Newborns commonly get skin rashes on various parts of their body.
Most are harmless and resolve on their own.
However, severe jaundice, eczema, or persistent diaper rash require medical intervention.
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Understanding the different types of newborn skin variations can help you know when to contact a healthcare provider.
They appear within the first few weeks of life in 30% of newborns.
They are harmless and usually fade away within a few weeks.
Gentle soap and water can help keep the babys skin clean.
This rash affects 30% to 70% of newborns, typically in the first few days of life.
It may cause mild irritation but usually resolves without treatment in about a week or two.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet and Raimo Suhonendermnetnz.org2023.
Milia
Milia(milk spots) are blocked oil glands that affect almost half of newborns.
They typically show up at birth, though premature babies might get them later.
Does My Baby Need Treatment for Milia?
Babies do not typically require treatment for milia.
As the pores open, spots usually disappear on their own within a month or two.
The patches can occur on babies whether they are lighter skinned or darker skinned.
They do not cause discomfort and typically fade within a few months to a few years.
It shows up when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) are trapped deep in the skin.
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Congenial melanocytosis typically fades by school age.
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It can occur on the scalp, ears, face, and skin folds.
Cradle cap affects around 10% of babies under 4 weeks old but is most common around 3 months.
Cradle cap is not harmful and usually gets better on its own.
Baby oil can help reduce crusting before gently washing and brushing the baby’s hair.
If it persists, your provider may prescribe a cream or shampoo.
It often starts on the cheeks and forehead before spreading to skin creases, elbows, and knees.
Babies may scratch these areas, causing discomfort and bleeding, making it difficult for them to rest.
About 60% of infants with eczema will have symptoms by age one.
Babies with a family history of allergies are at higher risk of eczema.
Eczema Treatment
Infants with eczema often get allergies or asthma as they age.
Treatment involves gentle skin care and avoiding triggers like harsh soaps, dry air, and pet dander.
you could also use a cool washcloth or colloidal oatmeal in a lukewarm bath to reduce itching and swelling.
In severe cases, a healthcare provider may suggest steroid creams.
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It affects up to 40% of infants, often in the first month of life.
One of its two types causes tiny, clear blisters without redness in areas like the neck and underarms.
The other causes small red bumps on the forehead, upper body, and covered areas that get hot.
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The wetness from urine and stool breaks down the skin’s protective barrier, causing redness and discomfort.
Some diapers, baby wipes, creams, or detergents can also irritate the diaper area.
It can occur when babies or breastfeeding parents take antibiotics.
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Your provider may suggest an antifungal cream.
What Is a Rash On a Newborn’s Chest?
Newborns can have chest rashes from drool, erythema toxicum, heat, eczema, or baby acne.
Watch for signs of discomfort like ear pulling, tongue thrusting, fussiness, and clinginess.
If your baby has hives (allergic rash) and difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately.
Summary
Newborn skin abnormalities and rashes are common and often harmless.
They include baby acne, cradle cap, birthmarks, diaper rash, eczema, and heat rash.
Most go away independently or with home care, but some may need treatment.
Contact a healthcare provider if the baby seems uncomfortable and the rash worsens.
Kutlubay Z, Tanakol A, Engyn B, et al.Newborn skin: common skin problems.MDica.
2017;12(1):42-47.
2021;327:110964. doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110964
Sasseville D.Cradle cap and seborrheic dermatitis in infants.
In: Corona R, Levy ML, Fowler J, eds.
2021;20(Suppl 1):14-17. doi:10.1111/jocd.14095
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Eczema.
2017;12(1):42-47.
