Pimples & Whiteheads
Baby "acne" is not really acne, like the kind teenagers get. In fact, recent research suggests that it may be related to yeast, not oil production. Pimples on baby's nose and cheeks usually clear up by themselves in a few weeks. So you don't need to treat baby acne or use lotion.
Baby Birthmarks
Lots of babies have birthmarks -- more than one in ten as a matter of fact. Birthmarks, areas of skin discoloration, are not inherited. They may be there when your baby is born, or they might show up a few months later. Generally birthmarks are nothing to worry about and need no treatment. But if your baby's birthmark worries you, talk to your pediatrician.
Atopic Dermatitis or Eczema
Eczema is an itchy, red rash that may or may not occur in response to a trigger. It is common in children who have a family history of asthma, allergies, or atopic dermatitis. Eczema may occur on baby's face as a weepy rash. Over time it becomes thick, dry, and scaly. You may also see eczema on the elbow, chest, arms, or behind the knees. To treat it, identify and avoid any triggers. Use gentle soaps and detergents and apply moderate amounts of moisturizers.
Baby's Dry Skin
You probably shouldn't worry if your newborn has peeling, dry skin -- it often happens if your baby is born a little late. The underlying skin is perfectly healthy, soft, and moist. If your infant's dry skin persists, talk to your baby's pediatrician.
Excess Oil Causes Cradle Cap
Cradle cap can show up during baby's first or second month, and usually clears up within the first year. Also called seborrheic dermatitis, cradle cap is caused in part by excess oil and shows up as a scaly, waxy, red rash on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, the sides of the nose, or behind the ears. Your pediatrician will recommend the best treatment for cradle cap, which may include a special shampoo, baby oil, or certain creams and lotions
Prickly Heat Causes Irritated Skin
Showing up as small pinkish-red bumps, prickly heat usually appears on the parts of your baby's body that are prone to sweating, like the neck, diaper area, armpits, and skin folds. A cool, dry environment and loose-fitting clothes are all you need to treat prickly heat rash -- which can even be brought on in winter when baby is over-bundled. Try dressing baby in layers that you can remove when things heat up.
Infant Skin Doesn't Need Powdering
Babies can inhale the very fine grains of talcum powder or the larger particles of cornstarch, which could cause lung problems. So it's best to avoid using them on your infant.
Baby Skin Care Products
Shopping for baby skin care products? Less is more. Look for items without dyes, fragrance, phthalates and parabens -- all of which could cause skin irritation. When in doubt, talk to your pediatrician to see if a product is appropriate for newborn skin.
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