If you are the first time parent of a newborn, you may be surprised at how splotchy and broken out your baby's skin looks. You might have expected the smooth, blemish-free skin that is typically featured on babies in magazines and on television. While your baby's skin may eventually look like that, he probably wasn't born with it!
Acne
Newborn babies can suffer from acne. That's right, acne. Most of the time, this skin condition can clear up on its own, but if it continues to be a problem, your pediatrician can prescribe a topical baby skin care ointment to help clear it up.
Dry Skin
Because your baby is going through hormonal changes, just like you are, these changes can affect his skin. You may notice that your infant's skin is flaky and dry, especially on his hands and feet. Again, this is a normal condition. You can help to moisten his skin by applying a baby skin care lotion. You should not use baby powder on your child's skin, however.
Eczema
Eczema typically doesn't appear until baby is a little older, at least two or three months. It usually affects certain areas on the body, specifically neck creases, backs of ears, and behind the knees, and the face. This condition is more than just dry skin. It can become very uncomfortable, and if the area is scratched, it can also become infected. If your baby has this condition, your doctor can help you treat him.
Cradle Cap
This is a mild form of eczema that affects the top of a baby's head. You can usually get rid of this dry, flaky skin by washing your baby's head, then gently brushing the area. Finally, you should rub a small amount of baby oil or coconut oil into the dry area to lubricate the skin. Eventually, your baby's natural oils in her skin will take over. You can also ask about medicated shampoos to treat this dandruff-like condition.
Heat Rash
There may be times when areas of your baby's body is covered with tiny red bumps, and this probably means she has a heat rash. Sometimes simply removing her from the heat and cooling her down by removing some of her clothing can make the rash disappear within a few hours.
When to Call the Doctor
If you notice some type of skin problem on your baby, and it does not want to disappear, by all means contact your doctor. Once you begin feeding your baby solids, hopefully you have introduced one new food at a time to watch for food allergies. A rash may be an indication of an allergy, in which case you'll definitely need to contact your doctor.
Protection from the Sun
Don't forget that your little one's skin is very sensitive. He can sunburn easily. In the past, The American Academy of Pediatrics did not recommend using any sunscreen on babies younger than six months. While it is still recommended that parents keep infants out of the sun as much as possible, most pediatricians now agree that it is acceptable to apply a little sunscreen to a baby's face, hands and feet. You should still keep your baby covered with light-weight clothing, and don't forget to use a hat that shades his face, ears, and the back of his neck.
Beautiful Baby Skin
Your baby may not be born with gorgeous skin, but you can help her have beautiful skin as she grows. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about baby skin care, contact your doctor.
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