Common Skin Conditions in Infants and Babies
Skin is the largest organ in our body. It forms a crucial barrier against all the harmful things in the environment like sun rays, cold, germs, and toxic substances. From birth till the age of 2 years, a baby’s skin is fragile and immature. It may develop odd rashes, suspicious bumps, and redness. These are the prevalent conditions that afflict a baby:
Diaper Rash
What is it?
Found around the waistline, on the buttocks, and around the genital area. When wet and soiled diapers stay on for too long, the urine or stool irritates the skin, causing redness and bumps.
How to prevent and treat?
Ø The best way to prevent diaper rash is to change diapers often and as soon as they are soiled.
Ø Clean the area well with warm water and mild soap. If you use baby wipes, make sure they are alcohol-free and unscented.
Ø Applying unscented petroleum jelly or cream containing zinc oxide to the skin of the diaper area will protect and lubricate it.
Ø If the baby has developed diaper rash try keeping the diaper off for a while to allow the skin to dry.
Ø Antifungal cream or mild topical corticosteroid will help heal it.
Ø Do not use talcum powder.
Heat Rashes
What is it?
Little bumps occur in the fold of the baby’s skin or areas on the body where clothes touch the skin like chest, stomach, neck, crotch, and buttocks are heat rashes. They occur when the baby overheats, which usually happens in hot and humid weather.
How to prevent and treat it?
The only way to prevent it makes them wear as little clothing as possible and keeping them in a cool environment.
It should resolve on its own if the above-mentioned guidelines are followed.
Cradle Cap
What is it?
Cradle cap or seborrheic dermatitis is the appearance of crusty patches on the baby’s scalp. It is nothing but dandruff and tends to present in an area rich in oil.
How to treat and prevent it?
The cradle cap should go away on its own and does not need special treatment. Baby oil will help soften the scalp and relieve some of the crustings.
Infact Acne
What is it?
Infant acne or neonatal acne affects about 20% of babies. It can develop any time before 6 weeks of age. There are times when the baby is born with acne. It is usually identified by red or white bumps.
How to treat and prevent it?
Infant Acne is temporary and should resolve on its own.
Skin Infections
What are they?
Skin infections are a broad term. There are many bacteria, fungi, and viruses that can cause infection on a child’s skin. They can present themselves in varied symptoms, including:
o Warts
o Redness
o Blisters
o Rashes
o Fever
o Pus leaking from an infected area.
How to treat and prevent them?
Most skin infections will clear out without any medical attention. Yet, if you see any of these traits, it is best to consult a doctor.
The optimal way to keep infections at bay is to keep the child’s environment and the child itself clean. When someone else touches it, make sure their hands are clean, sanitized, or washed beforehand.
Eczema
