Precious Baby, Precious Skin

Being an adult, we sometimes forget the troubling path that our skin has taken.  Whether you dealt with acne, eczema, rashes or any other skin ailment, everyone has experienced some form of skin problem.  Just like teenagers and adults, babies are just as inclined to have an assortment of skin conditions as well.  A baby's skin goes through a number of changes in the first few days and weeks of life.  Some common skin conditions that babies experience are as follows: millia (blocked oil glands), these appear as little white bumps on a baby's face.  Bumps will usually disappear within a few weeks.  A baby can also have what is called "baby acne" and will appear on the baby's face longer, but will eventually disappear.  Reason for this is due to the last couple of weeks of pregnancy.  The mother's body naturally releases hormones, which tends to be the case of "baby acne".  Babies can also get a rash on face, neck and armpits.  Every couple of days, gently wash your baby with a light shampoo with moisturizer and apply a small amount of baby oil and your baby's skin condition should clear right up.  Babies have also been known to have blood vessel lines on back of neck or darker skinned babies can have "mongolian spots" (dark grey-blue spots on back).  Both of which need not concern you for they are not harmful and will fade overtime.

Baby skin problems can also occur from a baby's environment.  It is estimated that 10-20% of babies may experience eczema at some point during their infant years.  Eczema is a red, itchy rash that can appear anywhere on the baby.  Some irritants that have been known cause it are things liked detergent, fabric softener, saliva or allergies.  There are easy treatments for this that your doctor can prescribe that will clear everything up.  Common practices to limit the appearance of eczema is to limit the bath's you give your baby and when you do bathe your baby, use just water.  I would also recommend using an allergenic or baby detergent for clothes and avoid fabric softener.

Diaper rash is another skin condition that can occur to your baby.  It appears as a red, bumpy rash.  It can cause diarrhea, yeast or bacterial infection.  It causes pain and discomfort to your baby but can usually be treated at home with a diaper rash cream.  Some practices to avoid diaper rash is to change your baby's diaper more frequently, use water and a washcloth instead of wipes when cleaning and apply ointments and petroleum jelly to the diaper area.  If none of those treatments work, then it is extremely important to make a doctor's appointment and seek treatment.

Also keep in mind that weather can play an effect on your little one's skin.  Too hot and your baby can break out into a heat rash.  Too cold and your baby can break out into a rash as well.  Just remember that a baby's skin is a little more sensitive than yours in the beginning stages.  Also keep in mind that everyday tasks and products that do not effect us as adults can be extremely irritating to a baby's skin.  Careful attention to your baby's comfort and health will make for a happier baby and a happier experience.