Baby Skin Care Centre
How to protect your baby's skin
When your baby is newborn, they will have lovely peachy new baby skin - but it won't necessarily look perfect straight away.
Newborns quite often look a little blotchy until they are a few days old1 and as their skin dries out it may get a bit dry and even peel a little (well after all that time submerged in amniotic fluid the baby has to get used to life in the open air!) Don't be tempted to over wash a newborn, as this could cause dryness and flaking in sensitive new skin.
Spots and rashes
It's quite common for babies to develop rashes when they are very young, including milk spots (milia)8, which are harmless tiny white dots that often show up on their face, although they can develop elsewhere. Milk spots are thought to be caused by blocked sweat glands and will clear up by themselves.1
Some babies develop infantile acne, which tends to appear between the ages of three months and five years, and is most common in boys. It generally goes away without treatment.2 Just wash their skin very carefully with warm water, and mild soap if you want to, but don't scrub their face or squeeze the spots.
Nappy Rash
Nappy rash can also be down to a fungal infection brought on by damp conditions inside the nappy, and is nothing to do with bad hygiene. It can be pretty uncomfortable for baby though.3
The best way to treat a nappy rash is to let the air get to it, and use breathable products at the same time which will help soothe the rash and repair the skin. You could also try leaving the nappy off for an hour or so a few times a day. It goes without saying that nappies should be changed often, especially when baby has nappy rash. Make sure that you wash the area after every nappy change and then dry it thoroughly.3
As a pro active measure, use a barrier ointment at every nappy change and after every wash. Experts recommend this as it helps to reduce the contact a baby's skin has with urine and faeces.
You can find further useful information about nappy rash at www.nhs.uk/conditions/nappy-rash or speak to a healthcare professional.
Heat Rash
If it's hot or humid and you notice a bright red bumps or tiny blisters, it's possible that baby might have developed a heat rash.4
Heat rash isn't usually serious or painful, but it can be very itchy which can distress your baby. Most heat rashes clear up of their own accord after a few days but if your little one seems to be having a hard time with it, avoid hot and humid environments as much as possible.
When it's warm, dress baby in soft cotton clothing, which is absorbent and keeps moisture away from their skin.4 Keep his skin cool and allow them to spend time out of a nappy if possible.
Infantile eczema
Babies with infantile eczema (sometimes also called atopic dermatitis) usually develop an itchy red rash on their cheeks at first, which can spread over their face and neck, and down to the nappy area. In some cases it can also spread to the arms and legs, and the itching can make babies irritable and uncomfortable, especially at night time.5
If your baby develops the signs of eczema, you should seek advice from your healthcare professional who will be able to tell you whether the rash is in fact eczema, based on its appearance.5
There are things you can do to help relieve some of the symptoms if your baby is diagnosed with eczema. Avoid dressing them in synthetic or woollen clothes because these can make him sweat and cause skin irritation. Wash all of their clothes in perfume free soap.5
Apply a good thick moisturiser several times a day in the winter (during the summer months you can switch to a thinner lotion). Use soap free cleansers and emollients when bathing and washing your baby, too. Always consult your healthcare professional before using steroid creams - these should always be prescribed by a doctor.5
Choosing the right skincare for baby
When you're choosing skincare for your baby, make sure that you have the essentials in place - for example a good, reliable barrier ointment that protects from the causes of nappy rash.
There are many baby skincare ranges available, and all of these have to pass stringent safety tests before they are allowed to go on sale.6 These products must take into account that a baby's skin is more delicate, and has a different pH level to an adult's.6
Avoid using strong detergents and other harsh chemicals, which can irritate sensitive skin. Find a reliable baby skin care brand that's been clinically proven, and look for soothing non-perfumed products which are free from added colours, preservatives or antiseptics. If you are concerned about a rash, or if you suspect eczema, seek advice from your healthcare professional.
Unexplained rashes
If your baby develops an unexplained rash and displays any of the following symptoms you should go to the nearest emergency department or call an ambulance straight away:7
- slow, sleepy or irritable
- vomiting, or feeding poorly
- crying a lot (moaning or high-pitched crying)
- running a temperature, looking pale or blotchy
- bulging a soft spot (fontanelle) on their head
- stiff, jerky, or have seizures (fits)
