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5 Common Newborn Baby Skin Problems You May Not Know About
Baby skin problems are not uncommon with little ones, but as a new mum they can be cause for concern.
Every baby is different, so the skin on their head, face, chest, and legs may look different. But even though every baby’s skin is unique, there are a few common baby skin problems new babies can have.
Here are five of the most common baby skin problems you may not know about:
1: Baby Acne and Redness
It is quite common for newborn babies to have baby acne. If your baby has acne, it may be a little red and inflamed. Acne is caused by oil and sweat production in the skin.
It is not clear why some babies develop acne but there are a number of theories. Some babies develop acne because the oil glands in their skin become overactive. Acne may also be caused by a hormone imbalance, or that it is a reaction of a baby’s immune system. Another theory is that baby acne is a result of overactive glands responding to hormones from the baby or their mother. This can happen because these hormones crossed through the placenta when the baby was in the womb.
There is no specific treatment for baby acne; the rash will usually clear up on its own without any treatments, so you don’t need creams or lotions, and you shouldn’t put any baby acne cream or medicines intended for older children or adults on your baby’s skin. Try to keep the skin clean and dry; do not not use any harsh product and try to pat dry the skin.
2: Baby Skin Problems: Milia or ‘Milk spots’
What is Milia?
There are small, white or yellowish spots that are usually present most commonly across the nose and cheeks, but also appear across the chest, forehead or around the eyes. Each spot is generally small and only about one or two millimetres in size. They are also known as ‘milk spots’ due to their creamy white colouring.
Why do newborns have these?
Milia are blocked pores, thought to occur because your baby’s sweat glands haven’t yet fully developed and its thought that nearly half of all newborn babies have them.
What should you do about them?
Simply, nothing! They will disappear all on their own and as tempting as it can be to pick those pesky ones that may stick up high teasing you – Leave them well alone! They usually disappear within the first few weeks and will leave no scarring and are nothing to worry about. Simply keep the area clean by washing the area with water two times a day, and carefully pat the skin dry.
3: Dry, peeling, or flaky skin
What should you do about your newborn’s dry flaky skin?
Try and keep it moisturised with a soft delicate, nonoily moisturiser suited for delicate newborn sensitive skin, and try to apply it twice a day. Keep bathing to a minimum as this can dry out the skin further, drying their skin carefully, ensuring you ‘pat’ dry rather than rubbing.
Baby Skin Problems – #4: Sensitive Skin in your newborn baby skin
This is because the skin is still trying to adjust to the new environment and become more elastic and needs time to mature and ‘toughen’. Sometimes simple changes of the products you use in everyday life can cause your babies skin to react and often aren’t serious but can lead you to working through a process of elimination to find out what it is they are reacting to.
Additionally, newborn skin is very thin and more susceptible to sun damage and other environmental elements. Ensuring you have a superior quality sun care lotion that protects from UVA + UVB sunrays is best for keeping that precious baby skin safe.
5: Eczema in newborn baby’s skin
Eczema is a common skin condition in newborns.
Newborn baby’s skin is very soft, delicate and still quite thin when they are first born. Their skin needs further time to develop and mature. It is very common for their skin to react to their surroundings. The air, the materials of their clothes; especially the washing detergents used. It usually starts around the first week of life, sometimes later and can often get worse over time.
Eczema is caused by inflammation (a response to an irritant) in the skin. It can be very itchy, and can affect any part of your baby’s skin. Sometimes it can be as simple as addressing the detergent used to wash their clothes, or even the solution used in the bath when giving baby a bath. However sometimes isn’t so simple and medical advice needs be sought.
Treatment usually involves using a topical cream or lotion to relieve the symptoms
Baby Skin Problems: in short!
Newborns suffer from a variety of skin problems.
And although having baby skin problems can be worrying, most of them are common and will resolve on their own. If you notice any of these problems affecting your baby’s skin, while most of these issues do resolve over time, it is important to be aware of the symptoms and seek treatment if necessary or concerned.
Be sure to talk to your doctor about what you can do to help prevent them from getting worse.
You can see more information about the your baby skin problems over on the NHS website HERE
Hi, I’m Aimee; photographer based in St. Clears, Carmarthenshire. My passion is capturing happy memories full of colour, joy and happiness!
Check out my specialist newborn photo shoots HERE
Curious Moments Photography – based in St. Clears Carmarthenshire – specialises in newborn, baby, and maternity photography.
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