As babies are so tiny and fragile, even their cough or sneeze can scare the parents. Rashes fall in a similar category. The only way to avoid worrying or panicking about something is to have knowledge of the topic. In this article, we will learn all there is to know about baby rashes.
All About Baby Rashes
There are various types of rashes that a baby could get. Most of them are easily treatable. As it can irritate the skin and cause discomfort to the baby, let us discuss some of them in detail. We will also learn some of their causes and how you could make the baby feel better.
1. Milia
Most of us believe that rashes show up on the baby’s bums, but that’s not true! Milia is a type of rash that occurs on the baby’s face. It is white and can form on the nose and surrounding areas. Milia is caused due to blocked oil pores. It can show up soon after the baby is born but clears up within four weeks.
2. Acne
Acne also fits in the rash category for babies. Most of the parents freak out when anything out of the ordinary happens. Acne on the little infant’s face can make you feel guilty. A lot of parents wondered what harsh products they used caused it. Although the cause is unknown, it usually clears up in about three to four months.
3. Eczema
Eczema is more intense than many other types. It can easily alarm parents if they do not know what it is. It is most evident on the face and arms. The rough and crusty patches of skin cause itchiness and irritation. Most children outgrow it before starting school. However, a few adults also suffer from it.
4. Diaper Rash
Diaper rashes are very common in infants. It occurs when diapers with poop or urine cause skin irritation. The baby’s skin could turn red, become inflamed, and sore. You can easily prevent this by frequently changing diapers. If the rash persists, it could also be a fungal infection. Consult the doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
5. Heat Rash
Prickly heat rashes are common in places where there are humid summers. They are tiny red blisters or bumps that show up on the back or arms. The rashes can itch and burn. Daily showers and cooling the baby down helps to counter the rash. It usually clears up in two or three days. There are over-the-counter powders and ointments that you can use as well.
6. Hives
Hives are known as nettle rash or urticaria. It may be triggered by an infection, medicine, or an allergic reaction. But in some cases, the trigger remains unknown. It creates bumpy red rashes that mostly show up on the chest and back of the baby. They usually disappear within a few days of showing up. If they persist, it is better to get it checked out by a doctor.
What To Do If Your Child Has Rashes?
Now that we know some of the common rashes that babies could get, we will talk about what steps to take next. The first thing that you need to do is to identify the rash. Based on the symptoms and the possible causes, you can figure that out. Try googling pictures just to be sure.
As the rashes can irritate the skin, make sure the baby is comfortable. Giving them a warm shower helps to soothe the skin and tone down the symptoms. Dress them in loose and breathable clothes. Also, put them in a room that is not humid. If the temperature allows it, you can let the little one roam around without clothes for a while.
Most of the baby rashes go away on their own. It helps if you keep the baby clean and comfortable. Some unfamiliar types of rashes like eczema can easily cause panic as we want the best for our baby. Seeing them in pain or discomfort makes us feel terrible. But, know that the baby’s body is well capable of dealing with rashes.
Rashes are common and they are normal as well. You are doing nothing wrong as a parent or a guardian. However, you can help the child by putting a cool cloth over the heat rash and by keeping them clean. If the rashes persist, it is always better to get it checked out.
Also Read: Blister On Baby Lip: Causes & Treatments