When we think of babies, we tend to automatically think of baby-soft skin which is flawless and perfect, don’t we? In most babies though, the developmental stages may be accompanied by a string of skin issues that will leave the little one’s skin looking less than perfect.
Sometimes, environmental factors may be the cause for skin issues to arise and at other times, the skin changes are caused by certain illnesses. Here are some common skin conditions that occur and what to expect.
Cradle Cap
Cradle cap generally resembles a very bad case of dandruff with yellowish, greasy, scaly patches on the head, face, ears, and neck. Cradle cap is unsightly at the most but is not uncomfortable or itchy and should not bother your baby. It is also a common condition that tends to develop within two or three months after birth and will clear off on its own.
Washing your baby’s hair regularly will help remove the flakes. You can also purchase special cradle cap shampoos from local pharmacies. See your doctor if the cradle cap becomes severe or if it spreads on your baby’s body and face.
Heat rash
Heat rash is common in Malaysia due to our warm environments which easily causes overheating. They may also occur if a baby is overdressed. This rash looks like pimples and bumps, appearing on the head, neck, and shoulders of babies.
Use loose and cool clothing for your baby. You can also place your child on a cotton towel that absorbs sweat or apply a wet and cool washcloth on areas affected by the rash. Try to keep your baby cool and dry at all times.
Nappy rash
Those red puffy rashes around your baby’s genitals, bottom, and the folds of his or her thighs are most likely nappy rashes. They can appear to be pimply and can be either dry or moist. The nappy rash occurs when the skin around your baby’s diaper area becomes irritated from prolonged exposure to urine or excrement. Nappy rash can also be the result of fungal infections or rare skin conditions.
Keeping your baby’s nappy area clean and dry will help. Also, change the baby’s diaper frequently. You can also prevent nappy rashes by using a barrier cream or treating the rash with a nappy rash cream. If the rash persists and develops into a bright red rash with pimples that spread to the folds of the skin, your child may have a thrush infection that may need a doctor’s attention.
Eczema
Eczema is a common skin condition that causes dry, itchy, red, and cracked skin which can sometimes ooze fluid and bleed. Causes to this condition are not clear, but those who have it can often suffer sensitive autoimmune systems and asthma as well. The most common type of eczema is known as atopic dermatitis and most children outgrow the problem when they hit their teens. Some though may have to live with the symptoms all through adulthood.
There is no known cure for atopic dermatitis, but there are treatments that can ease the symptoms, such as moisturisers to reduce dryness and topical corticosteroids in the form of creams or ointments that reduce swelling and redness during flare-ups.
Parents are also advised to be alert on what triggers the flare-ups in their kids so that they may have a better chance of controlling the situation and prevent flare-ups.
