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By Christine H. | MADE OF Organic Baby Skin Care Products

Discovering a skin rash on your baby can be very stressful. However, baby skin rashes are normal among newborn babies. In most cases, a skin rash is harmless and can disappear without treatment. But there are also skin irritations that can indicate a more serious health condition [1].

Here’s everything you need to know about baby skin rashes and how you may effectively manage them with organic skin care products.

What Are Baby Skin Rashes?

Baby skin rashes are a normal part of every newborn baby’s life. Since the baby’s skin barrier is extremely fragile during the first two years, it is vulnerable to all types of skin issues. Many times, baby skin irritation is simply a reaction to allergens of harsh baby shampoo or irritants from a diaper change. While they can be frustrating, these types are easy to care for and normally go away with drugstore skin rash treatment [2].

However, if a skin rash occurs in tandem with other symptoms such as a fever, sore throat, a cold sore, breathing problems or vomiting, immediate medical assistance is needed. These skin conditions are often caused by another underlying medical issue that can endanger your baby’s well-being. That is why it is imperative that a pediatrician examines the baby rash to get a clear idea of its origin [3].

Common Childhood Rashes

Diaper Rash

Diaper rashes occur when your baby’s skin becomes irritated due to contact with contact with urine and stool contact against the skin. The irritation can break down the skin’s protective barrier and result in a painful, itchy rash. It can also create small openings in the skin, allowing bacteria and fungi to penetrate. This can cause further skin yeast infections such as a yeast diaper rash. Fortunately, diaper rashes are easy to treat and prevent using cloth diapers, rash cream, or barrier cream [4].

Hives

Hives are common among babies with sensitive skin. They appear as large, itchy welts on the body, often circular and seemingly embossed. Hives can be a result of an allergic reaction to insect bites, certain medicines, fabric, and viral infections. Food allergies can also cause hives to appear all over the body, including the arms and legs. The rash can last for up to four days but can be treated with an antihistamine cream or pill [5].

Baby Acne

Baby acne is the effect of the increase of sebaceous matter production in the skin. It eventually leads to localized inflammation or fluid-filled pimples (pustules). They commonly occur on the nose, cheeks, forehead, and on your baby’s back. If not treated properly, baby acne can result in scarring [6].

Impetigo

Impetigo is another skin rash that is a result of a scratch, wound, or skin irritation infected with Streptococcus bacteria. Once infected, the cut becomes moist and red, often with yellowish, scaly patches. The bacteria can also spread quite fast and cause more sores if your baby scratches or touches the wound. Impetigo requires a trip to the doctor as this extremely contagious rash must be managed with oral or topical antibiotics [7].

Staphylococcus epidermidis

Staph infections often create blisters and a rash all over the body. Often the child has a rash all over the body. After the rash resolves, the top layer of the skin peels off, and the skin becomes raw and red.

Baby Eczema

There are three known types of atopic eczema:

Atopic Dermatitis

This skin rash is common in children with a history of allergies in the family. Eczema starts dry and itchy but eventually becomes red and irritated. Scratching can cause more breaks in the skin and result in scarring or a secondary skin infection [8].

Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cradle Cap)

In babies, this type of dermatitis is caused by cradle cap. The cause is unknown, but experts link it to the disruption of the skin’s production of sweat and sebaceous matter. In children, it appears as patchy yellow scales on the head. In some cases, it can appear on the back of the neck, diaper area or armpits. Cradle cap resolves on its own. However, you can use gentle, organic baby shampoo to loosen the patches. After shampooing, shampoo with a soft brush [9].

Contact Dermatitis

This type of eczema occurs when particular irritants such as cosmetics, detergents, or a harsh diaper cream cause hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to the skin. It becomes red, swollen, and itchy. These can also develop into moist, inflamed blisters [10].

Port-Wine Stain

Port-wine stains (nevus flammeus) get their name from a type of red wine from Portugal. This birthmark is caused by blood vessels malformation under the skin. It’s also called a “firemark.” Port-wine stains typically occur on the face but can appear anywhere on the body. The stains increase in size relative to the body. They also darken in color and can develop bumps as an adult.

Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is another type of skin rash that is a result of a virus. They take shape in the form of tiny, raised bumps that are 2-5mm in diameter called mollusks. The itchy bumps are grayish white, sometimes yellow, and can cover your child’s body in clusters. Treatment is normally not recommended for this type of rash, but scratching can tear the child’s skin and cause other skin conditions [11].

