Top 5 Skin Problems in Newborn Babies a Mother Needs to Know

Top 5 Skin Problems in Newborn Babies a Mother Needs to Know

21 Jan 2020 | 4 min Read

vani

Author | 82 Articles

The baby’s birth is always the happiest moment for the parents. A newborn baby brings a lot of happiness with its arrival and this is the time the babies need more of your attention.
Newborn babies are vulnerable to many skin related problems during their early age and hence need the utmost care.
The following are five of the major skin problems of newborn babies, a mother must know. 

1. Desquamation:

Desquamation which is also known as skin peeling is one of the common skin problems faced by newborn babies in the early days after birth and is very common among the newborns.
Babies are surrounded by amniotic fluid for 9 months when they are the mother’s womb. In the womb, the baby’s skin is covered with a thick waxy coating called Vernix Caseosa. This coating protects the baby from amniotic fluid and also to adapt to life out of the womb. This coating dries out and starts to peel off gradually after the baby’s birth when vernix caseosa is wiped off after birth, the child’s skin takes 365 days to develop. In this 1st year, the child’s skin is very sensitive and subject to problems with high pH and disrupted barrier. The best solution is to maintain the skin pH, because in case of increased pH, the desquamation increases.
The cleanser that you use for your baby should have an acidic pH of 5.5, like Tedibar, a pure syndet with acidic pH 5.5”

2. Cradle Cap:

Cradle Cap, which is also known as Crib Cap, is the baby version of seborrheic dermatitis. While seborrheic dermatitis causes dandruff in adults, it causes crusty, greasy scalp rash in babies. Cradle Cap is caused by a buildup of sebum which is an oily substance produced by skin glands. It is common among the newborns for the first 3 months and in some cases longer than that.
Cradle Cap is harmless and usually goes away on its own. However no one wants their child’s scalp to look with scales. For that, it is important to constantly remove the scales with a mild tear free shampoo and brush off the scales.

3. Miliaria

Miliaria is commonly known as sweat rash or prickly heat. Babies have vulnerable skin and they are more vulnerable to get heat rash as compared to adults. Babies have smaller sweat glands and that’s why the sweat gets trapped under the skin. The common causes behind the Miliaria are tight clothes, blankets, and swaddles.
Miliaria usually goes away on its own but with a little care, you can get rid of them. The best way to get rid of sweat rash is to keep the baby’s skin dry and cool and away from heat. Keep the baby hydrated and rinse away the excess oil from the skin. Do not use any OTC rash cream unless suggested by the doctor to avoid any reactions.

4. Newborn Acne

A newborn baby’s skin is way more delicate than adults and hence it needs more attention and care. Newborn acne is also a common skin problem faced by newborns and it can be characterized by small red and white bumps on the baby’s cheeks, nose, and forehead.
The best way to treat baby acne is to not over-moisturizing the baby’s skin and keeping it clean. A gentle cleanse with a mild cleanser can also help. Don’t keep touching the acne or else it will worsen the condition. 

5. Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry, patchy and thickened skin of the baby. In some cases, it can turn the skin red and inflamed and cause a lot of itching.
Cleansing the baby’s skin with a mild soap-free bar can help to get rid of the dryness of skin without losing its natural state.
As a mother, you always need to be vigilant about what goes near your baby’s skin, as your baby’s skin is way more delicate than adults. Following the right methods and using certified baby products can keep your baby away from many skin related problems. Always keep in mind that it’s always best to get a doctor’s advice before choosing any product or remedy for your baby.

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