
It is normal for newborns to have rashes, and they are a common source of concern for parents. However, most newborn rashes are harmless and go away on their own without treatment. Newborn rashes can appear on various parts of the body and have different causes, including blocked oil glands, skin irritation, and bacterial or fungal infections. While most rashes are benign, some may require medical attention, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, poor feeding, or lethargy.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Common Types | Erythema toxicum, acne neonatorum, transient neonatal pustular melanosis, milia, miliaria rubra (heat rash), seborrheic dermatitis, Mongolian spots, stork bites, strawberry hemangiomas, port-wine stains, baby acne, heat rash, herpes simplex, salmon patches, congenital melanocytosis, cradle cap, eczema, diaper dermatitis |
Appearance | Red bumps, red blotches, white or yellow "pimples", white bumps, bluish-green birthmark, pink birthmarks, raised red birthmarks, dark red or purple flat birthmarks, small red bumps, pink, white, or yellow bumps, bluish-green or bluish-gray area, red, scaly areas, red, itchy patches, tiny, clear blisters, small red bumps, redness, water blisters, pimples |
Treatment | No treatment needed, 2.5% benzoyl peroxide lotion, cooling measures, conservative treatment, tar-containing shampoo, topical antifungals, mild corticosteroids, antibiotic ointment, gentle soap and water, laser treatment, exposure to sunlight, special lights and fluids, gentle skin care, cool washcloth, colloidal oatmeal, steroid creams, antifungal cream, light clothes, cool environment, diaper creams, antifungal cream |
Onset | 2-3 days, 2-4 weeks, present at birth, anytime, 2nd-5th day, 2nd-3rd day, anytime, 3rd week, 2-4 weeks, 1st month, 1st few months |
What You'll Learn
Is newborn acne normal?
Newborn acne, also known as neonatal acne or baby acne, is a common and usually harmless skin condition that affects up to 30% of newborns. It typically consists of small red, pink, or white bumps that appear on the baby's face, particularly the forehead, nose, and cheeks, although it can also occur on the chest and back. It usually develops within the first few weeks of life, starting at around 2 to 4 weeks of age, and can last until 4 to 6 months of age.
The exact cause of newborn acne is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the transfer of maternal hormones to the baby before birth or the stimulation of sebaceous glands by maternal or infant androgens. In some cases, it may also be associated with hyperandrogenism or underlying endocrinopathies.
Newborn acne typically resolves on its own without treatment within a few weeks or months. It is important to avoid using baby oil or ointments as these can make the condition worse. Instead, gentle soap and water can be used to keep the baby's skin clean. In severe or persistent cases, a low-concentration benzoyl peroxide lotion may be recommended to help clear the acne.
While newborn acne is generally benign, it is important for parents to monitor their baby's skin and seek medical advice if there are any concerns, especially if the acne is extensive, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms.
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What are salmon patches?
It is normal for newborns to have rashes. Most newborn rashes are harmless and tend to go away on their own.
Salmon patches are a type of birthmark that appears as flat, light pink to red patches on a newborn's skin. They are called "salmon patches" due to their colour, which resembles that of raw salmon. These patches are commonly found on the forehead, between the eyebrows, eyelids, upper lip, or back of the neck. On the face, a salmon patch is often referred to as an "angel's kiss", while on the back of the neck, it is called a "stork bite".
Salmon patches are caused by a concentration of immature blood vessels, specifically the dilation of tiny blood vessels called capillaries. They are very common, with approximately 7 in 10 babies being born with one or more of these patches. Salmon patches can appear as single or multiple patches and usually blanch (turn white) when pressed. They are not painful or itchy and do not grow larger or darker over time.
In most cases, salmon patches on the face fade within the first one to two years of a child's life. Stork bites on the back of the neck, however, may not disappear completely and can be covered by hair. While these patches do not usually require any treatment, in rare cases where the rash persists into childhood, dermatologists can use laser therapy for removal.
