinned babies, yellowness may be seen in whites of eyes, palms of hands, and soles of feet. Common during the first week or two of life. Most common in premature babies.
Jaundice is not contagious. Learn more about jaundice causes and treatments.
Photo credit: Lowell Georgia / Science Source
Measles
Where it appears: Throughout entire body.
What it looks like: Red bumps with tiny white dots on the inside of cheeks a few days after a fever and runny eyes and nose.
Next, a rash appears on the face and progresses down the back and torso to the arms and hands, and finally to the legs and feet. The rash starts as flat red patches but eventually develops bumps and may be itchy. Lasts about five days then fades to a brownish color, leaving skin dry and flaky. Rare due to vaccinations; most likely to occur in unvaccinated children.
Measles is very contagious. Learn more about measles causes and treatment.
Photo credit: Science Source
Milia
Where it appears: Most common on the face, but can appear anywhere on the body.
What it looks like: Tiny white or yellow pearly bumps. Common in newborns. They are harmless and go away in a few weeks.
Milia are not contagious. Learn more about milia causes and treatment.
Photo credit: instagram.com/brownskinmatters
Molloscum contagiosum
Where it appears: Typically on the face, neck, and arms but can pop up anywhere.
What it looks like: Dome-shaped lesions that can be pearly in appearance and have a dimpled center. May be itchy. Uncommon before the first birthday.
Molloscum contagiosum are contagious. Learn more about molluscum contagiosum causes and treatment.
Photo credit: Dr. Teresa Wright
Papular urticaria
Where it appears: In clusters on the face, neck, arms, and legs.
What it looks like: Small bumps that become firm and reddish-brown at the site of old insect bites. Bumps are usually very itchy. Can appear at any age.
Papular urticaria is not contagious. Learn more about papular urticaria causes and treatment.
Photo credit: Scott Camazine / Science Source
Poison ivy, oak, or sumac
Where it appears: Wherever skin made contact with the plant; typically on hands, feet, arms and legs.
What it looks like: Swollen red bumps that may appear in streaks or lines at first.
Usually shows up 12 to 48 hours after contact but can take up to a week to appear. Rash is itchy; blisters follow and become crusty within a few days. Uncommon before the first birthday.
Poison ivy, oak and sumac are allergic reactions and not contagious. Learn more about poison ivy, oak, or sumac causes and treatment.
Photo credit: instagram.com/brownskinmatters
Ringworm
Where it appears: On the body or scalp.
What it looks like: One or several red rings that can be very small or very large. Usually crusty or scaly on the outside, smooth in the center; may get larger over time. On the scalp, may appear as dandruff or bald spots. Most common in children 2 and older.
Ringworm is contagious. Learn more about ringworm causes and treatments.
Photo credit: Scott Camazine / Science Source
Roseola
Where it appears: On the torso and neck; may spread to arms, legs, and face.
What it looks like: A pink rash on torso and neck usually following three to five days of a sudden, relatively high fever that's often greater than 103 degrees Fahrenheit. May spread to the arms, legs, and face. Child may be irritable and have diarrhea or vomiting. Most common in children between 6 months and 3 years old.
Roseola is contagious. Learn more about roseola causes and treatment.
Photo credit: Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source
Rubella (German measles)
Where it appears: Starts on the face; spreads all over the body.
What it looks like: Pink-red rash lasting two to three days; may accompany a mild fever, swollen lymph nodes behind the ears, runny or stuffy nose, headache, and sore throat. Rare due to vaccinations; most likely to occur in unvaccinated children.
Rubella is contagious. Learn more about rubella causes and treatment
Photo credit: Dr. Teresa Wright
Scabies
Where it appears: Between fingers, around wrists and elbows, in armpit and diaper area.
May also show up on kneecaps, palms, soles, scalp, or face.
What it looks like: Scattered red bumps that are severely itchy. May leave curvy white or thin red lines or little blisters on nearby skin. Itching is most intense after a hot bath or at night and may keep the child awake. May occur at any age.
Scabies is very contagious. Learn more about scabies causes and treatment.
Photo credit: Biophoto Associates / Science Source
Scarlet fever
Where it appears: Armpits, neck, chest, and groin; rapidly spreads over the entire body.
What it looks like: Begins as a mass of tiny red bumps that feel like fine sandpaper and may itch. Child may have a fever and a red sore throat. Early in the infection, the tongue may have a white or yellowish coating that later turns red. Bumps on the tongue may appear larger than normal, a condition called strawberry tongue. Tonsils may be swollen and red. As the rash fades, the skin may peel, especially on the hands and feet and in the groin.
Uncommon before age 2.
Scarlet fever is very contagious. Learn more about scarlet fever causes and treatment.
Photo credit: Biophoto Associates / Science Source
Warts
Where it appears: Usually on hands but can occur anywhere on the body.
What it looks like: A small grainy bump or cluster of bumps. Usually skin-toned but may be lighter or darker in color and can contain black dots. Flat warts, which are smaller and smoother, can also appear anywhere on the body, but in children they most often show up on the face. Plantar warts show up on the soles of the feet. Most warts disappear on their own in a few months to a few years. Uncommon before age 2.
