Welcome to the world of parenting. Here you can learn about your newborn’s development week by week and get ideas about toys and activities to share with your new baby. We have advice on the best way to keep your baby safe , as well as tried and tested tips for soothing a fussy baby
Newborn skin and common conditions
You may be familiar with the old saying ‘soft and smooth as a baby’s skin’? Babies, however, do not always have silky smooth skin and may have a variety of colors, splotches, and rashes that cause concern or worry for new parents.
What follows is a description of some common and very visible skin conditions of new babies that are a part of their collection of innocent surprises.
These pale, pink salmon patches are seen in up to half of all newborn babies. They are most noticeable on the forehead, neck (hence the popular name ‘stork bite’), eyelids, and upper lip. They may become more obvious when the baby cries. The patches on the face disappear a few weeks after birth but the ones on the neck may persist. As hair grows, they are generally covered and are no longer noticed.
These are blue or slate-gray splotches that are most commonly located on the lower back or buttocks. They may occasionally be on the shoulders, legs, and thighs. They can look like bruises, but they are not. Dermal melanosis is very common, especially in families of Asian, African or Hispanic descent. They are harmless and generally fade in the first few years of life. Occasionally they can be like other “birthmarks” and last for the child’s whole life.
Roughly, half of all newborn babies will have this condition that resembles a tiny raised or pimple-like rash scattered over a red base. They may be found in any skin regions and may be isolated or clustered in large splotches. This rash generally appears within the first three days of life and lasts about a week.
This term applies to an over-activity of the oil glands in the new baby’s skin. This rash consists of numerous yellow-white tiny raised bumps most commonly seen on the forehead, nose, upper lip, and cheeks of full-term newborn babies. They usually disappear in the first week after birth.
These skin conditions require no treatment and, for the most part, disappear in time. If, however, large pustules, blisters, or areas of ‘weeping’ skin are noted, then medical attention is required.
Therefore, ‘soft as a baby’s skin’ may be true but don’t be surprised when a colorful variety of bumps and splotches occur as well. Remember that a new baby’s skin may be dry and even a bit scaly. Use of a soothing, non-allergenic lotion or natural baby oil will help to keep your baby’s skin soft and smooth.
By Dr. Olson Huff
‘Stork bite’ or nevus simplex
Photo credit: www.adhb.govt.nz
These pale, pink salmon patches are seen in up to half of all newborn babies. They are most noticeable on the forehead, neck (hence the popular name ‘stork bite’), eyelids, and upper lip. They may become more obvious when the baby cries. The patches on the face disappear a few weeks after birth but the ones on the neck may persist. As hair grows, they are generally covered and are no longer noticed.
Dermal Melanosis (formerly known as “Mongolian spots”)
Photo credit: www.adhb.govt.nz
These are blue or slate-gray splotches that are most commonly located on the lower back or buttocks. They may occasionally be on the shoulders, legs, and thighs. They can look like bruises, but they are not. Dermal melanosis is very common, especially in families of Asian, African or Hispanic descent. They are harmless and generally fade in the first few years of life. Occasionally they can be like other “birthmarks” and last for the child’s whole life.
Erythema toxicum
Photo credit: CDC
Roughly, half of all newborn babies will have this condition that resembles a tiny raised or pimple-like rash scattered over a red base. They may be found in any skin regions and may be isolated or clustered in large splotches. This rash generally appears within the first three days of life and lasts about a week.
Sebaceous hypoplasia or Miliaria
Photo credit: www.adhb.govt.nz
This term applies to an over-activity of the oil glands in the new baby’s skin. This rash consists of numerous yellow-white tiny raised bumps most commonly seen on the forehead, nose, upper lip, and cheeks of full-term newborn babies. They usually disappear in the first week after birth.
These skin conditions require no treatment and, for the most part, disappear in time. If, however, large pustules, blisters, or areas of ‘weeping’ skin are noted, then medical attention is required.
Therefore, ‘soft as a baby’s skin’ may be true but don’t be surprised when a colorful variety of bumps and splotches occur as well. Remember that a new baby’s skin may be dry and even a bit scaly. Use of a soothing, non-allergenic lotion or natural baby oil will help to keep your baby’s skin soft and smooth.
By Dr. Olson Huff
Related Tips
- APGAR
- Shortly after birth, your baby will be weighed, measured and be given an Apgar score at one, five, and ten minutes after birth
- more
- Cradle Cap
- What can I do about this yellow flaky skin on my baby's head?
- more
Comments
Search:
