WHEN TO worry

IF YOUR BABY’S RASH IS ACCOMPANIED BY A FEVER OR OTHER SYMTOMS (LIKE VOMITING, LETHARGY, DIARRHOEA) IT'S BEST TO TAKE HER TO THE DOCTOR TO RULE OUT ANY UNDERLYING CAUSES

An excess of hormones from birth that are coursing through your newborn’s body after birth and blocked sebaceous glands could cause baby acne around three to four, especially in little boys. This often starts as blackheads on the nose that move towards the cheeks and sometimes even the chin. The rash then forms pustules and it’s important not to try to pop them or scratch at them as this can lead to scarring and little pockmarks. If these don't clear up on their own after a few weeks, you need to see a doctor for treatment.

DRY SKIN

Patches of dry, flaky skin – especially over the ankles or feet – are actually common in newborns who arrived past their due date, but can appear in any baby. It’s quite different from eczema (see next page) and can be treated by applying non fragranced baby cream or lotion. You can also protect your baby’s skin from drying out by keeping the temperature in her room and your house constant (neither too hot or too cold), using a humidifier during drier winter months and keeping her out of the wind and sun when you’re out and about.

CRADLE CAP

Sometimes the skin cells on your baby’s scalp grow a bit faster than they fall off, and

extra oil production causes a layer of crusty extra skin that appears as yellow or brown scales on your baby’s scalp. The scales can also spread to the eybrows and behind the ears. This is called cradle cap, and it is not at all painful for your baby. Massage baby oil or aqueous cream into your baby’s scalp at night to help soften the flakes. Then wash her hair with a gentle baby shampoo to wash them away. It’s very important that you do not use her fingernails to scrape the scales off, as this can lead to infection. If it persists after a few days, see your GP.

Baby acne is very often confused with cradle cap. If the spots are more widespread than just your baby’s face, or your baby’s skin is quite rough to the touch together with the spots, then this might be at play. You can also recognise cradle cap by its signature thick yellow crust behind or on the ears. If you’re concerned in any way it’s a good idea to get the input of your baby's doctor or clinic sister

ECZEMA

A red, scaly rash over your baby’s face, arms, neck and armpits can be eczema. This dry rash can even cause your baby’s skin to blister or crack. It’s also known as allergic dermatitis, as it is usually a reaction to creams, soaps, detergents and other substances that come into contact with the skin, or even something that baby has eaten – a set of allergic triggers. This common skin condition can affect small areas of over the body, but interestingly never affects the nose. The go-to therapy when treating eczema is maintaining the outer skin barrier with appropriate moisturisers, but the rash frequently requires topical anti-inflammatory treatment to rid the inflammation within the skin and sometimes antihistamines to control the histamine driven itch, so consult your GP if the rash gets worse or doesn’t go away. Be sure to wash your baby’s clothes in mild, fragrance free detergents and use aqueous cream or fragrance free baby soaps and lotions on her skin to minimise any reactions.

NAPPY RASH

Nappy rash is a common ailment that appears as a rough, red rash on your baby’s bum, groin and skin folds around that area. The rash can occur because of the chemicals present in urine that come into contact with her delicate skin, and most babies will get it at least once in their first year. Always change your baby’s nappy regularly using gentle wipes and apply a layer of barrier cream or petroleum jelly at every nappy change to protect against irritation. Also let your baby go nappy free for a few minutes every day, as mild sunlight will help to soothe and clear it. If the rash persists, see a doctor as there could be a secondary bacterial or yeast infection.

THRUSH

If your baby has white patches in her mouth that won’t go away when rubbed ONSORED P B S Y

(they may even bleed a bit), together with a severe nappy rash that won’t heal, thrush could be at play. You might even experience pain in your breasts and nipples when baby latches at this time. This common infection is caused by a yeast called candida albicans and is often passed back and forth from baby to mom, so it easily recurs. The good news is that it can be cleared up with oral antifungal medication for mom and probiotics for baby, so see your doctor for a diagnosis and prescription.

HEAT RASH

You may notice a fine, red pimply rash appearing over her skin when your baby is out in the sun too long or too warmly dressed. The rash shows up on the neck, face and body. When your baby sweats from being too hot, her pores clog and the rash develops. To cool your baby down, give her a lukewarm (not cold) bath and don’t overdress her.

HIVES

This rash, which is also called urticaria, comes up rapidly in the skin following exposure to, or contact with, an allergen or trigger. The rash is described as weals of raised red, classically itchy lesions that can appear and disappear very rapidly. It can precede a more serious anaphylactic reaction, but is generally a standalone rash that responds to antihistamines given orally (when prescribed). So see your doctor if your baby or toddler is prone to developing hives.