Warts are mildly contagious. Learn more about wart causes and treatment.
Sources
BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals.
We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.
AAD. Scabies. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/contagious-skin-diseases/scabies [Accessed September 2019]
AAFP. 2017. Diaper rash. American Academy of Family Physicians. https://familydoctor.org/condition/diaper-rash/ [Accessed September 2019]
AAP. 2019. Baby birthmarks and rashes. American Academy of Pediatrics. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/bathing-skin-care/Pages/Your-Newborns-Skin-Birthmarks-and-Rashes.aspx [Accessed September 2019]
AAP. 2015. Cradle cap. American Academy of Pediatrics. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/bathing-skin-care/Pages/Cradle-Cap.aspx [Accessed September 2019]
Allmon, A, et al. 2015. Common skin rashes in children. American Family Physician 92(3):211-6. http://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0801/p211.html [Accessed September 2019]
CDC.
2019. Hand, foot, and mouth disease. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/ [Accessed September 2019]
CDC. 2017. Rubella. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/rubella/ [Accessed September 2019]
CDC. 2019. Measles (rubeola). U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/ [Accessed September 2019]
March of Dimes. 2013. Newborn jaundice. http://www.marchofdimes.org/baby/newborn-jaundice.aspx [Accessed September 2019]
Mayo Clinic. 2018. Baby acne. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/baby-acne/basics/definition/con-20033932 [Accessed September 2019]
MedlinePlus (ADAM). 2017. Poison ivy, oak, and sumac. https://medlineplus.gov/poisonivyoakandsumac.html [Accessed September 2019]
MedlinePlus (ADAM). 2018. Cold sores. https://medlineplus.gov/coldsores.html [Accessed September 2019]
MedlinePlus (ADAM). 2019. Folliculitis. https://medlineplus.
gov/ency/article/000823.htm [Accessed September 2019]
Medscape. 2019. Papular urticarial. [Accessed September 2019]
Nemours Foundation. 2019. Chickenpox. http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/chicken-pox.html [[Accessed September 2019]
Nemours Foundation. 2018. Hives. http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/hives.html [Accessed September 2019]
Nemours Foundation. 2019. Warts. http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/wart.html [Accessed September 2019]
Nemours Foundation. 2019. Ringworm. http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/ringworm.html [Accessed September 2019]
Kate Marple
Kate Marple is a writer and editor who specializes in health, pregnancy, and parenting content. She's passionate about translating complicated medical information into helpful pregnancy and parenting advice that's easy to understand. She lives in San Francisco with her family.
Rashes in infants | Rassvet Clinic
Babies are generous with various rashes. According to the "good" tradition, most of them are considered allergic with all the consequences - a strict diet for a nursing mother, transfer to artificial feeding, prescription of therapeutic mixtures, etc.
In fact, true allergic rashes in infants are not so common. Allergic diseases affecting the skin in infants include: atopic dermatitis, acute urticaria and angioedema. Acute urticaria is extremely rare in infants - this is an acute allergic reaction in the form of peculiar rashes like blisters (as with a nettle burn, hence the name), which suddenly appear on the skin and just as suddenly disappear without leaving any trace, usually do not exist on the skin for longer than a day and are accompanied by severe itching, which manifests itself in the general anxiety of the child. The most common causes are dietary proteins (such as cow's milk), viral infections, insect bites, and drugs (such as antibiotics). In severe cases, it may be accompanied by swelling and redness of the soft tissues of the face, neck, larynx, arms, legs, genitals or abdominal cavity - Quincke's edema, which requires immediate medical attention.
Let's look at what is most often undeservedly called an allergy:
Toxic erythema newborns - a transient benign rash, the exact cause of the appearance is unknown (possibly due to skin irritation by environmental factors).
Appears at birth or in the first 24-48 hours of life. Localization - face, trunk, limbs, except for the palms and soles. Disappears on its own within 5-7 days, sometimes 3 weeks. Does not require treatment.
Neonatal acne (acne infancy, neonatal pustulosis) is caused by androgen stimulation of the baby's sebaceous glands.
Peak rash falls on the 3rd week of life. It is localized more often on the face, sometimes spreads to the scalp, less often to the collar zone. They resolve spontaneously. The skin needs cleansing and moisturizing, in some cases, the application of
treatment creams may be required.
Sweating rash , which occurs in poorly "ventilated" areas as a result of blockage of the sweat glands. May occur at any age.
Localization - skin folds, buttocks and back surface of the body, sometimes the face (after sleep). Depending on the depth of the lesion, it happens - crystal prickly heat, prickly heat, deep prickly heat (superficial).
The duration of the rash is from several hours to several days.
