Newborn Skin: Why Does It Peel And Crack?

Is It Normal for a Newborn's Skin to Peel and Crack?

It is normal for a newborn's skin to peel and crack in the first few days or weeks of life. This is because babies spend their first nine months surrounded by protective liquids, so being exposed to dry air is a new phenomenon for them. As newborn babies adjust to life outside the womb, they must create a new layer of skin suitable for their new environment. This means getting rid of their old skin and replacing it with an outer layer that's tougher and more resilient.

Newborn skin peeling is normal in the first days to weeks after birth

It is perfectly normal for a newborn's skin to peel and flake in the first few days or weeks of life. This is because babies shed their top layer of skin as they adjust to life outside the womb. The degree of peeling varies, but it is typically most noticeable on the hands, feet, arms, and legs.

Causes of newborn skin peeling

Vernix caseosa

Newborns develop a thick, waxy coating called vernix caseosa, or vernix, in the womb to protect their skin from amniotic fluid. This coating is usually washed off by a nurse shortly after birth, leaving the baby's skin vulnerable to the harsh conditions of the outside world.

The amount of vernix a baby has at birth affects the degree of skin peeling. Premature babies, who are born with more vernix, tend to experience less skin peeling than babies born at or after 40 weeks.

Overexposure to water

Newborn skin is sensitive and can be easily irritated by long baths, which can wash away the natural oils that form a protective barrier. To prevent this, keep bath time to a maximum of 10 minutes and avoid using harsh soaps.

Cold, dry air

Cold, dry air can cause surface dehydration and dry skin. To prevent this, keep your home at a comfortable temperature, wrap your baby up when outdoors in chilly weather, and use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

Sun exposure

Until your baby is six months old, it is best to keep them out of direct sunlight as their delicate skin is not ready for strong rays. If your baby does spend time in the sun, this may cause dry skin.

Treating newborn skin peeling

Keep your baby hydrated

Breast milk or formula will provide your baby with the fluids they need to stay hydrated and help clear up any peeling.

Moisturize

You can use a baby-sensitive moisturizer or lotion to soothe your baby's skin and prevent dryness. Apply two to three times a day, especially after bath time.

Choose the right products

Avoid harsh chemicals, perfumes, and fragrances when choosing shampoo, soap, and lotion for your baby. Opt for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products.

Limit sun exposure

Keep your baby in the shade when outdoors and cover their skin with light garments and a hat.

Keep your baby comfortable

Soothing your baby and helping them find comfortable positions can prevent pressure on the peeling skin.

When to see a doctor

Although newborn skin peeling is normal, there are some instances when you should seek medical advice. Contact your healthcare provider if your baby's skin:

• Is cracked, itchy, or swollen
• Looks red, bloody, or irritated
• Peels for longer than three weeks

The protective coating in the womb is no longer there

Newborn babies are born covered in various fluids, such as amniotic fluid, blood, and vernix. Vernix is a thick, waxy, cheese-like coating that protects a baby's skin from the amniotic fluid in the womb.

After birth, a nurse will wipe the fluids, including the vernix, off the newborn. Without the protective coating of vernix, the baby will begin to shed the outer layer of their skin within 1 to 3 weeks. The skin gets used to not having the protective vernix coating, and you'll see the outer layer start to flake.

The amount of peeling varies and depends on whether your baby was premature, delivered on time, or overdue. The more vernix a baby has at birth, the less they will peel. This is because the vernix protects the baby's skin from the amniotic fluid, and so the longer the baby is in the womb, the more exposure they have to the fluid. Therefore, babies born past their due date tend to have more peeling because of that exposure.

The protective coating of vernix is no longer there after birth, and so the baby's skin has to adjust to the outside world. This adjustment period usually lasts a few weeks, and the skin will stop peeling on its own.

The amount of peeling varies depending on the baby's gestational age at birth

The amount of skin peeling a newborn baby experiences can vary depending on their gestational age at birth. This is because the thicker the coating of vernix caseosa, or vernix, on a baby's skin when they are born, the less their skin will peel later on. Vernix is a thick, waxy, cheese-like substance that develops on a baby's skin from around the 20th week of pregnancy to protect it from the amniotic fluid.

Babies born prematurely or before 40 weeks tend to have more vernix and, therefore, less peeling than babies born at full term or after 40 weeks. This is because the longer the gestational period, the more the vernix thins out, meaning that the baby has less protection from the amniotic fluid.

However, it is important to note that newborn skin peeling is usually a natural consequence of pregnancy and is typically nothing to worry about. The peeling is generally limited to the first few weeks after birth and occurs as the skin gets used to not having the protective vernix coating.

Peeling may be a sign of a skin condition

While newborn skin peeling is usually a natural consequence of pregnancy, there are some cases where it may be a sign of a skin condition that requires treatment.

Eczema

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that causes skin peeling and dry, red, itchy patches. It is rarely diagnosed right after birth but can develop later in infancy, with 60% of people with eczema developing it before their first birthday. Baby eczema typically affects the face or scalp and rarely affects the diaper area.

Ichthyosis

Ichthyosis is a genetic condition that causes an extra layer of skin to form. As this additional membrane cracks and peels off, it flakes and itches. In severe cases, babies with ichthyosis may require care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and may be placed in a high-humidity chamber until the condition resolves.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease that typically develops after age 15 but can, in rare cases, affect infants. It leads to raised, itchy scales on the skin. If your baby has cradle cap that isn't improving, it could be a sign of psoriasis.

If you are concerned that your baby's skin peeling may be due to a skin condition, it is best to consult with a pediatrician or pediatric dermatologist who can help diagnose and offer treatment options.

Treatment options for peeling skin

Keep your newborn hydrated

Breast milk or formula should be given to newborns to keep them hydrated. Babies up to 6 months old should not drink water unless a doctor advises otherwise.

Protect your newborn from the sun

Keep your newborn in the shade, out of direct sunlight. In warm weather, dress your baby in cool, comfortable cotton clothing and a hat to protect their face, ears, and the back of their neck. While sunscreen is generally recommended for children, it is not advised for babies under 6 months old.

Protect your newborn from cold air

Ensure your newborn's skin is not exposed to cold or wind when outdoors. Cover their hands and feet with socks or mittens, and use a blanket over their carrier or car seat to shield their face.

Use a humidifier

Use a cool-mist humidifier indoors to increase moisture in the air, which can help relieve eczema and dry skin.

Bathe your newborn with lukewarm water and gentle cleansers

Limit bath time for newborns to 5-10 minutes, using lukewarm water and fragrance-free, soap-free cleansers. Avoid regular soap and bubble baths, as these can be too harsh for a newborn's sensitive skin. Apply a hypoallergenic ointment or moisturizer to your baby's skin after bath time to seal in moisture.

Avoid harsh chemicals

Do not use perfumes or scented products on your newborn's skin. Wash their clothes with a mild detergent designed for sensitive skin, and choose soft, loose-fitting garments made of natural fabrics.

Frequently asked questions