Newborns have very sensitive skin. They also have a tendency to develop skin irritations or rashes within the first few weeks of life. The following is a guide on skin care and the different types of rashes common to newborns.

Skin care:

• Sponge bathe your baby's skin with warm water 2-3 times a week in cool weather, everyday in warm weather. Newborns do not generally get dirty enough to need soap for cleaning. Soaps are very drying to the skin and lotions and oils attract dirt, so it is best not to use them. Bubble baths are not advised because they can cause considerable amount of irritation to the urethra (the opening where urine comes out) and possible bladder infections. Be sure to wipe little girls from the front of the genital area towards the back or bottom. This prevents infections. A moisturizing cleaner such as Dove can be used on newborns because it does not dry out the skin. Baby powder that contains talcum is not to be used on newborns or babies. You may use a powder that contains cornstarch, especially for the bottom. A moisturizing lotion without perfumes may be used on very dry skin.
• Clean the baby's face with a wash cloth and warm water.
• Shampoo the hair with a tear-free shampoo 1-2 times per week. Be sure to rub the scalp with a mild-moderate force to prevent cradle cap (the accumulation of oil on the scalp and hair that hardens with time).
• Wipe the umbilical area (navel, belly button) with rubbing alcohol with every diaper change until the cord falls off, usually in about 10 days. Do not pull on the cord to pull it off.
• Trimming the fingernails and toenails is easier on a sleeping baby. If trimming while awake, have a second person help you hold the baby's foot or hand to prevent accidental cuts. Trim weekly as needed.

Rashes and other skin irritations:

• Diaper rash is by far the most common type of baby rash. Almost all babies get some type of diaper rash during their infancy. Moisture in the diaper area is usually the cause. Certain creams and ointments may be helpful in providing a moisture barrier and thus preventing diaper rash. Creams that contain zinc oxide are helpful in  healing skin irritated by a diaper rash. If your baby's diaper rash does not heal within a few days, see your doctor as there are many different types of diaper rash.
• Milia (tiny white pimple-like bumps) or newborn acne (tiny red bumps) are very common on the nose, cheeks, chin and forehead. They will disappear in 1-4 months. Do not squeeze them because you can cause an infection and worsen the condition. Use only water to clean the skin with the bumps, do not use oils because they may worsen the condition.
• Erythema toxicum affects half of all newborns by the 2nd or 3rd day. Red blotches with a whitish center approximately 1/2 inch - 1 inch in diameter can appear all over the body or in certain areas. They will disappear within 2- 4 weeks. They are completely harmless.

Contact your doctor if you suspect any skin infection or have any further questions regarding your baby's skin.

Contact Lake Area Pediatrics at
(936) 582-5620