It is not uncommon for infants to develop skin rashes days after their birth. This happens because their skin is extremely sensitive and takes time to adapt to the environment. Such rashes are harmless and disappear in a few days' time.
But if the baby develops a rash and his/her condition starts deteriorating, you must immediately contact your doctor to diagnose that rash so that it may be treated correctly. Parents should especially be wary of the symptoms of meningitis.
Following is a list of 9 skin changes - conditions and their symptoms which will help you understand better what kind of skin disease your child may be suffering from -
#1 Milia
This is the most common skin disease. A majority of new-born babies develop it on their faces. Milia are tiny white spots (1-2mm diameter) which are actually blocked pores. They generally clear within the first few weeks.
#2 Baby Acne
Sometimes your baby might get pimples on his face, which might get worse before completely disappearing off their skin. In such cases, wash their faces with a baby soap and lukewarm water.
#3 Eczema
This skin disease is more of a permanent nature. Here, the baby's skin will become dry, red, scaly and the baby will always scratch that area. Atopic Eczema mostly affects babies and children, but it's been known to stay till adulthood.
#4 Erythema toxicum
Usually when the child is two days old, their skin turns red and blotchy. But it's nothing serious because it clears after a few days.
#5 Ringworm
This is a fungal skin infection due to which red ring-shaped rashes appear on the skin. It can be treated easily by creams prescribed by your doctor.
#6 Slapped cheek syndrome
It's also referred to as Fifth Disease and is caused because of a virus which is commonly found in children and infants. Its symptoms include a red coloured rash on cheeks, accompanied by fever. Many babies do not require treatment because the condition fades away with the passage of time.
#7 Sweat rashes
These rashes tend to flare up when the baby sweats because his sweat glands have become blocked. As a result, tiny red bumps will appear on his skin. Dress your child in loose clothes and keep him away from a humid environment.
#8 Cradle cap
Yellow and scaly patches develop on the baby's skin, most commonly on the scalp, ears, neck and the face. This condition too gets better with the passage of time (sometimes months). During the time the skin is healing itself, you can wash the baby's skin with baby shampoo to prevent further reactions.
#9 Nappy rash
The area where the baby wears his nappy is where this rash is developed. It's extremely common and is caused by not changing the diaper after the baby has relieved himself. It can sometimes be a fungal infection. This problem can be taken care of by changing the diapers more often, using more absorbent diapers or a barrier or anti-fungal cream.
If you think you might have any suspicious symptoms, call us at 1800 1022 733 or visit Credihealth for the best dermatologists in the city.
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