Baby skin woes
There are many different types of skin disorders that can affect your baby.
RECENTLY, my one-year-old baby had a rash. I am very concerned, because my brother has eczema, and I’m afraid that eczema runs in the family. Are all baby rashes eczema?
No. There are different types of rashes that can develop in babies. Eczema appear as dry, itchy, red and cracked areas of skin, which can sometimes bleed and ooze fluid. Common areas for eczema to develop include hands, face, neck, elbows and the backs of the knees.
Flare-ups are common in eczema. The area of skin on these eczema patches are usually red and itchy most of the time. But during a flare-up, these areas worsen. It should be noted that eczema is usually a disease of childhood, and it should clear up by the time your child becomes a teenager. Nevertheless, some people still suffer from it right into adulthood.
OK. What other types of rashes can a baby have then?
A newborn’s skin is prone to all sorts of rashes. Luckily, most of the rashes go away on their own and don’t need any treatment.
Sometimes, you can see pink pimples on a baby’s skin, also called neonatal acne. It is thought to be caused by exposure in the womb to maternal hormones. These can last for weeks or months on a newborn baby’s skin, but should not cause any alarm.
Then there is erythema toxicum, which appears as red blotches with ill-defined borders that are slightly raised. Sometimes, these have a white or yellow dot in the centre. Once again, it will go away on its own and no treatment is required.
Normal babies sometimes have dry, peeling skin. This happens especially in babies who are born a little late. Sometimes, babies can have little white bumps on the nose and face, just like some adults have. These are called milia, and are caused by blocked oil glands. The milia will disappear when the baby’s oil glands enlarge and open up in a few days or weeks.
Then there are salmon patches, called “stork bites”, which appear on the back of the baby’s neck or between the eyes. They are simple nests of blood vessels which fade away, most of the time, after a few weeks or months.
In dark-skinned babies, you can have Mongolian spots. These are flat, gray-blue in colour (like a bruise), and are due to pigments. They are harmless and will fade by school age.
What is a cradle cap?
A cradle cap appears on the scalp and looks as if your baby has very bad dandruff. It can also show up as a red area on your baby’s scalp which is covered with greasy, yellow patches. Sometimes, a cradle cap can also appear on your baby’s face, neck, nappy area, armpits and nose. Cradle caps can be treated by washing your baby’s hair regularly and using a soft brush to loosen the flakes.
My baby has developed some pustules. I am frightened that it is chickenpox.
If your baby has developed chickenpox, he usually will have fever, loss of appetite (inability to feed), and restlessness, which may be manifested by crying and inability to sleep. Then the chickenpox rash comes. It starts off as tiny red spots which develop tiny fluid-filled blisters on your baby’s face and body.
Take your baby to see the doctor if you suspect chickenpox. There is another condition involving pustules on your baby’s skin. This is called folliculitis. This one usually doesn’t come with the fever and other symptoms of chickenpox. Once again, take your baby to see a doctor, who is likely to prescribe antibiotics.
I have heard of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). Is it common?
The small blister-like sores of HFMD appear in your baby’s mouth, hands and feet. It may sometimes spread up his legs or bottom. They can be extremely sore, and your baby will find it difficult to feed. There may also be a mild fever. Like chickenpox, HFMD is caused by a virus. Take your baby to the doctor.
I think my baby’s rash is allergic in nature. How can I tell if it’s otherwise?
An allergic rash is called hives. Hives look like small raised red or white patches, also known as wheals. They develop suddenly. They itch and are surrounded by an area of redness. Wheals can join together to form a very extensive patch. Hives go away on their own in a few hours or days, but can be eased with antihistamine creams/syrup or calamine lotion.
What is impetigo?
Impetigo first appears as blisters around a baby’s nose and mouth, and can spread to other parts of his body. The blisters can be tiny or large, and can take a few days to burst. Once the blisters have burst, a scab with yellow-brown crust follows. This crust will gradually heal and won’t leave scars. Impetigo is very infectious, and you will need to take your baby to see a doctor in order to be prescribed antibiotics.
Dr YLM graduated as a medical doctor, and has been writing for many years on various subjects such as medicine, health, computers and entertainment. For further information, e-mail starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information contained in this column is for general educational purposes only. Neither The Star nor the author gives any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to such information. The Star and the author disclaim all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.