Compilation of 15 common skin conditions in babies parents should be aware of

Baby's skin is delicate and vulnerable, requiring special care to prevent skin conditions. Not all parents know how to care for their baby's skin properly. In this article, I will guide you through 15 common skin conditions in babies, helping you understand and better care for your little one.

1. Diaper Rash in Infants

Diaper rash cream for infants

Signs your newborn may have diaper rash:

• Baby's skin develops frequent red rashes that persist for a period.
• Red bumps appear in areas with folds, genital areas, and the baby's buttocks.
• The affected diaper area feels warmer compared to other skin regions.
• Baby feels uncomfortable, fussy, and cries during diaper changes.
• If the skin shows ulceration, it may indicate severe diaper rash, and you should seek medical advice.

How to treat diaper rash in infants:

• First, parents need to pay attention and be attentive to the baby to detect diaper rash symptoms early and have preventive measures.
• Next is to maintain proper hygiene for the baby, especially after each time the baby uses the toilet. Clean the 'private area' with warm water and then dry it with a scent-free, alcohol-free wet wipe that won't irritate the baby's skin.
• Parents should let the baby be 'nude' for a period during the day, making the baby feel more comfortable, dry, and allowing wrinkled skin areas and diaper rash to heal more quickly.
• Use diaper rash cream for infants after thoroughly bathing and drying the baby. Choose a mild cream suitable for the baby's sensitive skin.
• Lastly, remember to wash hands thoroughly before changing diapers or touching the baby's skin. Parents should regularly check the diaper for timely replacement.

2. Jaundice in Infants

 Signs of jaundice:

• The baby's skin and the white of the baby's eyes appear yellow, 2-4 days after birth, yellowing appears on the face and then spreads throughout the body.
• Preterm or premature babies born before 37 weeks are more prone to the disease.
• Mothers can check by gently pressing the baby's skin with a finger. If the skin turns yellow, it may be a sign of jaundice.

How to treat jaundice:

• If the baby has a mild case, regular breastfeeding is often sufficient for recovery.
• Phototherapy treatment: This common and highly effective method involves placing the baby on a special bed with blue light to help break down bilirubin in the baby's body.
• Blood transfusion therapy: The baby may receive a blood transfusion to replace damaged blood, increasing red blood cells and reducing bilirubin levels.

3. Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cradle Cap)

Signs of cradle cap in infants:

• The baby develops red patches with a dry and scaly sensation upon touch.
• Mothers observe the baby scratching or rubbing the head, often with small vesicles breaking open.
• The baby feels uncomfortable, has disrupted sleep, fussiness, and may show a reluctance to breastfeed.

How to treat cradle cap in infants:

• Provide a proper diet for the baby: Avoid feeding the child foods that may cause irritation or allergies, such as seafood, eggs, peanuts, or tomatoes. Breastfeeding is recommended, and solid foods should be introduced to the baby from 6 months of age onwards.
• Use specialized medication: If the baby shows signs of cradle cap, take the child to a dermatology specialist for examination and appropriate treatment. For each case, the doctor will prescribe specific medications. Never self-prescribe or use folk remedies without the doctor's approval, as it may worsen the condition.

4. Milia in Infants

Signs of milia in infants:

• Milia can appear in newborns or babies after 3 months of age.
• The baby's skin has small, soft, white bumps on the nose, chin, or cheeks.
• At a glance, it resembles the whiteheads of a waking infant.

How to treat milia in babies:

• Bathing for the baby: Milia can be influenced by hot weather, so a cooling bath can help keep the baby's skin comfortable.
• Mother's diet: Since breast milk is the main source of nutrition for infants, mothers should pay attention to their diet to avoid affecting the baby's health. Mothers should consume cooling foods, avoid spicy foods, and items that could cause allergies in the baby, such as shrimp or crab.
• Baby skin care: The baby's skin is delicate and prone to damage, so avoid rubbing vigorously on the raised areas. Avoid direct exposure to intense sunlight. Never let others touch the milia, as bacteria can enter, causing inflammation and worsening the condition.

5. Fungal Infection in Babies

Signs of fungal infection in the skin:

• The baby has one or more scaly patches of skin, possibly the size of a coin.
• Initially, the rash appears as circular patches that grow over time and form a ring of scales around a central layer of skin.
• The fungus can be dry or moist and can appear anywhere on the body.
• Fungal infections may also appear on the baby's scalp or bald spots on the head. Mothers may also notice hair loss in between these bald spots.

How to treat fungal skin infection in babies:

• Avoid letting the baby sweat by not overdressing or drying thoroughly to avoid affecting the affected area.
• Do not share towels, hairbrushes, pillows, clothes, or similar items with others.
• Avoid exposing the baby to pets as they can be a source of fungal infections.
• Note that fungal infections are highly contagious. Seek treatment immediately if symptoms are observed.
• Keep the living environment and activity areas clean.

