Apr 29 2008
A new baby’s skin Care
See color insert for color photos of skin conditions.
A new baby’s skin is so sensitive that at times looking at her cross-eyed may seem to provoke a new rash. You will see spots and splotches come and go, especially in the first several weeks, but most don’t need special treatment.
The characteristics of newborn skin and some common conditions including erythema toxicum, milia, and salmon patches. In addition, during the first few weeks many babies develop pimples on the face, neck, and upper back, which in some cases look like acne. These pimples most likely are a response to some of mother’s hormones acquired just before birth, and with rare exception they will resolve without treatment. If they become progressively worse, however, have them checked by your baby’s healthcare provider.
Another common skin problem in early infancy is seborrheicdermatitis (see photo on page A31), an inflammation of those areas of skin where the oil- producing sebaceous glands are most abundant: the scalp, behind the ears, and in the creases of the neck and armpits. The most striking form is cradle cap, a crusty, scaly, oily eruption of the scalp, which may persist for months. Fortunately, cradle cap is neither contagious nor uncomfortable, but you can help shorten its appearance with a few simple measures. Washing the hair with a gentle baby shampoo every two or three days, followed by gentle brushing, will remove much of the scaly material. Baby oil applied for a few minutes before shampooing may help soften more stubborn debris, but use it sparingly and be sure to wash all of it off. In more severe cases, your baby’s doctor may recommend an antidandruff shampoo. A mild cortisone cream or lotion may also be prescribed, especially if there are patches of seborrhea on other parts of the body.
Another common rash appears on the chin and upper arms and is caused by excessive heat. Heat rash produces tiny red bumps rather than overt pimples and can usually be remedied by removing excess clothing.
A newborn’s skin is easily dried out by excessive exposure to water, so if he skin seems dry or flaky, you may use a little baby lotion on the affected areas. Stay away from baby oil, which plugs pores and can actually provoke rashes. Keep your new baby completely out of direct sunlight because even very brief exposure can cause sunburn.
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