Fungal Rash

Fungal rashes are caused by two types of fungi: candida and tinea. Candida infections can occur in babies as a rash in the groin area, oral thrush, or as a mouth mucosa. It can infect children at any age and is sometimes accompanied by dry skin and nail discoloration. Tinea infections or ringworm, on the other hand, are ring-shaped patches of skin with scaly, itchy, raised edges. The ringworm can appear on the face, body, scalp, or nails [12].

Best Treatment for Baby Skin Rashes

Give Your Baby A Warm Bath

Giving your baby a warm bath is an excellent way of providing comfort. A warm bath can battle different types of skin irritation and help prevent other fungi and bacteria from developing. By using plant-based skin care such as the MADE OF Foaming Organic Baby Shampoo & Body Wash in Lavender, you can be sure that your baby is cleansed, relaxed, and safe from harsh ingredients that can further aggravate the skin irritation [13].

Moisturize with Gentle Cream and Products

There are many things you can do to avoid irritating your baby’s skin. First, dress your baby in loose clothing. Also, you can keep your baby away from harmful UV rays by keeping them out of the sun. Third, you can use the gentle, baby-safe skin care products to soothe your baby’s skin. The MADE OF Moisturizing Organic Baby Lotion with coconut oil is perfect for maintaining the moisture in your baby’s skin after a bath. To keep your baby’s skin safe while out in the sun, you can use the MADE OF Organic Baby Sunscreen with SPF 30 for maximum moisture and protection [14].

Treat Skin Rash With Plant-Based Organic Solution

The best treatment for any skin rash is a cleanser that can hydrate your baby’s skin while disinfecting and providing a barrier to prevent bacteria from penetrating. Healing products such as the MADE OF Organic Diaper Rash Cream are specially made with the safest blend of organic oils to help ease the irritation of skin rashes. You can also top it off with the MADE OF Calming Organic Baby Powder made with argan oil and aloe vera that prevents skin irritation or chapping [15].

When To See A Doctor

When a skin rash appears in tandem with other symptoms, such as a fever or flu, your baby may be experiencing an illness such as hand, foot, and mouth disease, slapped cheek syndrome, measles or chicken pox. Always seek the advice of a doctor before you self-medicate. Rashes can be contagious or the sign of a much more serious disease process.

References

What can cause a rash on the face in a baby? Karen Gill, MD; Charlotte Lillis. (2018, September 25). Retrieved from Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323172.php
Your Ultimate Guide to Baby Rashes. Celia Shatzman. (2017, December). Retrieved from The Bump: https://www.thebump.com/a/baby-rash
Fever and Rash. Diana Vilar-Compte; Patricia Cornejo-Juarez. (2017). Retrieved from Infectious Disease Advisor: https://www.infectiousdiseaseadvisor.com/infectious-diseases/fever-and-rash/article/659555/
Diagnosis and management of diaper dermatitis in infants with emphasis on skin microbiota in the diaper area. Šikić Pogačar M; Maver U; Marčun Varda N; Mičetić-Turk D. (2018, March). Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28986935
Allergies in children. Zave Chad, MD FRCPC. (2001, October). Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2805592/
Baby Acne or Rash? 5 Types and How to Treat Them. Karen Gill, MD; Rena Goldman. (2017, December 14). Retrieved from Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/childrens-health/baby-acne-or-rash#1
Current options for the treatment of impetigo in children. Sladden MJ; Johnston GA. (2005, October). Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16218885
Atopic Dermatitis in Children: Clinical Features, Pathophysiology and Treatment. Jonathan J. Lyons, MD; Joshua D. Milner, MD; Kelly D. Stone, MD, PhD. (2016, February 1). Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4254569/
A Treatment for Seborrhea Capitis (Cradle Cap). Hugh R. Brodie. (1964, January 18). Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1922208/
Contact dermatitis in children. Paolo Pigatto,corresponding author2 Alberto Martelli,1 Chiara Marsili,2 and Alessandro Fiocchi1. (2010, January 13). Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2828457/
Molluscum Contagiosum. Talel Badri; Grishma R. Gandhi. (2018, October 27). Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441898/
Emerging fungal infections among children: A review on its clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and prevention. Akansha Jain; Shubham Jain; Swati Rawat. (2010, October). Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2996076/
Skin care for your baby. Oxford University Press. (2007, March). Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2528704/
Baby Skin Care: Tips for Your Newborn. Renee A. Alli, MD. (2017, October 16). Retrieved from WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/skin-care-tips#1

Plants used to treat skin diseases. Nahida Tabassum; Mariya Hamdani. (2014, January). Retrieved from National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3931201/

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