Picture: iStock
Because babies have extremely delicate skin, it takes special care and attention to keep their skin soft and healthy,” says Dr Lushen Pillay, a specialist dermatologist who practises at Netcare Waterfall City Hospital.
According to Dr Pillay, minor skin problems may arise from time to time and parents will, for the most part, be able to easily treat these at home.
He lists a number of skin care tips that will assist caregivers to treat some of the most common skin conditions that can impact babies.
According to Dr Pillay, nappy rash most often arise from nappies not being changed often enough or when they fit too tight.
“It is important to remember that baby skin is always very sensitive to sun,” cautions Dr Pillay. He recommends the following to protect your infant from the potentially harmful rays of the sun:
Picture: Thinkstock
“A nappy rash usually starts on the buttocks and genital areas, and can spread to the abdomen and upper thighs. The skin may appear puffy and red.
Rashes can develop for a number of reasons including a wet nappy left on for too long, allergies to cleaning soaps and powders or the nappies themselves, or the skin may chafe against a nappy that is too tight. Nappy rash can also be caused by infections from bacteria or yeast, especially after a course of antibiotics,” says Dr Pillay.
“When it comes to treatment going back to nappy basics is best,” he explains.
Do call the doctor if the rash looks as though it may be infected (has blisters, pus-filled pimples, oozing yellow patches, or open sores), if it fails to get better after treatment, or if your baby develops a fever.
Image courtesy stock.xchnge (monigirl)
Showing up as small pinkish-red bumps, heat rash usually appears on the parts of your baby’s body that are prone to sweating, like the neck, nappy area, armpits, and skin folds. A cool, dry environment and loose-fitting clothes are all you need to treat prickly heat rash, which can even be brought on in winter when baby is over-bundled. Try dressing baby in layers that you can easily remove as it gets warmer during the day.
As many as one in two newborns develop little white bumps known as milia. Usually appearing on the nose and face, they are caused by skin flakes blocking the oil glands. Milia are sometimes called ‘baby acne’, but true baby acne is related to hormonal changes. In this case, baby skin care is easy, as a baby’s glands open up over the course of a few days or weeks, the bumps usually disappear and need no treatment.
“Babies really do get acne. It looks very similar to the whiteheads and pimples seen in teenagers. It may be present at birth or show up a few weeks after birth. It usually affects the forehead, cheeks, chin and back. Baby acne is thought to be caused by hormonal changes after birth and sometimes from medication in breastfed infants,” notes Dr Pillay.
“Most of the time baby acne will clear up by itself, usually within a few weeks although it can linger for months.
Avoid using over-the-counter acne treatments on your baby’s skin as these are often harsh and can cause damage. Wash your baby’s face twice daily with baby soap. Don’t use any oils on the face as these could worsen the acne. You should speak to your doctor if the acne persists for more than three months,” he adds.
More than one in ten babies have birthmarks. Birthmarks, or areas of skin discoloration, are not inherited. They may be there when your baby is born, or they might show up a few months later. Generally, birthmarks are nothing to worry about and need no treatment. But, if your baby’s birthmark worries you, be sure to discuss it with your doctor.
“Eczema is an itchy, red rash that occurs in response to a trigger. It is common in children who have a family history of asthma, allergies, or atopic dermatitis. Eczema may occur on your baby’s face as a weepy rash.
“Over time it becomes thick, dry, and scaly. You may also see eczema on the elbow, chest, arms, or behind the knees. To treat it, identify and avoid any triggers. Use gentle soaps and detergents and apply moderate amounts of moisturiser. Your doctor may recommend a short-term steroid ointment to treat the eczema,” says Dr Pillay.
Image courtesy: Stock.xchng.
Babies often have peeling, dry skin, particularly if they are born after the due date. Fortunately the underlying skin is usually healthy. Use baby oil immediately after bathing your baby to moisturise the skin, and avoid bathing your baby too often.
Cradle cap can show up during a baby’s first or second month, and usually clears up within the first year. Also called seborrhoeic dermatitis, cradle cap is caused by excess oil and shows up as a scaly, waxy, red rash on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, the sides of the nose, or behind the ears and looks a lot like dandruff.
“You can treat cradle cap by cleaning your baby’s head every day with a mild baby shampoo. Baby oil, olive oil or petroleum jelly rubbed into the scalp can help loosen crusts and scales. Rinse the oil off before shampooing, and then gently scrub the scalp with a soft-bristled brush or soft toothbrush for a few minutes to remove the scales. Wash the scalp with baby shampoo, rinse well, and gently towel dry.”
Consult your doctor before considering using stronger anti-dandruff shampoos, which are designed for adults.
If your baby has a red raised bump (or a few), it could be a sign that some insects have been snacking. Calamine lotion or a mild 1% steroid cream can help soothe the itch and bring swelling down. Try to find out the source of the insects, as insects often target babies.
“Caring for a baby’s skin is actually very simple. Stick to the basics such as keeping it clean and dry, avoid anything that’s scented or not baby-friendly, and avoid irritants, insects and sun exposure. Never use adult products for babies. However, if in doubt speak to your doctor about your baby’s skin requirements,” concludes Dr Pillay.
//
For more news your way, follow The Citizen on Facebook and Twitter.
Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.
