What To Do About Baby Skin Rashes

What To Do About Baby Skin Rashes
By: C.L. Hendricks

Knowing what to do about baby skin rashes is often a dilemma faced by first time parents. We are all know there are few things as soft and smooth as your baby’s skin, unfortunately, even perfect baby skin will occasionally develop minor skin irritations. These cause reddening, rash, swelling, and worry for new parents.

Rest assured, most of these skin conditions will go away on their own and are nothing to be worried about. On the other hand, there are skin rashes that require minor changes such as switching laundry detergent or fabric softener. Then there are a few rashes and skin problem that will require treatment.

Normal Baby Skin Conditions Not Requiring Treatment:

* Vernix - Newborns are born with skin discolorations and occasionally a few patches of ��oevernix”, a substance that protected their skin that has the feel of cream cheese. These skin discolorations disappear within a day or two after birth.
* Birthmarks, while not rashes, often not visible at birth may appear within a few days.
* Hormonal bumps - Most babies will develop small pin prick red bumps caused by the mother’s hormones passed via the umbilical cord prior to birth. These bumps require no intervention and will go away on their own.
* Millia - Occasionally small white bumps will appear on the newborns nose and cheeks and are the result of clogged pores. It is not necessary to cleanse the area more or to try to squeeze them or apply any creams as these too will go away on their own.

Treatable Baby Skin Rashes:

* Diaper rash - something that all parents will experience at least a few times before their child no longer wears diapers.
* Heat rash is a common problem with newborns and infants who are born in late spring and summer.
* Eczema is a more serious rash and should be assessed by a physician.


Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is caused by a number of different agents; allergic reactions to chemicals in disposable diapers, cleansing cloths, the detergent or fabric softener that cloth diapers are washed in; leaving soiled diapers on too long especially during warm weather; infection from a bacteria or yeast; from wearing diapers that are put on too tight restricting air flow.

Fevers and teething sometimes causes mild diaper rash. If your child is old enough to be cutting teeth check their gums for redness and slightly swollen areas. If your child feels hot or is cranky take their temperature. If the child has a fever, keep a close eye on it and call your physician if the fever persists.

One of the best things for diaper rash is exposure to the air. Whenever possible allow your child to have a bare backside. The air coupled with the lack of moisture allows the skin to repair any minor damage and will inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungus such as yeast. At the first signs of any rash apply Zinc Oxide. It soothes irritated skin while forming a waterproof barrier. A thin application works best. Keep in mind that Zinc Oxide is thick and allowing a small amount to warm in the palm of your hand will allow you to apply a thin even layer on the rash.

If the rash persists and is not getting better try changing your cleansing cloths. Some of the baby wipes have fragrances and other chemicals that may be irritating to your baby’s skin. If that doesn’t work you can try one of the following:

* if you’re using disposables try cloth diapers for a few days;
* if you’re using cloth diapers change the detergent they are washed in;
* if you’re washing your own diapers allowing them to sit in a white vinegar and water solution prior to the final rinse will also destroy any lingering bacteria or fungus;
* allowing cloth diapers to dry in the sun on a line also destroys any bacteria or fungus that may be hiding in the fabric;
* if you’re using cloth diapers do NOT use fabric softener these products are not needed.

Heat Rash

Newborns and young infants usually need the security of a blanket or sheet wrapped around them. While this is soothing it can lead to heat rash. �'Using cornstarch based baby powder helps as does a short bath in cornstarch water. Remember that powders can become airborne so protect those little lungs by placing the powder in your hand in small amounts to apply.

Eczema

The big difference between this rash and normal childhood rashes is the raised, angry red splotches it causes. Baby eczema can be anywhere and is not limited to the nose like Millia, or to the diaper area as with diaper rash or to the neck, shoulders and upper back like heat rash. It will occasionally feel warm to the touch and the infant can be cranky. Eczema itches and occasionally is painful. Listen to your baby as those cries can tell you a lot. Your doctor will be able to help you determine how to best treat your baby’s eczema.

Having the products on hand to treat normal baby skin rashes before your infant is born will save you a lot of time and heartache. There is nothing more frustrating than an infant who’s uncomfortable. They cannot tell you what is wrong and parents can become overwhelmed when nothing they do comforts their child.


About the Author:C.L. Hendricks has been a Jill-of-all-trades and become an expert in some. She writes about survival preparedness and pregnancy, children, and weddings, and investment and precision casting.