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What is jaundice?
Jaundice is a common condition in newborn babies, causing a yellow discolouration of the skin and the whites of the eyes. It is caused by a build-up of bilirubin in the blood, which is produced when red blood cells are broken down.
Newborns produce more bilirubin than adults because they have a higher number of red blood cells in their blood, which are broken down and replaced more frequently. In addition, a newborn baby's liver is not fully developed, so it is less effective at removing bilirubin from the blood.
Jaundice is usually harmless and tends to get better without treatment by the time the baby is about 2 weeks old. However, in rare cases, if a baby has very high levels of bilirubin, there is a risk of permanent brain damage, known as kernicterus.
There are two main treatments for jaundice that can be carried out in hospital: phototherapy, where a special type of light shines on the skin to alter the bilirubin so that it can be more easily broken down by the liver; and an exchange transfusion, where the baby's blood is removed and replaced with blood from a matching donor.
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What is erythema toxicum?
Erythema toxicum is a common skin condition seen in newborns. It is characterised by raised red blotches with unclear borders and a small white or yellow dot in the centre. The cause of the condition is unknown, but it is believed to be related to the immune system. It is harmless and usually resolves within a few days or weeks without treatment.
Erythema toxicum may appear in approximately half of all normal newborn infants. It can appear in the first few hours of life, or after the first day. The rash usually clears within two weeks and is often completely gone by four months. It can appear and disappear in different areas over the course of hours or days.
The main symptom is a rash of small, yellow-to-white bumps surrounded by red skin. These bumps are usually found on the face and middle of the body, but can also be seen on the upper arms and thighs.
The condition is benign and self-limiting, with an excellent prognosis. It is not inherited or infectious and has no complications. Parents should be reassured that the disorder is harmless and will resolve spontaneously.
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What is cradle cap?
Cradle cap, or seborrheic dermatitis, is a skin condition that commonly affects infants. It usually appears within the first year of a baby's life, often showing up between 2 weeks and 12 months old. Cradle cap causes patches of greasy, scaly skin, typically on the scalp, but it can also appear on the face or nappy area. The scales can be white or yellow and form a crust that might flake off. It is not typically itchy or painful, and infants are usually not bothered by it.
The exact cause of cradle cap is unknown, but it is likely due to a combination of factors. One possible cause is an excess of skin oil (sebum) in the oil glands and hair follicles. Another factor could be a type of yeast called Malassezia that is found on the skin.
Cradle cap usually clears up on its own within weeks or months. To help loosen and remove the scales, parents can wash their baby's hair once a day with a mild, tear-free baby shampoo and gently brush the scalp with a soft brush or toothbrush. If the scales are stubborn, applying a small amount of mineral oil or petroleum jelly to the scalp can help to soften them before using a brush or shampooing as usual. In some cases, a doctor may recommend a mild steroid cream or antifungal shampoo if regular shampooing does not help.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is normal for newborns to have rashes. Rashes are extremely common in newborns and can be a significant source of parental concern. Most newborn rashes are harmless and go away on their own, but some require medical attention.
Some common rashes in newborns include erythema toxicum, acne neonatorum, transient neonatal pustular melanosis, milia, miliaria, and seborrheic dermatitis.
Erythema toxicum presents as red blotches with small white or yellow pimples in the center. They can occur anywhere on the body except the palms and soles.
Acne neonatorum consists of closed comedones, inflammatory papules, and pustules on the forehead, nose, and cheeks. It usually resolves within four months without scarring.
Transient neonatal pustular melanosis is a rash that occurs in 5% of black newborns and less than 1% of white newborns. It consists of vesiculopustular lesions that lack surrounding erythema and easily rupture, leaving a collarette of scale and a pigmented macule that fades over three to four weeks.
You should seek medical attention if your newborn has a fever, seems sick, or the rash is spreading rapidly, causing discomfort, or not improving. Additionally, seek immediate medical attention if your baby has hives and difficulty breathing.