The Causes of Skin Problems in Babies

Babies naturally have very sensitive skin. They spend about 40 weeks immersed in water as foetuses, no wonder their skin is so precious when they finally arrive into the harsh, chemical-filled world.  There are three main culprits when it comes to skin conditions: inborn skin conditions like eczema, infections from viruses, or an external irritant like washing soap etc.

Eczema

Eczema can be very uncomfortable for both parents and babies. It makes life very hard for parents because they have to be ultra vigilant about anything that touches the baby’s skin. Many children will grow out of it by ten months old. However, some will take longer to heal, and a small amount will never get rid of it entirely. The best treatment is learned by trial and error. You have to learn the irritants that affect your baby and stop using them altogether.

Many parents find hand washing baby’s clothes in warm water with an unscented face soap helpful. This is in conjunction with using prescribed creams several times a day. Breast feeding is beneficial for babies who suffer with eczema, not only for the comfort they derive from skin contact with their mother’s healthy skin, but because there is a risk they may be a bit sensitive to manufactured milk. They may also react to the various elements used to clean their bottles, teats etc.

Reaction rashes

Babies’ digestive systems are still developing. Bottle fed babies have to quickly get used to so many new things in a relatively short while. Formula milk is mild, but it contains several different ingredients. If your child’s stomach is a little sensitive, it’s difficult to work out which one of the ingredients he/she is reacting to. Sometimes rashes can be caused by medicines as well. In addition, reaction rashes can come about because the child’s skin is in steady contact with the irritant. If your child is constantly waking up with rashes, make sure the bedclothes, vests, socks, baby-grows etc are always washed separately and with mild soap like a non-bio washing powder. Change them often and keep pets away from the child until you’ve totally eliminated the problem. Introduce pets gradually, after a total separation. If the problem resurfaces, you’ll know exactly what’s causing it.

Insect bites

Dust mites, wasps, flies, lice and fleas can latch onto bed linen, then onto your child. Check that your baby’s play and sleeping areas are totally free of these pests. Thorough and regular cleaning should take care of this problem quickly.

Infection

Have you, your older children or your baby come into contact with an infected person recently? Viruses and bacteria are common causes of skin rashes in babies. Breast feeding will give them a trace of your resistance to diseases like chicken pox, measles etc. until they can have their shots. However, formula-fed babies can easily contract these awful illnesses at a very young age. If you’re not sure about the appearance of the rash, but suspect one of these diseases, contact your doctor immediately. He/she will most likely prescribe the use of camomile lotion, but it doesn’t hurt to be on the safe side. Not all rashes are innocent.

Purpura

This is a more serious condition. This type of rash is not itchy, and can result from diseases like meningitis or hepatitis. It’s purple in colour and does not disappear when a glass is pressed against it. Many times this type of rash comes with a fever, but not always. The purple appearance could be the result of bleeding under the skin. You need to see a doctor straight away.

Check list to help you identify important factor when considering what your baby’s rash may be

Where on the body is the rash? If it’s only around the buttocks it’s generally nappy rash.

Is there a fever.

Have you or your family been in contact with a possibly infected person.

Have you visited animals (a petting farm) with your baby recently.

Has your baby eaten anything new.

Are there other symptoms like diarrhoea?

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