Baby Rashes

Typical Skin Issues in Babies

A baby’s skin is delicate and still developing, making it prone to a variety of common skin conditions. Most of these are harmless and temporary, but understanding what’s normal can help you care for your baby’s skin with confidence.

Cradle Cap

Cradle cap appears as flaky or crusty patches on a baby’s scalp, often showing yellowish scales or white crusts that sometimes seem greasy. On lighter skin, the area can look red; on darker skin, it may appear lighter than the baby’s normal tone.

Cradle cap usually starts within the first few months of life. Most babies do not seem bothered by it, and it often goes away without special treatment. Sometimes, patches can spread to the face or other body areas.

Care Tips

• Wash your baby’s hair with gentle baby shampoo a few times a week.
• Use a soft brush to loosen flakes.
• If scales are hard to remove, use a little mineral oil to soften them before shampooing.
• Contact a healthcare provider if patches get worse, spread, or cause obvious discomfort.

Quick Glance Table

Feature	Appearance	Area Affected	Care
Flaky, greasy, crusty	White/yellow scales, may be red or lighter	Scalp, sometimes spreads	Gentle shampoo, soft brushing, sometimes mineral oil

Small White Spots

Milia are tiny, firm, white bumps that usually appear on a baby’s nose, cheeks, or chin. They do not itch or hurt and are not caused by infection or allergies. These spots often show up at birth or soon after and disappear on their own within a few weeks, leaving the skin smooth.

Care Tips

• Wash the face with mild soap and water once per day.
• Do not pinch, squeeze, or scrub the bumps.
• Avoid creams or oils, as these can make irritation worse.

Infant Acne

Baby acne looks like red or white pimples and may be surrounded by slightly red skin. It usually appears on the cheeks or forehead but can also show up on the back or chest. This rash is common in the first month of life. The pimples may come and go for several weeks or a few months. Baby acne typically does not leave any lasting marks.

Care Tips

• Gently wash the affected areas with water and mild soap every day.
• Do not pop or pick at pimples.
• Most cases clear with time and don’t need treatment.
• If it lasts beyond a few months or seems severe, check with a healthcare professional.

Prickly Heat Rash

Heat rash, or prickly heat, tends to show up on parts of the body that get sweaty or hot—like the neck, upper chest, or armpits. The rash appears as small red or clear bumps and may make the skin feel prickly. Babies can get heat rash when overdressed, exposed to hot weather, or have a fever because their sweat glands are not fully developed.

Tips to Prevent and Soothe Heat Rash

• Dress babies in light, loose clothing on warm days.
• Keep the baby’s environment cool with good airflow.
• Remove extra clothing when inside or if the temperature rises.
• The rash usually fades once the baby cools down.
• If itching seems severe or the rash doesn’t improve, call a healthcare provider.

Dry, Irritated Patches

Baby eczema causes dry, red or purple, itchy patches on the skin. The rash can appear on the face, scalp, elbows, or behind the knees. In some babies, the areas may look bumpy or thickened from scratching. Eczema can start in infancy and sometimes runs in families. It does not spread from person to person.

Ways to Manage and Prevent Eczema Flare-Ups

• Moisturize Regularly: Apply fragrance-free creams or ointments, especially after bathing, to lock in moisture.
• Bathe Gently: Use mild, non-soap cleansers and lukewarm water. Pat the skin dry with a soft towel—do not rub.
• Avoid Known Triggers: Steer clear of perfumes, dyes, rough fabrics like wool, and harsh laundry products.
• Keep the Environment Cool: Maintain a comfortable room temperature to reduce skin irritation and dryness.

For severe eczema or if the skin becomes cracked or looks infected, talk to a healthcare professional.

Product Check-List Table

Item	Use for Eczema	Notes
Unscented moisturizer	Daily, after baths	Look for gentle baby formulas
Cotton clothing	Wearable all day	Avoid wool and synthetic blends
Mild detergent	Washing clothing	No added fragrances or dyes

Diaper Area Rashes

Diaper rash is very common in babies. It causes the skin in the diaper area to look red, purple, or raw, and sometimes the area hurts or itches. In more serious cases, the skin may be broken or have open sores.

Urine and stool, diapers that rub or fit poorly, and skin that stays damp too long often cause diaper rash. Wipes or creams with alcohol or fragrances can make it worse. Babies with frequent stools or those on antibiotics are more likely to get rashes.

Diaper Rash Management

• Change diapers often; do not wait for them to become very wet.
• Leave the diaper off for short periods to let the skin breathe.
• Use warm water and a soft cloth to clean the area gently; pat dry.
• Apply a thick layer of barrier cream (like zinc oxide ointment) at each diaper change.
• When cleaning, only wipe away the soiled layer of cream, not all of it, to avoid more irritation.
• Avoid powders such as talc or boric acid, as they can be harmful if inhaled or absorbed.
• Choose creams made for babies, without fragrance, salicylates, benzocaine, phenol, camphor, or boric acid.

When to Seek Medical Help

• Rash does not improve after a few days of care.
• Skin becomes very sore, bleeds, or shows signs of infection, such as pus or yellow crusting.
• Rash spreads beyond the diaper area.

Handy Diaper Rash Dos and Don’ts Table

Do	Don’t
Change diapers frequently	Use powders or strong wipes.
Use barrier diaper creams	Apply rough or scented products.
Wash with warm water	Scrub skin or rub forcefully.
Let skin air-dry	Ignore rashes that aren’t healing.

Keeping Baby Skin Healthy Everywhere

Baby skin is thinner and more delicate than adult skin, so it needs extra protection. Babies’ skin can react quickly to things like heat, sweat, or new products. They also burn more easily in the sun.

General Baby Skin Care Tips

1. Choose Safe Products:
   • Pick products without added fragrances or dyes.
   • Use the smallest number of skin products possible.
   • Check ingredient lists and avoid harsh chemicals.
2. Bath Time:
   • Bathe your baby two to three times a week or as needed if dirty.
   • Use lukewarm water and keep the bath short.
   • Pat the skin dry gently, then use moisturizer.
3. Clothing and Laundry:
   • Dress your baby in loose, comfortable clothes made from soft cotton.
   • Wash baby clothes separately with a gentle, fragrance-free detergent.
   • Avoid blankets or clothing that trap heat or cause sweating.
4. Room Environment:
   • Keep the baby’s room cool and well-ventilated to avoid overheating and heat rash.
   • Use a humidifier during dry weather to help keep skin moist.

Recognizing Less Common Rashes

Sometimes babies can have other skin conditions, including:

• Erythema Toxicum: Harmless red spots with small white or yellow bumps seen mostly in newborns, resolving without treatment.
• Food Allergy Rash: Red blotches or hives after certain foods, usually needing advice from a healthcare professional.
• Drool Rash: Irritation around the mouth and chin caused by saliva (especially in teething babies). Keep the skin dry and use a gentle barrier cream if needed.
• Infectious Rashes: Chickenpox, measles, or other viral rashes can also cause sudden skin changes; if your baby has a fever, seems unwell, or the rash does not match diaper rash or eczema, seek medical help.

Basic Skin Care Routine Table

Step	Why It Helps	Good Choices
Bathing	Cleans, prevents buildup	Warm water, gentle cleanser
Moisturizing	Keeps skin soft and stops drying	Unscented, baby-safe cream
Protection	Shields against sun, wind, and irritants	Hats, shade, soft clothing