Newborn babies are especially prone to rashes. Rashes can range from simple baby acne to full-blown eczema or an allergic reaction. Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference, or to know what to do. Here are some hints.
Baby Acne
Almost all newborns will show signs of baby acne. It commonly shows up around two to three weeks after birth (just in time for those first formal pictures). According to Dr. Shari Nethersole on FamilyEducation.com, baby acne looks like small, red pimples on the cheeks, forehead and temples. They don’t cause any pain or itching and require no treatment (other than continuing to keep the skin clean).
Baby acne is caused by hormonal changes in your baby’s body, and it will go away on its own within a few weeks.
Eczema
Eczema usually starts later; Dr. Nethersole says between one and five months of age. It’s also a red rash, which may appear as raised bumps or as scaly, red patches. Eczema can appear on various parts of the body, while baby acne will appear only on the face. Eczema also tends to be itchy.
According to pediatrician and author Dr. William Sears, a tendency toward eczema may be inherited. It can also be an allergic reaction to something in the child’s environment, or to something he or she ate.
Treatment/Prevention
Baby acne requires no treatment. Creams or lotions may even irritate the skin. Simply continue to keep your baby’s face clean by wiping it with a damp washcloth at bath time or as needed. If the acne doesn’t go away after a few weeks, or if it seems to be spreading to other parts of the body or your baby is developing other symptoms, consult your doctor.
Eczema, on the other hand may require preventative measures and/or treatment. Do ask your doctor’s advice. Dr. Sears advises keeping the skin moist and avoiding irritants to prevent eczema. Give your baby a lukewarm rather than hot bath to avoid drying out the skin, and use unscented, moisturizing soap and lotion. You may also want to screen your child for food and/or environmental allergies.
To control scratching, keep your child in long pants and long sleeves, and keep fingernails short and clean. You can use medication, such as antihistamines, to control severe itching (check with your doctor). Your doctor may also prescribe a topical cortisone steroid cream if necessary.
Untreated eczema can become infected. If the rash becomes increasingly red or starts oozing or forming a crust, contact your doctor right away.
Sources:
Dr. Shari Nethersole, “Baby Acne, Seborrheic Dermatitis & Infant Eczema”, FamilyEducation.com.
Dr. William Sears, “Eczema”, AskDrSears.com.
