Types Of Baby Rash

Have you noticed red patches or raised bumps on your baby’s picture-perfect face recently? Or maybe you’ve been noticing that your baby has been desperately scratching their neck and chest. It can break your heart to see your baby in distress, but babies are delicate, and their immune system is not at its best. This makes them prone to a lot of baby rashes. In most cases, baby rashes are not a cause for concern. They show up and leave after a while, though you must check with the pediatrician to be on the safer side. We’ve curated a list of common types of skin rashes in children. This will give you an idea of what your baby is dealing with:

• Diaper Rash

Most babies experience a diaper rash at least once in their lifetime. This common medical condition is characterized by red patches on the buttocks or around the genital area. The number one cause of a diaper rash is not changing the diapers regularly, especially after being soiled. It is essential to change the diaper every three hours if not soiled and immediately if the child has passed urine or pooped. Other causes of diaper rash include allergies, yeast infections, or bacterial infections (1).

• Baby Acne

Baby acne, also known as infantile acne, looks a lot like adult acne. You will find that it looks like a red bump, with a whitehead on top. In most cases, baby acne pops up in the face, particularly on the cheek, forehead, and nose. In some cases, it can also appear on the neck or chin. Baby acne is not contagious, and it’s not a cause for concern (2). You can consult your child’s doctor for some topical applicants.

• Eczema

Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is characterized by patches of inflamed and dry skin. These patches are itchy and can get swollen. The jury is still out on what exactly causes eczema. But exposure to allergens such as dust, rough fabrics, chemical-based products, and environmental irritants seems to be the main causal factors (3). Consult a doctor for medication, and keep your baby hydrated.

• Dry Skin

We’ve all experienced dry skin, particularly during the winter months. Your child is prone to dry skin if the body does not produce enough moisturizing oils. Dry skin, like the name suggests, looks dry and flaky. Worst case, it can crack and peel. Avoid giving your child long baths, and use a moisturizer after a bath at all times. Pick one that is baby-friendly and chemical-free (4).

• Roseola

Also known as the sixth disease, roseola is characterized by pinkish, rose-colored rashes that don’t itch. It is a viral infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus. Before the onset of the rash, the baby will develop a fever, runny nose, sore throat, and irritability. In most cases, this rash will clear out in a week or two. Children between the ages of six months to two years are most likely to develop this rash (5).

• Food Allergy

If your child is allergic to a specific kind of food, it can kick-start a food allergy. In most cases, a rash caused by food allergies tends to look like hives. The rash is itchy and red. Runny nose, watery eyes, a lot of sneezing, and vomiting may accompany a food allergy. The most common allergy-causing foods are shellfish, soy, milk, peanut, and seafood. Consult a doctor immediately if you notice that your child is developing an allergic reaction. Allergies can prove to be fatal if not treated in time (6).

• Hives

Hives, also known as urticaria, are a common condition that is caused due to viral infections, bacterial infections, or allergic reactions. Triggers of an allergic reaction include environmental irritants, dust, bug bites, and drug reactions, to name a few. Hives might be itchy and can swell. In most cases, it is not a cause of concern. However, consult your doctor immediately if accompanied by nausea, stomach ache, or anaphylactic shock (7).

• Ringworm

Ringworm is a highly contagious rash that is caused due to a common fungus. It is characterized by a round patch of itchy skin that is raised and dry. This condition can be treated with the help of a topical antifungal cream. Ringworms are not common in kids below the age of one, but the possibility cannot be ruled out (8).

Rashes tend to appear often in a baby’s growing years. Most of these rashes are treatable at home. You do not need to worry about it. However, you can make it easier for your baby by asking your doctor for topical applications to soothe the rash. Keep your baby clean and comfortable to avoid them. Have you noticed any of these rashes on your little one before? Let us know in the comments below.

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