6. Cradle Cap in Infants

Symptoms of cradle cap in infants:

• On the baby's head, there are patches of peeling or thick flakes.
• The scalp is dry, oily, covered with white and yellow scales of dandruff.
• The baby's head exhibits peeling skin patches.
• The skin may also appear reddish.

How to treat the condition for the baby:

• Cradle cap in infants often resolves on its own within a few months. Gently shampoo the baby's head daily with infant shampoo and brush the skin lightly with a soft brush to gradually remove the flakes.
• If shampooing is ineffective, parents should take the baby to a healthcare professional for advice.
• Do not use antifungal creams without a doctor's prescription, as some products may be harmful when absorbed through the baby's skin.

7. Hives and Itchy Rash in Babies

Symptoms of hives and itchy rash:

• The baby's skin develops raised red welts that form relatively large and distinct patches.
• Initially, these red areas are very small, later spreading across the entire body.
• The baby feels extremely itchy and uncomfortable with these bumps.
• Additionally, the baby may experience dizziness, difficulty breathing, crying, and swelling in the hands and feet.

Treatment for baby's hives and itchy rash:

• Let the baby soak in a bath with uncooked oatmeal or baking soda to soothe the baby's skin.
• Steam the baby with basil leaves, bathe the baby in water infused with peach leaves, and include basil soup in the baby's diet.
• If the baby's condition does not improve, parents should take the baby to healthcare facilities for examination and treatment.

8. Chickenpox in Infants

Symptoms of chickenpox in infants:

• The baby's body develops red, itchy rashes all over, causing discomfort and crying. Water-filled blisters will gradually form.
• The baby experiences high fever in the initial days of the viral infection, sometimes reaching 39–40 degrees Celsius.
• The baby shows signs of flu, cough, runny nose, wheezing, and reluctance to breastfeed.

Prevention and treatment of chickenpox:

• Firstly, mothers should get vaccinated against chickenpox 3-6 months before pregnancy. Antibodies are transmitted from mother to child through the mother's body and breast milk, helping protect the baby from the risk of the disease.
• If the mother contracts the disease, she should temporarily stop breastfeeding directly. Mothers should also avoid kissing, hugging, or letting the baby scratch the blisters, using methyl salicylate to prevent inflammation when blisters burst.
• For infants with chickenpox, cleanliness is crucial. Use warm water for baby hygiene, and diluted saline solution can be used for disinfection.

9. Molluscum Contagiosum in Infants

Identifying signs of molluscum contagiosum:

• Molluscum contagiosum is a small, firm, and rough area of the skin. It can spread from one area to another and from person to person.
• The bumps vary in size and appearance, often with blood vessels forming a black spot at the center of each bump. They usually appear on the hands, around the nails, or areas with damaged skin.
• These bumps are usually painless, but if they occur in areas under pressure, they may cause discomfort for the baby.

Treating molluscum contagiosum in infants:

• Some types of molluscum contagiosum can disappear on their own, known as benign bumps.
• If the bumps persist or cause pain, parents should consult doctors for appropriate treatment.
• Additionally, parents can use adhesive tape, applying it to the bumps for about 6 days. Afterward, soak the bumps and gently scrape them with the fingernail. Repeat this process for about 2 months until the bumps disappear.
• Molluscum contagiosum can spread, so maintaining cleanliness when in contact with the bumps is essential.

10. Childhood Eruption Illness

Identifying signs of the illness:

• Children may experience high fever, with a body temperature rising up to 39-40 degrees Celsius. Sore throat, cough, and runny nose may also accompany the fever.
• Fine, bright rashes appear on the child's body, usually smooth and not raised. The rash will simultaneously appear across the body.
• Rashes typically start around the ears, then spread to the face, abdomen, and the entire body.
• Children may exhibit symptoms such as fatigue, discomfort, runny nose, mild diarrhea, swollen eyes, and loss of appetite.

Prevention and treatment of rashes in children:

• Rashes are highly contagious, so children should avoid going outside and refrain from contact with individuals with the illness.
• Ensure clean hands and feet hygiene to prevent bacteria, and supplement vitamin C from fruits to boost immunity against the virus.
• When a child has fever and rashes, allow rest in bed until the fever subsides completely.
• Parents can give the child paracetamol as directed by the doctor, and cool the child with warm water.
• Encourage the child to drink plenty of mineral water, lemon water, and fresh fruit juices to replenish lost fluids.
• Administer herbal-based medicine to treat cough in children.
• Avoid exposing the child to wind and prevent water contact.

