It can be very unsettling to see raised bumps or red spots on your baby’s skin. From heat rash to allergies, knowing the causes of your child’s rash and what to do about it is essential for keeping both you and your baby comfortable.
Newborns and infants have thinner and more delicate skin than adults, which makes them more susceptible to rashes, irritation, and other skin problems. Additionally, babies' skin barrier is not fully developed, which makes it more permeable and less effective at retaining moisture. This can make them more prone to dryness and irritation.
It's always a good idea to consult a pediatrician if you have any concerns or if the rash is severe or accompanied by other symptoms. Summer Health can connect you in 15 minutes to answer your questions and assess your child’s skin concern.
Source: NHS
Eczema is a common skin condition that is characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin that can appear as red, scaly patches, often on the face, scalp, elbows, and knees. The exact cause of eczema is not known, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It's important to note that eczema is a chronic condition, and managing it often requires a combination of strategies and a long-term commitment to skin care.
If the eczema is severe or not improving within a few weeks, or if there are signs of infection, such as fever, yellow crusting, or swollen lymph nodes, it's important to seek the advice of a pediatrician.
Heat rash is a common skin condition that occurs when sweat glands become blocked and sweat is trapped under the skin. It appears as small, red, or pink bumps on the skin, often on the face, neck, chest, and folds of the skin.
It's important to note that heat rash usually clears up on its own within a few days, but it's always a good idea to consult a pediatrician if you have any concerns.
Neonatal acne is a common skin condition characterized by small, red, or white bumps on the face, particularly on the cheeks, forehead, and chin. It is caused by hormonal changes that occur in baby's body after birth, which can cause the oil-producing glands in the skin to become overactive.
It's important to note that neonatal acne is a temporary condition and usually clears up on its own. It generally affects baby’s between 2-6 weeks of age and really requires no treatment other than what is mentioned above. This type of acne is different from infantile acne which happens more around 2-6 months of age and does generally require treatment. Ifyou have specific questions about your baby’s neonatal acne, Summer Health can connect you with a pediatrician to discuss your baby’s skin needs.
Erythema toxicum is a common rash characterized by small, red or yellow bumps or blotches on the skin. These bumps may be surrounded by a pale halo and may have a white or yellow center. The exact cause of erythema toxicum is not known, but it is believed to be related to baby's immune system and the maturation of certain skin cells.
It's important to note that most babies with this rash do not experience any discomfort or other symptoms. It is not contagious, however, if there are any doubts or concerns you should consult with your pediatrician.
Hives are a common skin condition characterized by raised, itchy, red welts on the skin. Hives can appear anywhere on the body and can range in size from small to large. The exact cause of hives can be difficult to determine and can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as allergies, infections, medications, or environmental factors like temperature changes.
If the hives are severe or accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat, or if they do not improve within a few days, seek the advice of a pediatrician. If your baby is over 6 months of age, there are medications we can use to help hives resolve. Summer Health can connect you to a doctor in 15 minutes to address your child’s needs.
Rashes can be uncomfortable for anyone — especially babies who don't yet understand why their skin may feel different than usual! Fortunately there are ways to make sure your little one stays comfortable while you work out which kind of rash they may have so that you can determine how best to treat it going forward. For any questions that may arise, Summer Health is always available to get you answers from pediatricians in 15 minutes, 24/7.
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Alisa Roysman
Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Kaiser Permanente
Written By
Emily Boschwitz
Last Updated
January 14, 2023