By Dr. Harish Prasad B.R , Dermatology
Most infant rashes and other newborn skin conditions are very common occurrences and you should not be worried much as the symptoms normally disappear in a week or two.
Here are some common observations:
- Baby acne usually in the form of pimples on your baby’s forehead, cheeks and nose
- Very tiny white spots on the face called milia and on the gums and palate of the mouth, called Epstein pearls
- Harmless red blotches with tiny bumps called Erythema Toxicon
- A rash known as pustular melanosis common among black infants
- Mottling ( a lacy, blotchy rash) on the limbs and torso
- Heat rash, often referred to as prickly heat or rash miliaria, especially when the weather is hot
- Diaper rash on a baby’s bottom or genitals
- Rash caused by dropping or spitting in and around the mouth
- Red specks of blood called petechiae
- Scaly and crusty layer skin known as cradle cap on the top of a baby’s head
Most of the above mentioned rashes are not harmless at all and they do not last for more than a fortnight. There are however certain cases when symptoms may persist for a number of weeks and this could be a sign of infection. In such cases, you may need to contact your doctor.
The risk factors include:
- Intense pain or swelling in the concerned area
- Viral fever
- Swollen lymph nodes in the groin, neck and armpit regions
- Excessive growth of pus-filled blisters
