What´s that on my baby?!
on skin irritation on babies
On skin irritation on babies. Your newborn will obviously be gorgeous, but you might be taken aback by some of the common conditions he displays. Don’t panic: with a little care, they will clear up in no time.
CRADLE CAP
What is it? A type of dermatitis that causes irritation around the sebaceous (oil-secreting) glands of your baby´s skin (full name is seborrhoeic dermatitis).
What does it look like
Cradle crap often resembles very bad dandruff, with unsightly red patches on your baby´s scalp. However, it can also appear on the face and nappy area. You might see scaly yellow flakes, or it may look like your baby´s head is dirty
What causes it?
While in the womb, your baby will have been exposed to high level of hormones, many of which will stay in the system for a while after the birth. It is thought they stimulate the sebaceous glands, causing irritation
How common is it?
Very. It usually appears within a month of birth, and often clears up on its own after a couple of months
on skin irritation on babies
Does it hurt my baby?
Not usually, in severe cases, however, cradle cap can cause irritation or sore areas, in which case you should see your GP
Will it go away?
Yes. Try rubbing baby oil on your baby´s scalp to loosen the scales before shampooing, and wash his hair daily. Dry brushing with a soft toothbrush can also help.
TIP: ´Cradle cap isn´t caused by poor hygiene, and it´s not contagious or an allergy,´ says NHS doctor Dr. Trisha Macnair. ´So don´t feel like you are responsible. It tends to run in the families, so your baby may have a genetic predisposition to it.
BABY ACNE
What is it?
Also known as milia, this is a collection of tiny white spots on your baby´s skin. It often appears at around two weeks after birth
What does it look like?
Although they look like raised bumps, the spots are actually smooth to the touch. They are usually found around the nose, chin, and cheeks, and the skin may be slightly oily.
What causes it?
Again, hormones in your system irritate skin glands, bringing out blemishes.
on skin irritation on babies
How common is it?
Very- more than half of babies will get some pimples
Does it hurt my baby?
It should not, but there may be some mild itchiness.
Will it go away?
Most babies´ skin will clear up naturally within a month to six weeks, and leave no trace of blemishes. You do not need to apply any creams or lotion – simply keep the skin clean by gently washing it daily.
TIP: Whatever you do, don’t be tempted to pick or squeeze the spots you will just make them worse.
THRUSH
What is it?
A fungal infection that can occur in your baby´s mouth or on his tongue
What does it look like?
Look for white patches on the roof or side of your baby´s mouth or the surface of his tongue. If you gently rub it, it will look red underneath.
What causes it?
Thrush is caused by an imbalance of the fungus Candida albicans, which occurs naturally in the vagina or intestinal tract. During the birth, your baby may pick it up as he passes through the birth canal. Antibiotics can also cause an imbalance in your baby.
How common is it?
Many babies get thrush, but usually only within the first two months
on skin irritation on babies
Does it hurt my baby?
Patches in the mouth can be sore and might bleed. Your baby might be reluctant to feed if his mouth is painful.
Will it go away?
It shouldn’t take more than a week to clear up, but you should see your GP – they will probably prescribe an oral fungal cream
TIP: Make sure that you treat your nipples as well as your baby if you are breastfeeding, or you´ll re-infect each other. Allowing your nipples to air-dry between feeds will also help.
VERNIX
What is it?
A waxy protective coating that covers your baby´s skin while he is in the womb. It´s a natural moisturizer and is thought to have antibacterial properties
What does it look like?
Your baby may appear to be a strange white color if he is covered with vernix after the birth, and he may feel greasy.
The experts say: Vernix is produced by the skin´s sebaceous (oil-section) glands, and will have been formed naturally by about week 20 of your pregnancy.
How common is it?
Every baby is c, covered with vernix while in the womb, but it is often only premature babies that are born with complete coverage.
Full-term babies will usually just have traces of vernix in the fold of their skin.
on skin irritation on babies
Does it hurt my baby?
No, it is a protective substance
Will it go away?
Any remaining vernix can be washed off after birth, though leaving it on helps your baby´s skin preserve moisture. It will then be absorbed naturally.
