The Causes and Treatments of Baby Rash
Baby Rash
“Soft as a baby’s skin” is a phrase often used to refer to a texture that’s clear, smooth, and quite soft to the touch. Parents and daycare providers know, however, that a baby’s skin is often far from that ideal. A baby rash can be caused by any of several factors, and sometimes combinations of factors, that can leave a baby’s skin red, sore, and itchy.
Most Common, Least Harmful
Parents should consult a pediatrician – or a pediatric dermatologist – for help in identifying and treating a baby’s skin rash, but two forms of baby rash everyone knows can also be the least troubling.
Diaper Rash
Sometimes known as “diaper dermatitis,” diaper rash is a baby rash that occurs on the bottom and groin, and on any other skin that’s usually covered by a diaper. It’s characterized by an angry, red irritation that looks puffy, and is accompanied by small dots that look like pimples.
Diaper Rash
Treatment for everything but the Candida infections is also fairly simple. Keep the baby’s diaper area as clean and dry as possible. After every stool, clean the affected areas carefully with mild soap, plain water, and a soft, clean cloth. Pat dry gently. If it’s an allergic rash that’s come on suddenly, try changing one potential irritant at a time to eliminate the source. A pediatrician must be consulted for an effective topical treatment for Candida or other yeast infections.
Cradle Cap Baby Rash
Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is a common baby rash that affects the scalp. Sometimes called “seborrheic dermatitis,” this rash is characterized by a yellowish, waxy, scaly “cap” on the baby’s scalp.
There is no agreement on the cause of cradle cap. It doesn’t result from bacteria, or a fungus, or poor hygiene. It can appear on babies as young as 3 months, but more typically occurs from ages 6 to 12 months. It doesn’t seem to itch or bother the baby and is generally thought to be harmless.
There is no recommended treatment for cradle cap. It looks strange, but it’s not hurting the baby. It will likely clear up on its own in a few months. If it’s bothersome, parents can try shampooing the baby’s head more often with a very gentle, diluted shampoo, then brushing the scalp with a soft-bristled brush.
Unwelcome Visitors
The following two examples of the baby rash are caused by organisms that have somehow infected the skin.
Scabies Baby Rash
Scabies
Scabies as a baby rash is more common among infants who are exposed to other children in daycare facilities. It’s a very itchy, red rash, which is the body’s allergic reaction to mites infesting the skin. These mites burrow into the skin to lay their eggs, leaving behind a burrow, or hole, that looks something like a pencil mark. The eggs mature and hatch in twenty-one days, spreading through the skin to repeat the cycle.
Scabies is spread by skin to skin contact with someone who already has scabies. Contrary to common myth, it’s unlikely that scabies is transmitted through towels or bedding unless the affected person has “crusted” scabies.
If scabies is the diagnosis for this baby rash, everyone in the family will need to be treated for it. The topical cream is applied overnight, then reapplied one week later. As the mites die off after treatment, the associated itching will sometimes linger for weeks. This can also be controlled through topical creams and ointments.
Ringworm
Ringworm
Another baby rash caused by a parasitic organism, ringworm is a fungus that affects the skin, including the scalp, groin, and feet. It’s characterized by patches of skin that are red, puffy, and scaly, with clearly defined edges. They often blister, or ooze, and most often create the appearance of a ring.
This particular type of fungal infection is quite contagious and is passed from person to person by skin contact. It’s also common to contract ringworm through contact with contaminated items such as shower surfaces, combs, unlaundered clothing, or even pets that carry the fungus.
Ringworm responds well to home care if the affected skin is kept clean and dry. Over the counter medications with anti-fungal ingredients are often quite effective. Choose those that contain clotrimazole, tolnaftate, or miconazole. Bedsheets and other linens will have to be washed or replaced every day while the infection persists.
Family Influences
The last two common examples of the baby rash are those that either occurs as a result of genetic predisposition. Fortunately, effective treatments exist for both.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis
Psoriasis
Psoriasis typically begins in childhood or early adulthood. It’s classed as an inflammatory disorder that affects the skin and is believed to be caused by an attack upon the skin by the body’s white blood cells. Psoriasis as a baby rash is characterized by thickened red skin that has silvery-white, flaky scales. It’s often an inherited condition but is neither infectious nor contagious.
Infectious diseases, such as strep throat or infections of the upper respiratory tract, tend to trigger attacks of psoriasis. It’s also thought to be aggravated by dry air, extremes of sunlight, stress, and cuts or bruises to the skin.
A pediatrician will prescribe antibiotics if the skin is infected, but many treatments are topical, such as creams, lotions, or ointments containing coal tar. Ultraviolet therapy, or phototherapy, has proven helpful in some cases, as have oatmeal baths and shampoos.
Eczema
Eczema
Eczema
Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is known to be a genetic skin disorder. As a baby rash, it’s characterized by raised, red, itchy rashes that have a scaly appearance.
The first occurrence is triggered by an allergic reaction and may appear on the arms, face, legs, or neck. This initial outbreak is usually followed by a long term inflammatory condition. It occurs most often in infants and young children but is generally outgrown by early adulthood.
Treatment for eczema as a baby rash involves eliminating the cause of the allergy and treating the rash topically with cold compresses, or creams that contain cortisone or coal tar. If the skin is infected, a pediatrician will prescribe antibiotics in either cream or pill form. Further outbreaks can be prevented by keeping the skin moist with creams that are free of fragrances, dyes, alcohol, or other chemicals.
The first occurrence is triggered by an allergic reaction and may appear on the arms, face, legs, or neck. This initial outbreak is usually followed by a long term inflammatory condition. It occurs most often in infants and young children but is generally outgrown by early adulthood.
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