Alina Hines
A newborn's skin colour can be surprising to parents. No matter their race or ethnicity, most babies are born with reddish-purple skin. This is due to a developing circulatory system, which sends blood and oxygen to the core organs first. This colour usually fades within the first day.
A newborn's skin colour can take up to six months to develop, and it is controlled entirely by their genes. In the meantime, their skin may turn yellow due to jaundice, a common condition caused by the breakdown of red blood cells. This will disappear as the liver matures.
Babies with darker skin may appear lighter at birth and then get darker over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time until a newborn gains skin tone | Around 6 months |
| Skin colour at birth | Reddish-purple |
| Skin colour after first breath | Red |
| Time taken for redness to fade | First day |
| Skin colour of hands and feet | Bluish |
| Time taken for bluish colour of hands and feet to fade | Several days |
What You'll Learn
Skin tone changes can be caused by underlying conditions
A newborn's skin colour can vary from red, purple, yellow, or blue, and these colours are usually nothing to worry about. However, sometimes skin colour changes can indicate an underlying condition.
For instance, while it is common for a newborn to have bluish hands and feet in the days after birth, blue skin all over the body or around the lips can indicate an underlying condition called cyanosis. This is a symptom of certain conditions affecting the heart, lungs, and central nervous system. Some conditions that can cause cyanosis include Tetralogy of Fallot, Tricuspid atresia, Total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR), and Methemoglobinemia.
Jaundice is another common cause of skin colour change in newborns, resulting in a yellowish skin tone. It is caused by the breakdown of old red blood cells and is usually nothing to worry about, but if it persists or worsens, it may indicate an underlying problem such as an underactive thyroid, a urinary tract infection, or a blockage in the gallbladder and bile ducts.
Unusually pale skin in newborns can also be indicative of certain conditions, such as anemia, albinism, or phenylketonuria (PKU). Anemia is caused by a lack of red blood cells or their improper function, resulting in reduced oxygen in the bloodstream. Albinism is a genetic condition characterised by low levels of melanin, resulting in pale skin and hair. PKU is an inherited disorder where the body is unable to break down the amino acid phenylalanine, leading to health problems and pale skin and eyes.
In some cases, reddish skin in the face may be a sign of a rare blood disorder called polycythemia vera. Additionally, mottled skin, which appears blotchy and marble-like, can be a warning sign of a heart problem, poor blood circulation, or an infection.
It is important to note that in most cases, skin colour changes in newborns are temporary and resolve as the baby adjusts to life outside the womb. However, if you are concerned about your baby's skin colour or notice any persistent or worsening changes, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional.
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A newborn's skin tone can change due to temperature
A newborn baby's skin tone can change due to a variety of factors, including temperature. Skin tone changes due to temperature are usually temporary and often harmless. However, in some cases, they may indicate an underlying health condition. Here are some ways in which a newborn's skin tone can change due to temperature:
Purple Skin During Intense Crying
Newborns are expected to cry for 2-3 hours a day during the first six weeks after birth. During intense crying, some babies may turn blue or purple. This is a normal response, and the skin tone should return to normal after the crying fit subsides. However, if the bluish tinge persists or does not show signs of fading within a few days, it could indicate a breathing or circulatory problem, and medical attention should be sought.
Darkening of Skin Due to Weight Loss
Newborns may appear darker initially due to water loss and weight loss. As they establish a feeding pattern and get sufficient milk intake, their skin tone should regain a healthier appearance. This is particularly noticeable in premature babies or babies born close to term, and their skin tone tends to lighten as they gain weight.
Pink Tinge Due to Blood Vessels
Most newborns have a pink tinge to their skin due to the visibility of red blood vessels through their thin skin. Young babies are sensitive to cool temperatures and can get chilled easily, so it is important to keep them warm, especially in cold weather. As babies get older, their skin thickens and provides better insulation.
Blue Hands and Feet
It is common for newborns to have blue hands and feet with pink skin elsewhere. This is related to their immature blood circulation, and the bluish tone should change as their circulation adapts. If the blue hands and feet persist for several days, it could indicate reduced oxygen levels, and medical advice should be sought.
Jaundice and Yellow Skin
Jaundice is a common condition in newborns, especially those born prematurely. It causes a yellow discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes due to the breakdown of red blood cells and the accumulation of bilirubin. Jaundice usually resolves as the baby's liver matures and can be monitored by a pediatrician.
Blue Skin in Other Areas
While blue hands and feet are typical, bluish tones in other parts of the body could indicate a condition called blue baby syndrome or infant methemoglobinemia. This condition is more common in infants from developing countries and those younger than three months old. It is characterized by low hemoglobin levels in the blood, leading to reduced oxygen levels.
