There
are three common rashes
that can occur in young babies:
Milia:
This is a very common rash and is seen
in most babies. It can start from one
week to three weeks of age. The rash looks like tiny
white or yellow spots on the baby’s face and neck.
This is caused by secretions of the tiny glands in the
skin of the baby after birth. Although parents can find
it upsetting it does not
cause the baby any discomfort and will disappear without
treatment in four to six weeks
Seborrheic
Dermatitis:
is also seen in babies from about one month of age. It
can present as pumps on
the skin that are smaller than Milia spots and has yellow
crusty areas that are flaky and dry. It
frequently occurs in the eyebrows
and scalp and can also be seen on the
neck and shoulders. It is best
to consult your Doctor because it can
be treated successfully with steroid creams available
only on prescription.
Infantile
Eczema:
is another common skin condition in young babies. It usually
starts between one and five
months of age. In eczema the skin has
patches of raised areas
that are red and occur in different areas of the body
including the face. Some babies with severe
eczema have allergies to milk while in others no specific
cause can be found other than a tendency to dry skin.
Some babies will grow out
of eczema as they get older while in others
it will be a problem throughout their childhood. The treatment
of eczema includes moisturising
creams and bath oils. Severe
eczema is often treated with steroid
creams and other ointments prescribed by your doctor.
It is always advisable to
have a baby’s rash checked by your health visitor
or Doctor so that the correct advice treatment can be
given
