Types of Skin Rashes in Infants

When a baby is on the way, expectant parents often daydream about what their baby will look like, and who she will take after. They envision happy bath times, peaceful naps and little bundles with soft, perfect skin. Reality, unfortunately, can be a rude awakening to this perfect little vision, and sometimes a baby's skin isn't as flawless as we were originally lead to believe. Hormones and external factors can play havoc with our skin and babies are no exception.

Cradle Cap

• A cute name for an unsightly condition, cradle cap is characterized by crusty patches that appear on the baby's scalp. Caused by excess oil and often appearing when the baby is one or two months old, this condition usually clears up on its own, although it can be helped along by gently loosening the patches with a comb or soft-bristled brush while shampooing. A rash may develop in some cases and your pediatrician can advise the best treatment.

Diaper Rash

• Rashes on your baby's bottom can have a variety of causes, from sensitivity to the diapers themselves to allergic reaction to something in the baby's diet. The most common type of rash is typically caused by prolonged contact with urine and feces. The best way to treat diaper rash is to air out the baby's bottom and apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream at every change. Call your pediatrician if the rash is persistent or gets worse.

Baby Acne

• Little pink pimples and white bumps (called milia) appear usually within the first month after birth due to the overabundance of hormones from the mother and blocked oil glands. Just like the teenage version, the best way to deal with these is to wash with a gentle cleanser several times a day and give them time to heal, which is usually within a few weeks. Avoid using lotions or any acne specific medication.

Baby Eczema

• Baby eczema is identified by red, itchy skin and can sometimes be a reaction to an outside influence--in other words, an allergic reaction to something in the baby's diet or sensitivity to a specific laundry detergent. Try narrowing down the possible irritants that could be causing your baby's dry skin and eliminating them one by one. Switch to a mild soap and use plenty of moisturizer between baths. Contact your pediatrician if the rash worsens.

Baby Yeast Infection

• Usually found on baby's bottom and genital areas, a yeast infection is a bright red rash found where skin touches skin. It's caused by a microorganism that thrives in a warm, moist environment, such as one created by a snug diaper. It can be confused with an ordinary diaper rash, as it affects the same area and can look similar, so if your diaper rash treatments aren't working, contact your pediatrician for a possible yeast infection.