My child was only a few days old when I noticed the appearance of rashes on my baby's head, face, and neck. It was something that panicked me as a new parent. Then I came to know through my baby's pediatrician that it is very common for babies and kids to develop rashes and other skin problems.
Types of Rashes in Babies and Kids
Rashes occur in different sizes, shapes, and colors. Identifying them eases the process of healing them. Below given are six of the commonly occurring rashes in kids and babies.
#1. Baby acne
Baby acne looks like small red bumps, sometimes, with a white center. These whiteheads are also called milia and they mostly appear within the first few days of birth. These occur due to exposure to maternal hormones before birth which causes the production of excess oil by the skin glands of the baby. Most of the time, they go off without any intervention. But if they are very severe and causing much irritation to the baby, treatment may be required.
#2. Cradle Cap
Also known as cradle cap dermatitis, these red rashes with yellow crust are very common in babies just a few days to few months old. It often appears on the baby's scalp (and hence called a cap) and sometimes also spreads to the face, neck, ears, and armpits. Although they too will go off on their own, but to make the recovery speedier and to avoid them spreading, apply a prescribed ointment, and maintain hygiene to control them.
#3. Eczema
Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema also causes red, dry scaly patches on the skin. Eczema in toddler most likely occur on the body parts like folds of elbow, knees, wrist, hands, and ankle. It may also occur on the eyelids and mouth in toddlers. Due to dryness and itching, the skin turns red and swollen. Eczema occurs by allergy, environmental factors, or fungal/bacterial infection. In such conditions, it is recommended to avoid harsh soaps and keep the skin moisturized. Along with these, it is also important to prefer skin-friendly clothes for kids.
#4. Heat rash
Prickly heat or heat rashes look like red bumps and sometimes are confused with baby acne. They are more prone to body parts that are often sweaty like the neck, armpits, and diaper area. These rashes can be eased by choosing breathable and skin-friendly clothing like organic cotton clothing.
#5. Diaper Rash
The rashes developed in the diaper area due to infection or unbreathable clothing are called diaper rashes. The diaper rashes also develop due to the friction of dirty diapers with the baby's skin. Diaper rashes can be avoided by changing the diaper change routine and using skin-friendly clothes.
#6. Sunburn
Sunburn rashes are caused in babies and kids who have sensitive skin when exposed to the Sun's harmful rays. Wearing sunscreen and full sleeve clothes can protect kids and babies from sunburn.
These skin rashes can be avoided by following few measures-
- Keeping the babies clean and dry
- By using appropriate body lotions/creams apt for the climate and also the baby's skin type
- Keeping the kids and babies comfortable
Apart from the given measures, choosing loose and skin-friendly clothing for the babies and kids also would be a big help. Choose Nino Bambino for getting organic cotton clothing for your babies and kids. You can explore the site here.
Nino Bambino has an amazing collection of skin-friendly organic cotton kidswear that is affordable. Switching to organic cotton clothes for kids and lessens the chance of harmful chemicals in synthetic dress materials irritating the baby's delicate skin. Hope this guide on skin rashes helps you to deal with the rashes in your kids and babies.
