Rashes in Infants

Many babies will have a rash of some type during their first year of life. Most of the time rashes go away by themselves and do not need treatment. You may notice some of the following rashes on your baby.

Milia are small white bumps that appear on a baby's face, usually the nose, cheeks, or chin. They are blocked skin pores. They will disappear on their own during the first few months of life. Do not squeeze the bumps or apply any special creams or lotions.

Erythema toxicum is a common rash that begins within the first week after birth. It appears as small blotchy red areas with raised white or yellow centers. There may be many blotches, especially on the trunk. The cause for the rash is not known. It is not contagious does not need treatment. It goes away without treatment after 2 weeks of age.

Newborn acne appears as small red bumps on the cheeks, chin, and forehead. It is thought to be caused by hormones passed from the mother. It appears 3 to 4 weeks after birth and lasts until 4 to 6 months of age. It typically goes away on its own without treatment. Ointments and baby oil make the rash worse.

Cradle cap appears on the baby's head and begins in the first weeks of life. Hormones that a baby receives from his mother before birth may cause cradle cap. Cradle cap appears as pink patches with oily, yellow crusts or scales on the scalp. Shampooing with anti-dandruff shampoo will cure mild cases of cradle cap. If the scalp is very crusty, it may be helpful to apply baby oil to the scalp 1 hour before shampooing to help soften the crust. Be sure to wash all the oil off and use a soft brush or washcloth to help loosen the scaly crust. Once the cradle cap has cleared, use a regular baby shampoo twice a week. With treatment, cradle cap will clear up in a few weeks. If the cradle cap lasts more than 2 weeks with treatment, call your child's healthcare provider.

Miliaria or heat rash appears on the head, neck, upper chest, and in the skin folds. It is also called prickly heat. The rash looks like very small pink bumps, or sometimes tiny blisters with clear fluid. Miliaria is caused by blocked sweat glands. Keeping the baby clean and cool will clear up the rash. Giving cool baths for 10 minutes every 2 to 3 hours will help provide comfort. Dressing your baby as lightly as possible and using a fan if your child is in a playpen or asleep will also provide comfort. Calamine lotion may be used if the baby seems uncomfortable. Ointments and oils are not recommended because they block the sweat glands. With treatment, it will clear up in 2 to 3 days.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis, is a red rash that is extremely itchy. The rash often starts on the cheeks at 2 to 6 months of age. The elbows, wrists, and knees are often involved. Occasionally, the rash occurs on the neck, ankles, and feet. It becomes raw, moist, and oozing if scratched. The skin is constantly dry. Eczema can be a sign of an allergic reaction. Foods or exposure to fabrics, rugs, soaps, or laundry detergents can cause eczema. If your baby develops a rash on his face, washing the area with cool water and no soap will help. Using non-perfumed skin creams after a bath will decrease dryness. Soft clothing made from cotton fabrics will be more comfortable for the baby. Keeping the baby's nails clipped will help prevent damage from scratching. Your healthcare provider may be able to help identify what your baby is allergic to.

A rash may also be a sign of many common childhood diseases. Rarely, a rash may be a sign of a serious infection or other condition. Any true blisters or pimples, which are bumps containing fluid or pus, that occur during the first month of life, especially on the scalp, should be examined by your healthcare provider.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File derm3759.htm Release 13/2010