Baby’s common skin troubles
We all want our babies perfect to every sense of the word. So the appearance of any little blemish on your baby’s soft skin is likely to cause alarm—especially if you are a first time mother.
Well, the truth of the matter is that infant skin is very thin, thus delicate and prone to a variety of skin conditions. Many of these ailments are minor and will heal by themselves. Other conditions will not improve unless treated by a dermatologist. So if the ailment persists for more than a week, consult with your paediatrician.
The paediatrician may tell you it’s an allergic reaction to food, oils, or exposure to too much warmth or moisture. She may also say that the skin condition may be an inherent trait or is an infection. Notably though, as the child grows up and the skin matures, it becomes less sensitive and many of these conditions stop being a bother altogether. The following are some common skin ailments and how best to handle them.
Nappy rash
This is a common problem to almost all babies. It’s a swollen rash that is painful because of the sores it presents, which can become more prickly when in contact with urine. The rash is also characterized by a reddish patch surrounding the nappy area. Since your baby cannot tell you what the issue is, he may express his discomfort by crying especially during nappy changing times. A decrease in appetite is another symptom that may come with nappy rash.
For a rash-free bottom:
o Change the diapers/nappies as often as they get wet to avoid exposing the skin to urine which increases the chances of developing nappy rash.
o Allow the nappy area to dry after you wipe it.
o Apply a baby jelly to protect the skin from irritating wetness and reducing the chances of chafing.
o Don’t put the nappy around your baby too tightly. Allow some air to circulate.
o Keep a close watch on the nappy area and note improvements. If the condition worsens, consult your doctor.
Treatment
o Change the baby’s diapers regularly.
o Change the baby’s diet if it is acidic or causes an allergy.
o Be careful with the kind of baby wipe used as some contain alcohol. This causes further irritation. You can also use warm water and a soft cloth and gently clean the sore area.
o See the paediatrician for advice.
Prickly heat/ heat rash
Moisture and humidity are the major causes of this skin problem, which is less common after three months of age. Heat and humidity lead to perspiration and thus moisture on the skin causing very small pink bumps that manifest in the skin folds around the nappy region or neck area. Make sure your child is cool and not overdressed and that the skin remains dry. Consult your doctor for proper treatment.
Yeast infection
This is usually caused by the baby’s skin being wet for too long. It is the most persistent of all baby rashes. The rash presents as raised reddish pink bumps or white pus sores surrounding a red patch in the nappy area. Your baby may also have white patches in his mouth causing your breasts to become sore when breastfeeding. A dose of antibiotics may be prescribed to stop diarrhoea which is also a cause of yeast rash. Consult your doctor soonest for treatment.
Infant acne
Hormones transferred to your baby while he was still in your womb may cause infant acne. After birth, these hormones may affect your infant’s body. This is what causes the acne. Have your paediatrician confirm that it is acne. Very few infants need professional treatment for this condition. Wash the face of your baby with a mild cleanser daily to keep the skin clean. Do not prick them or pop them! Keep him cool and dress him in light clothing. This will help the acne resolve itself.
Eczema
This is dry, flaky skin normally caused by cold or dry weather. It may also be caused by something your baby is allergic to in his diet. Raised red patches may be noticed on the infant’s skin around the face, back, elbows and behind the knees. Keep the infant’s skin moist, limit baths to only five minutes or less and apply baby lotion in the folds of the skin. Eczema may be a life-long condition but for many infants, the condition disappears after their first birthday. Don’t forget to seek advice from your doctor should this state persist.
Allergies
These can be caused by genetic factors. Your baby may simply be more prone to allergic reactions than other babies. Allergies may also be due to exposure to natural elements like dust, pollen, fungal spores or manufactured products like strong soaps or harsh detergents. Allergies may as well be caused by fungal, bacterial and viral infections, and as a result of reactions to medication.Allergies are rare in babies. However, repeated exposure to an allergen (what triggers the effect) increases the chances of your baby developing an allergic reaction. The symptoms present themselves in various ways. You need to see your paediatrician to establish that the condition is an allergy and be advised on how to handle it accordingly.
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