Many types ofrashescan affect a babys skin on various parts of their bodies.
Most rashes are uncomfortable but treatable.
Other times, infant rashes can indicate a more serious illness that requires medical treatment.
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Knowing the potential causes of a rash may help determine if your little one needs treatment.
What Does a Baby Rash Look Like?
On lighter skin tones, they may appear red or pink.
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On darker skin tones, they may look white or gray.
Many types of rashes are made up of tiny bumps on the skin.
Rashes may feel itchy and uncomfortable.
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What Causes a Baby Rash?
A variety of factors can lead to infant rashes.
Babies have sensitive skin and developing immune systems.
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Many baby rashes resolve on their own or with simple treatments.
Parents should have their pediatrician examine their baby’s rash for a diagnosis and recommendations.
Common Types of Baby Rashes
Most infant rashes are relatively mild and can be treated at home.
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If your little one seems uncomfortable, call your childs healthcare provider for further guidance.
Cradle cap looks like greasy, yellowish patches of skin that crust over.
The skin may also look scaly or flaky.
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Cradle cap is most common in children ages 2 weeks to 12 months.
It usually resolves on its own.
Eczema
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Treatment for eczema usually includes moisturizers and lifestyle changes.
After the bath, apply a thick cream or ointment specially made for babies.
Your childs healthcare provider may also recommendtopical corticosteroids.
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Diaper Rash
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Diaper rashis a common skin condition in babies that is usually because of moisture.
Common symptoms include skin discoloration or redness, soreness, and peeling.
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Diaper rash can be quite uncomfortable for babies and may cause crying and fussiness.
Baby Acne
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Up to 20% of newborns experienceneonatal acne.
Babies can be born with acne and develop it anytime before they are 6 weeks old.
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You may notice breakouts on your baby’s cheeks, forehead, nose, chin, or scalp.
To care for your baby’s skin, cleanse it with lukewarm water and avoid scrubbing.
See your child’s healthcare provider if your baby develops acne after 6 weeks of age.
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Drool Rash
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Drool rashhappens when a babys skin becomes irritated from contact with their saliva.
Babies naturallydroolbecause of teething and their developingsalivary glands.
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To manage your childs drool rash, use a warm washcloth to gently wipe drool or food away.
Applying petroleum jelly or Aquaphor cream to protect their skin from moisture may also help.
The sores leak clear fluid or pus for a few days, then crust over into honey-colored scabs.
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Impetigo is a bacterial infection that requires antibiotic therapy.
See your childs healthcare provider for a topical or oral antibiotic prescription.
Fifth Disease
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Fifth diseaseis a viral illness.
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After a few days, the rash may spread to the trunk, arms, and legs.
Home treatment usually includes rest and fluids.
Your healthcare provider may recommendTylenol (acetaminophen)for the fever.
It is very contagious but usually not serious.
Most children feel better within seven to 10 days.
Home treatment includes rest, hydration, and OTC medications to manage the fever.
A serious allergic reaction can cause itchy welts or skin bumps known as hives (urticaria).
A reaction to certain foods, medications, or other irritants may cause this rash.
Contact dermatitisoccurs when the skin comes in contact with something irritating, such as a chemical or fragrance.
This rash may look like discolored or red blisters that burn or itch.
You may notice that your babys skinhas tiny red or discolored bumps or blisters.
Move them to a cooler place and provide hydration.
Chickenpox may be mild but can cause serious illness in infants younger than 12 months.
Fortunately, chickenpox is preventable with atwo-dose vaccine.
Measles
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Measlesis a contagious virus that is serious, especially for newborns.
Measles causes a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and rash.
The rash usually appears about three to five days after symptoms start.
See your childs healthcare provider if you believe that they could have measles or were exposed to it.
Measles is preventable with the measles vaccine.
Talk with your childs healthcare provider about vaccine schedules.
Thrush
Thrushis a yeast infection in babies, causing irritation in and around a babys mouth.
If you suspect that your baby has thrush, see your childs healthcare provider for an antifungal treatment.
Wash your babys pacifiers and bottles in hot water to kill fungi or bacteria and lower the risk.
How to Prevent a Baby Rash
Infant rashes are common and cannot always be prevented.
Possible causes of baby rashes include infections, allergies, heat, friction, moisture, and irritants.
Many types of rashes are uncomfortable but can be treated.
Occasionally, a rash may indicate a baby has a serious medical condition or infection, such as meningitis.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Newborn rashes and birthmarks.
Nemours KidsHealth.Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis) in infants.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Eczema in babies and children.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat eczema in babies.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Common diaper rashes & treatments.
2022;35(12):e15884.
doi:10.1111/dth.15884
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Is that acne on my babys face?
American Academy of Pediatrics.Drooling and your baby.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Impetigo: all you gotta know.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hand, foot, and mouth disease.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Rashes.
MedlinePlus.Babies and heat rashes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chickenpox (varicella).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Measles (rubeola).
Nemours KidsHealth.Oral thrush (for parents).
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat diaper rash.