11. Diaper Rash in Infants

Signs of Diaper Rash:

• Diaper rash primarily affects the skin on the head, neck, shoulders, chest, back, armpits, and buttocks, causing water blisters under the skin, red rashes, and itching for the baby.
• Crystal diaper rash is the mildest form, characterized by water blisters and easily burst bubbles.
• Thorned diaper rash (also known as red diaper rash) involves red bumps deep in the skin, causing itching or a sensation resembling ant bites.
• Pus-filled diaper rash is a condition of inflamed sweat glands.
• Deep-seated diaper rash occurs due to sweat gland leakage, causing red lesions similar to chicken skin.

Treating Diaper Rash for Babies:

• Hygiene for the baby: Cleanse the baby with a moderately pH-balanced bath solution and pat dry using a soft towel.
• Regularly change baby's clothes: Opt for loose, breathable cotton clothing to absorb sweat effectively.
• Avoid friction on the affected area: Actively trim or file the baby's nails, or use thin gloves to prevent scratching and irritation.
• In cases of persistent or spreading conditions, consult a doctor for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
• Use diaper cream: Helps soothe itching, dries the baby's skin, and aids in treating existing diaper rash.

12. Infant Skin Eczema

Signs of Infant Skin Eczema:

• Fluidless Blister: The baby experiences redness and swelling around the nose and on the lips, which can spread. After a few days, the swelling turns brown, the blister dries up, and the skin peels off. Although not painful, it is very itchy, leading to frequent scratching.
• Fluid-filled Blister: Pinkish-red bumps appear all over the baby's body, gradually developing pus inside. These blisters often occur in skin folds such as the diaper area or neck.
• Ulcerous Blister: Large, pus-filled sores appear on the legs, buttocks, tending to spread and deepen over time.

Treatment for Infantile Ulcers:

• Topical Antibiotics: Cleanse the sores with warm water and then apply topical antibiotics to the infected or surrounding areas. Use medication as prescribed by the doctor; do not self-administer for the baby.
• Oral Antibiotics: When the baby's condition worsens, the doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics for better recovery.
• Avoid touching the sores to prevent spreading; ensure the wounds are not infected. Trim the baby's nails or use gloves to prevent scratching.
• Maintain daily cleanliness for the baby and the affected area.

13. Infant Eczema

Signs of Eczema in Infants:

• The baby's skin often turns red in patches and is drier than other areas.
• If severe, the inflamed area becomes redder and oozes fluid.
• Eczema initially appears on the face, forehead, or scalp, hands, and feet, then spreads throughout the body.

Treating Eczema in Babies:

• Encourage breastfeeding for the first 6 months to prevent some cases of eczema.
• Avoid exposing the child to dust, pollen, pet dander, and certain types of food.
• Avoid using strongly alkaline soaps and detergents that may irritate the skin.
• Apply moisturizing cream to the baby 2-3 times a day after a clean bath to prevent eczema.
• Dress the baby in soft, wide cotton clothing to avoid friction.

14. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Identifying Signs of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Children:

• The baby may have mild or high fever. Persistent high fever indicates a severe condition.
• The baby's skin may be sore and red, with blisters in specific areas such as around the mouth, palms, soles, buttocks, knees.
• In some cases, the baby may experience mouth pain, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and irritability.

Care and Treatment:

• Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease can be caused by various viruses, and there's no specific treatment. Parents can use home remedies.
• Use pain relievers, mouthwash with 0.9% saline, Kamistad, etc.
• Feed the child easily digestible foods like thin porridge, milk, etc.
• Give the baby baths with mildly antiseptic solutions like tea tree water or duckweed leaves. Use Betadine solution for external wounds after bathing.
• If simple measures don't alleviate the baby's condition, consult healthcare professionals for specialized advice. Mothers should monitor and detect any worsening of the baby's condition to prevent regrettable consequences.

15. Infantile Atopic Dermatitis

Signs of Infantile Atopic Dermatitis:

• The baby's skin develops many red rashes accompanied by itching, making the baby uncomfortable.
• In severe cases, water-filled blisters appear in clusters on red skin, causing swelling, oozing blisters, and more intense itching.

Prevention and Treatment for the Baby:

• Keep the baby clean by bathing them in warm water for about 5-10 minutes.
• Ensure the baby's clothes are loose-fitting to avoid friction and use detergents specifically for infants. Keep the baby dry and clean at all times.
• Use moisturizing creams or prescribed medications recommended by a doctor. Never self-prescribe medication for the baby.

Explore more articles:

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2. Guide to caring for your baby's skin with expert advice
3. Effective diaper rash treatment and prevention strategies for infants