Common Baby Rashes and Skin Conditions and What You Can Do to Address Them (Part 2)

Common Baby Rashes and Skin Conditions and What You Can Do to Address Them (Part 2) 19Apr

In Part 2, here are the other 5 common baby skin problems and diseases you can identify and what you can do to address them.

 

6. Heat Rash

Also known as miliaria or prickly heat, this is a rash that may occur when your little one’s sweat glands become blocked. This is because they aren’t fully developed yet, and they can be common in areas where humid climes are observed.

When perspiration gets trapped under the skin, an inflammation followed by a rash occurs. Heat rash is often observed on the back or in the buttocks. Dress your baby down and stop using heavy creams that block sweat ducts. They would usually go away on their own.

 

7. Fifth Disease

This is a viral disease that often occurs in the cheeks -- thus, it is also known as “slapped cheek disease”. However, the rash can also “jump” or reappear on another part of the body within a few days, including arms, legs, and the torso.

Fifth disease is caused by parvovirus B19, an airborne virus that spreads through the saliva and respiratory secretions among kids. It may last for weeks, but by the time it appears, it’s no longer contagious. It also usually disappears on its own.

 

8. Drool rash

This rash is caused by -- you guessed it -- drooling.

Your baby’s mouth is going to be a repository of saliva, and because he doesn’t have control over his mouth yet, you can find it spilling over his chin, neck, and even run down to his chest. Excess saliva on wet skin can turn into drool rash. To avoid this, you can apply a thin coat of ointment (such as petroleum jelly) to act as a barrier between the drool and the skin.

 

9. Impetigo

Impetigo can be sometimes known as boils, is caused by the staph or strep bacteria. This is a kind of bacteria that can invade one’s body through a cut, scratch, bite, or rash, thus making children extremely susceptible to it. Some people even carry staph bacteria on the inside of their nose, and they get infected when it comes to contact with a would (children picking their nose and then scratching, for instance).

The first signs can come in the form of reddish sores, often found around the facial area, which then turn into blisters that may ooze out a white fluid as they burst, forming a yellowish crust. As you can imagine, the boils that form can be sore and painful. While they can go away on their own, your child may develop a fever to fight off any further infection. Those with impetigo are usually advised to take antibiotics.

 

10. Milium Cyst

A milium cyst, or milia if multiple, are cysts that can occur in 40 per cent of newborn babies. This type of milia is also known as neonatal or primary milia, which develops in newborns and clears within a few weeks.

The cysts can be seen developing on the face, scalp, and upper torso. These are mostly caused by entrapped keratin and clogged ducts. While there is no treatment necessary for these, it is best that they be left alone, and not picked nor prodded on. You can use steam to open the pores, and gently exfoliate the affected area, which can prevent milia from popping up in the future.

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These are some of the annoying and common skin diseases and rashes that you’ll find on your newborn baby. Do you have some common skin ailments that you remember your baby having? Share them with us!

Remember that if any of these conditions worsen, the best solution is to always seek professional medical care, reach out to your baby’s paediatrician, especially if the situation does not improve even after trying out the solutions detailed here.