TIP: ´A newborn baby´s skin is extremely sensitive,’ says Sharon Trotter, mid midwife, and neonatal skincare advisor. ´Vernix should always be left to absorb naturally. Use water and cotton wool only for cleansing for the first 4 weeks, then gradually introduce small amounts of baby bath.´
SEE ALSO: See what happens in your body from week 1 – week 40+ of your Pregnancy
NAPPY RASH
What is it?
An inflammation of your baby´s skin around the nappy area
What does it look like?
The skin around the nappy area and the folds of the thighs becomes red and inflamed and might look a bit spotty
What causes it?
The main cause is your baby´s skin being in contact with wetness from a soiled or wet nappy. Skin becomes irritated, and if left untreated it could develop into an infection.
How common is it?
Again, most babies get a nappy rash – it can happen even if you change your baby´s nappy frequently, as newborns have sensitive skin.
Does it hurt my baby?
Nappy rash can be sore for your baby, so make sure you allow his bottom to dry out when you can. An additive-free ointment can be soothing for him, too.
Will it go away?
The nappy rash shouldn’t last for more than a few days if you treat it. Leave his nappy off for a while within changes if possible, and apply nappy cream to provide a barrier. Always make sure you clean his bottom properly, too.
Occasionally, it can be the result of an allergy – in this case, use fragrance-free creams and wipes, and try changing your brand of nappy/ its equivalent to see if it makes a difference.
TIP: ´To protect and heal your baby´s tender or irritated skin, apply a salve containing calendula at every nappy change,´ says Laurel Vukovic, herbalist and author of 1001 Natural Remedies
Treat nappy rash by leaving his nappy off between changes and applying cream to provide a barrier
LANUGO
What is it?
Fine, downy hair that covers all babies while they are growing in the womb but usually disappears after eight months of pregnancy. Occasionally, and especially if your baby is premature, lanugo can still be present at birth.
What does it look like?
The hair is soft and fine and can occur on the face, torso or limbs.
What causes it?
Lanugo is normal in all developing babies before birth, so babies born before their due dates can sometimes have traces of downy hairs.
How common is it?
It´s not very common, but it can sometimes run in the families.
on skin irritation on babies
Does it hurt my baby?
No.
Will it go away?
The fine hairs might last for a few weeks, but once they go away they won´t grow back.
TIP: You could try gently rubbing the hairs with your fingers, or during your baby´s bath – but don’t worry, they will fall out naturally.
SEE ALSO: How and Why Men Die during Sex – Cardiac Arrest
BIRTHMARKS
What are they?
Babies can be born with marks on their skin, some of which are permanent but many of which fade.
What do they look like?
´Vascular birthmarks´ are made up of bunches of blood vessels in the skin. When found on the head, forehead or upper eyelids they are often referred to as ´stork bites´. On the surface, they look blotchy and can be red or purple (or ´port-whine stains´). Some birthmarks are raised, called crimson strawberry marks. Moles can be raised, too, or they might just appear as flat brown marks.
What causes them?
Vascular birthmarks are caused by bunches of blood vessels squashed up together in the skin, but no-one knows why they occur
How common are they?
Crimson strawberry marks appear on about 10% of newborns, while other vascular birthmarks affect about 3%. Port-wine stains are twice as common on girls
Do they hurt my baby?
Most moles and birthmarks are completely harmless, though large moles should always be periodically checked by a GP to make sure they don’t become cancerous. A port-wine stain around the eye will need to be monitored, too, to ensure there is no damage. Large cavernous haemangiomas – which look like am lumpy blue/ red mass and appear in the first few weeks after birth – can cause a problem if they are near your baby´s eyes or throat, but your GP will be able to advise you.
on skin irritation on babies
Will they go away?
It depends what they are like. Red marks will often fade and stork bites will disappear within two years, but port-wine stains are usually permanent (though they fade after time, and laser treatment can reduce them).
Cavernous haemangiomas tend o grow rapidly in the first six months but start to shrink at around 18 months, often disappearing completely a few years later. Crimson strawberry marks usually fade by the time your child is five.
TIPS: ´Most birthmarks are not inherited, and aren´t caused by anything you did or ate while you were pregnant,´ says Dr. Syed of Great Ormond Street Hospital. ´So do not blame yourself´
SOURCE: www.stillonhealth.com