In summary, a newborn's skin tone can change due to temperature and other factors. While most skin tone changes are normal and temporary, some may indicate underlying health issues. It is important for parents to be vigilant and seek medical advice if they have any concerns about their baby's skin tone or overall health.
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Skin tone can change due to crying
Skin Tone Changes in Newborns
A newborn baby's skin colour can vary from red, purple, yellow, or blue. This is due to their thin and translucent skin, which allows the blood and vascular structure to be seen through. A baby's true skin colour may not be visible until around 6 months old, and their skin tone will continue to change and settle until around 20 months old.
Skin Tone Changes Due to Crying
Crying can cause a baby's skin to turn blue or purple. This is a normal response to the intensity of their crying and is not usually a cause for concern. However, if the bluish tinge doesn't go away or subside after a few days, it could indicate a breathing or circulatory problem, and medical advice should be sought.
Crying can also lead to puffy eyes and inflammation in the eye area due to increased blood flow and fluid retention in the surrounding tissues. The delicate skin around the eyes is susceptible to damage from the salt and minerals in tears, as well as from rubbing and wiping. This can cause irritation, rashes, and disruption to the skin barrier.
Additionally, frequent crying can be a sign of emotional distress, linked to elevated cortisol levels and stress, which can lead to inflammation and exacerbate skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Therefore, while crying does not directly cause changes in skin tone, it can indirectly affect skin appearance and health through its impact on the delicate skin around the eyes and its association with stress and inflammation.
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Weight loss can cause skin to appear darker
A newborn baby's skin colour can vary from red, purple, yellow, or blue. Generally, a baby will have dark red to purple skin when they are born. Once the baby takes their first breath, their skin colour typically changes to red. This red shade usually fades over the first day.
Babies of parents with dark skin may look noticeably lighter than their parents at birth and then get darker skin over time. Melanin production increases, darkening the baby's skin and providing a degree of protection from the sun's ultraviolet rays. A newborn baby's true skin tone will likely be fully developed around 6 months.
Weight Loss and Skin Tone
Weight loss may cause skin to appear darker, but this is not due to the skin itself getting darker. When losing weight, people lose fat in the skin, decreasing its natural plumpness. As a result, skin imperfections such as acne scars, chickenpox marks, and blemishes become more noticeable. In addition, pores may appear enlarged, and the skin may look dull and lack lustre.
To prevent skin from appearing darker and dull after weight loss, it is important to maintain a balanced diet and incorporate adequate exercise. Diets that encourage slower weight loss are better, and a combination of a sensible diet plan and proper exercise is ideal. It is also important to stay hydrated, as drinking water improves the skin's elasticity.
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Skin tone can change due to blood and vascular structure
When a baby is born, they have thin, translucent skin. This means that their blood and vascular structure may be seen through their skin, causing a dark red hue. This is because the skin is still developing and is yet to become thicker and more opaque.
The colour of a newborn's skin can also be influenced by the oxygenation state of their blood. Blood oxygenation is associated with health and physical fitness, whereas deoxygenated blood is associated with ill health and can lead to cyanosis, or blue-tinted skin.
The skin of a newborn is also very sensitive to temperature changes. This is because their skin is so thin that it gets cold easily. This is why it is important to keep newborns wrapped up when they are in a cool room or outside in cold weather.
The skin tone of a newborn will also depend on their genetic makeup. Melanin, the substance that determines skin colour, is produced by cells that first appear in the skin during the first trimester of pregnancy. The more melanin that is produced, the darker the skin tone will be.
It can take up to six months for a newborn's true skin tone to develop. During this time, their skin tone may change quite dramatically as it adjusts to the outside world and develops a thicker, more opaque quality.
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Frequently asked questions
Cyanosis is a blue tinge to the baby's skin that does not go away. It is often seen in babies with a heart defect, as the heart cannot pump oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. It can also be caused by breathing difficulties.
Mongolian spots are blue or purple splotches that can appear on a baby's lower back, buttocks, or shoulders. They are flat and grayish-blue and can range in size. They are common in African-American, Asian, and Indian babies but can also appear on dark-skinned infants of any race.
Physiologic Jaundice is a "normal" response to a newborn's limited ability to excrete bilirubin in the first few days of life. It causes a yellow coloring in the skin and eyes, which usually goes away as the liver function matures.
About 2% of breastfed babies develop jaundice after the first 3-5 days, peaking at around 2 weeks of age and can last up to 3-12 weeks. It is caused by a factor in the mother's breast milk that increases the reabsorption of bilirubin.
It can take up to 6 months for a baby's true skin tone to develop. During this time, the skin may appear reddish-purple, yellowish due to jaundice, or have a pink tinge from blood vessels.