Treatment - cool water baths, air baths, prevention of overheating. Lotions containing calamine and creams with corticosteroids and antibiotics may be used to treat some cases of red and deep prickly heat.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin disorder that develops in areas rich in sebum. The exact cause is unknown (a certain role is assigned to the skin saprophyte - the Malassezia fungus, which grows well and multiplies in the sebaceous secretion).
It can be foci or widespread, dermatitis with bran-like scales, which can form a crust (“bonnet”, gneiss) on the scalp.
Favorite localization - scalp, face, folds (!).
May begin at 1-2 weeks of age or later, resolve spontaneously within weeks or months.
Treatment consists of softening the crusts with oil or cream and then removing them, moisturizing the skin and, in some cases, applying antifungal and anti-inflammatory creams.
Simple contact dermatitis is a non-specific skin injury due to prolonged or repeated exposure to a variety of substances - saliva, fruit juices, foaming bath products, detergents (their residues on the walls of the bath), etc. In infants, saliva is often causes dermatitis in the area of contact with the nipple and in the folds of the neck.
Usually, removal of the damaging agent and short-term use of anti-inflammatory creams will quickly lead to recovery, but some children are so sensitive that it is almost impossible to identify the causative factor.
Diaper dermatitis (contact dermatitis prototype) is a skin lesion that occurs under the influence of physical (overheating), chemical, enzymatic (contact with sweat, urine and feces) and microbial factors. Localization - the area of the diaper or diaper fit.
Treatment is carried out using the abbreviation ABCDE (air, barrier, cleansing, diaper, education) - air, barrier, cleansing, diaper and parent education.
Frequent diaper changes, washing the skin and drying it thoroughly help. Dermatitis is effectively prevented by the application to clean skin of products that completely cover it (Vaseline, zinc paste). In stubborn cases, medicated creams containing corticosteroids, antibiotics, or antifungals may be recommended.
And now a few words about AD:
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic allergic inflammation of the skin, genetically determined, associated with the loss of the skin barrier and, therefore, accompanied by dryness, itching and various rashes. In a third (!) of cases, it is combined with food allergies (the most common "culprits" are cow's milk, chicken eggs, wheat, fish, soy, nuts).
Starts more often not earlier than 3 months of life.
The most common localization up to 2-3 years is the face (cheeks, forehead, chin), convex parts of the limbs (extensor surfaces) and trunk, never in babies in folds (!).
Exacerbations are provoked by various factors - stress, dry air, sweat, food (histamine liberators), infections, contact with tobacco smoke, animal hair, rough fabrics, detergent residues on clothes, etc.
Treated with careful skin care and using anti-inflammatory creams.
There are also:
Pseudo-allergic reactions are reactions that look similar to allergic reactions (for example, various rashes), but are not such, due to the non-immune mechanism of their development.
The reason is an increased content of histamine (tyramine, serotonin) in foods, or the ability of foods to increase the release of these substances in the body, or their increased absorption, due to the pathology of the gastrointestinal tract (fermentopathy, inflammation in the intestinal wall, etc.). ). Such products include chocolate, cocoa, strawberries, citrus fruits, honey, sauerkraut, marinades and spices, seafood, fish, caviar, pork, mushrooms, cheeses, nuts, smoked meats, preservatives, dyes and flavor enhancers.
Treatment includes dietary advice, skin care, and in some cases, antihistamines and anti-inflammatory creams.
Clinical manifestations of atopic dermatitis, simple contact dermatitis in highly sensitive children and the manifestation of pseudo-allergic reactions are very similar to each other, so the main task remains to create a "skin barrier" by constantly moisturizing the skin with the help of emollients, stopping exacerbation with anti-inflammatory creams and eliminating exacerbation provoking factors .
And the last:
Skin infections - herpesvirus, staphylococcal pemphigus, candidiasis also occurs in infants, do not forget about them. It is worth contacting a doctor immediately if the child is lethargic, has a fever, refuses to breast or bottle, skin rashes are accompanied by pus or are covered with purulent crusts, there are blisters or a group of bubbles, erosion (violation of the integrity of the skin), severe swelling and redness of the skin.
Author:
Eroshkina Maria Sergeevna
pediatrician
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?
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 the 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, give up 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.
- the room in which the baby will be after the bath should be warm, and 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.
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.
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 newborn skin problems do not need treatment:
- baby pimples - 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.
- 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.
Diaper rash
Causes:
- late 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.
How to properly care for your skin to prevent diaper rash:
- do not use reusable diapers frequently.
- give up talcum powder: it dries the skin of a newborn very much.
- air baths for half an hour. 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.
Contact dermatitis
This disease develops when an infant's skin comes into contact with an irritant. The rash appears at the points of contact with the allergen: metal latches on T-shirts; dyes in clothes; washing powder; inappropriate soap, shampoo; allergic to the oil used. Parents need to trace, after which rashes appear, and eliminate the irritant. To bathe the baby, you need to use shampoo and soap that do not cause allergies in the newborn; iron baby clothes before putting them on. For washing, special powders or gels are used that do not contain fragrances and dyes, the child's clothes, bed linen and blankets are washed separately from the family's wardrobe items.
