BABY BLEMISHES

Far from the picture-perfect skin you’ll see on baby advertisements, your newborn is likely to sport all manner of bumps, spots, rashes and marks in the first few weeks and months of their lives. Don’t be alarmed: many of these are not only normal, but beneficial for longterm skin health. Dr Carol Hlela, one of only two paediatric dermatologists in South Africa, explains some of the most common skin conditions parents might see on their infants – all of which are temporary and typically disappear with little or no treatment.

MILIA

WHAT Tiny, white pimples (they look like whiteheads). WHERE Mainly on face and trunk. WHEN From birth to second or third month; will disappear on their own (30 to 40 percent of babies are born with milia). WHY Skin pores are clogged; hair follicles and other systems aren’t yet pushing waste from pores. HOW TO MANAGE Visit your doctor to confirm the diagnosis – if milia, no treatment is needed.

DRY, PEELING SKIN

WHAT Dry, flaky, peeling skin. WHERE Can appear all over body. WHEN Common in babies born after their due date. WHY Normal in post-date babies, but can also be caused by using the wrong products. HOW TO MANAGE If your baby was born post-date, it will resolve itself; if you suspect you might be using products that are too harsh, switch to gentler baby products, don’t use fabric softener when washing baby’s clothes and moisturise baby’s skin often. Consult a doctor if the problem persists – the condition could be eczema or ichthyosis (both of which require medical treatment).

CRADLE CAP

WHAT Crusty or oily white or yellow scales on the scalp. WHERE Generally starts on the eyebrows and spreads to head. WHEN Can appear from birth until three years old. WHY It’s widely thought to be caused by end-of-pregnancy hormones that overstimulate the baby’s oil-producing glands. HOW TO MANAGE Will disappear on its own – don’t pick. For particularly severe or stubborn cases, a doctor might recommend a low-strength corticosteroid cream. Keep the area clean with water.

ERYTHEMA TOXICUM

WHAT Red pimples or patches (they can look like flea bites). WHERE Can appear anywhere, though not typically found on palms of hands or soles of feet. WHEN Common in the first four weeks (for 50 percent of babies). WHY Unknown. HOW TO MANAGE It should resolve itself within three to 14 days; consult a doctor for a diagnosis if you’d like peace of mind.

BIRTHMARKS

WHAT Can appear as brown “cafeau-lait” marks; dark moles (called a “congenital nevus”); marks that looks like bruises (called a “slate grey nevus”); a “port-wine stain” patch of reddish, purple skin; or salmon-coloured patches called “stork bites” or “angel kisses”. Around 80 percent of babies are born with birthmarks. WHERE: Varies, depending on the type of mark. WHEN Appears from birth; some disappear, others last into adulthood. WHY Varies, depending on the type of mark, but usually due to the tiny blood vessels under the skin dilating during labour. HOW TO MANAGE Some marks will fade with time, others should be reviewed by a doctor – but all in all, birthmarks are normal and affect cosmetics, not health.