While newborn skin conditions like rashes or bumps can be alarming, they’re also extremely common. Newborn skin is often more sensitive than the skin of older children or adults, making it more susceptible to irritation.
Most newborn skin concerns are easily treated and go away on their own with time or over-the-counter treatments. In some cases, your child’s pediatrician may recommend a medication to help resolve the issue.
Below, learn more about seven common skin conditions that affect newborns, how to treat them and when to see a doctor.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Often referred to as “cradle cap,” this condition causes thick, white or yellow scales on a baby’s scalp. It can also affect skin folds in the neck, arms, thighs or groin. In these areas, the skin might be more red. Fragrance-free baby oil on the affected area can help remove the scale — just apply it to your baby’s scalp and comb through it. For skin folds, you can try a fragrance-free ointment, such as petroleum jelly. If your baby seems uncomfortable, or you notice more redness around the scales, your child’s pediatrician can prescribe a topical steroid ointment.
Diaper Dermatitis
Caused by irritation from urine and stool, diaper dermatitis or diaper rash, usually appears as red, inflamed patches in a baby’s diaper area. A fragrance-free ointment, such as petroleum jelly, can help soothe the irritated skin. You can also prevent additional irritation with a traditional diaper cream, which creates a barrier that protects the skin. Look for ones that have zinc oxide in them. Apply with each diaper change if you can. Sometimes, your baby may need a medication ointment to help calm the redness and irritation down.
Neonatal Cephalic Pustulosis (Baby acne)
Baby acne, tiny pimples on the face, neck and scalp caused by mom’s hormones, usually affects babies during the first several weeks after birth. They will typically appear a few weeks after birth. These spots usually go away on their own and don’t require any treatment. It’s best to clean your baby's face with water and gentle, fragrance-free baby soap. Talk with your pediatrician if you have concerns.
Erythema Toxicum
This pink-blotchy rash usually appears during the first few days of a baby’s life and causes small, pink raised bumps on the skin. Sometimes, the bumps may look like small pimples. They can appear anywhere on the body, and they tend to be scattered. Unlike true hives, the condition is usually not painful or itchy, and it usually goes away on its own without treatment after several days.
Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis
Seen more in darker skin, this condition causes fluid-filled blisters or pimples that go away without treatment in a few days after birth. After the bumps rupture, they may leave behind dry skin and pigmented spots that fade after a few weeks or months.
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Miliaria
Miliaria causes a splotchy, red heat rash on warm areas of a baby’s body due to being overly warm and sweaty. It’s more common in hot weather or in cooler weather if a baby is over-bundled. To prevent heat rash, keep your baby in mild temperatures when possible and avoid over-bundling them.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is an itchy, red rash that tends to affect a baby’s arms, legs and trunk. It can be scaly, like seborrheic dermatitis but also pink or red. It may also help to reduce irritants in your baby’s routine — for example, using fragrance-free soap and laundry detergents. The best treatment is a fragrance-free moisturizer cream or ointment all over the skin at least twice daily. Many children outgrow atopic dermatitis as they get older, but not all. If needed, your baby’s doctor can prescribe topical steroids or other medications to reduce irritation and discomfort.
When To See a Doctor
If your child has a fever along with a new skin rash, or you notice any swelling, scabs or pus-filled bumps, it’s a good idea to check in with your child’s pediatrician to rule out a more serious condition.
Most infant skin conditions are self-limiting, which means they resolve on their own without medical treatment. If you have questions or concerns about a rash or another skin issue, your child’s pediatrician is the best place to start. Their provider can refer you to a pediatric dermatologist who specializes in children's skin conditions if needed.
