Is Your Baby’s Rash an Indication of a Skin Disease?

A rash is any bump or eruption of the skin, and is usually red, but can be a shade lighter or darker than skin color. Infants usually experience skin rash at least once, mostly caused by diapers.

Causes

The causes of skin rashes include:

• Diaper rash – Continuous exposure to wet diapers and the interaction of urine and feces can trigger a rash in children.
  
  


• Heat rash – Hot or humid weather can cause a rash owing to the blockage of sweat pores.
  
  


• Baby acne – Exposure to the mother’s adult hormones can lead to baby acne. Usually, this type of rash occurs between 2-4 months of age but can last for a year.
  
  


• Erythema toxicum – This is a common condition seen in newborns and is characterized by a white to yellow lesion surrounded by reddened skin.
  
  


• Other causes – Some rashes are the result of eczema, oily skin, stress, obesity, etc.

Treatment

Once you have identified the cause correctly, here are some tips to help you treat the rash:

• Diaper rash – Change diapers frequently. Air-drying of the baby’s skin is the best option, and should be done as often as possible. Avoid using wipes that contain alcohol. Certain creams may help to reduce irritation.
  
  


• Heat rash – Keeping your child in a cool and comfortable environment will help to reduce the rash. Creams and ointments may not work for heat rashes, as they tend to block the pores.
  
  


• Baby acne – Plain water and mild baby soap can be used to wash the baby’s skin.
  
  


• Other causes – Try to prevent the baby from scratching excessively. For example, you could try putting soft gloves on the baby’s hands to minimize scratching. The cause of the rash may be a medication, virus, or some external irritant in the child’s environment.

If the rash does not get better, it is important to consult the doctor immediately.

Disclaimer: The above information is commonsense reflection drawn from general experience. If you are looking for expert medical advice, please consult your doctor.