Thoughrashesthat develop on the face of a newborn or baby can alarm their parent, they’re not uncommon.
Causes of facial rash in babies range from irritation to infection.
This article reviews common causes of facial rash in babies and when to seek medical attention.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
What Does a Baby Rash on the Face Look Like?
Rashes in babiescan take on many shapes and forms depending on the underlying cause.
Healthcare providers look at several characteristics of rashes to help make a diagnosis.
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Baby Eczema
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
It’s common to see it on the forehead, cheeks, or scalp in babies.
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It can come and go and may have specific triggers like dry air or irritants.
Babies may be noticeably bothered by the itchy rash and scratch or rub the area against things for relief.
They may also have difficulty sleeping.
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You may be alarmed by the scaly and greasy appearing patches, but they are actually quite harmless.
About one in five newborns develop newborn acne.
Baby acnecan look similar to adult acne, which may be familiar to you.
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It appears ascomedones(bumps) and pimples orpustulesscattered across the face.
Importantly, you should never apply over-the-counter products meant to treat acne on your baby’s face.
Your pediatrician or dermatologist can determine if further treatment is necessary.
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Most cases of infantile acne do improve on their own.
This may include topical or oral medications.
Your child’s healthcare provider can examine your child and order laboratory tests to look for this if necessary.
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Milia are made up of dead skin cells that get trapped under the skin’s surface.
In babies, they are also known as milk spots and appear on the nose and cheeks.
They may also appear on the eyelids.
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A few days later, a rash may develop on the chest, back, arms, and legs.
A rash because of parvovirus B19 requires no specific treatment other than supportive care at home.
see to it your child stays well hydrated.
Infections That Can Cause Facial Rash
In some cases, facial rash may result from contagious infections.
Some rash-causing infections are less common now that there are effective vaccines.
Cradle cap and newborn acne generally don’t require additional treatment, whereas eczema may require topical therapies.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat eczema in babies.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: atopic dermatitis symptoms.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: overview.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat cradle cap.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Is that acne on my baby’s face?
Samycia M, Lam JM.Infantile acne.CMAJ.
2016 Dec 6;188(17-18):E540.
doi:10.1503/cmaj.160139
American Academy of Opthalmology.What are milia?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Parvovirus B19.
MedlinePlus.Rash - child under 2 years.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Measles symptoms and complications.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chickenpox.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Rubella.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hand, foot, and mouth disease.
