When you’re looking after a quickly growing baby, some changes come and go faster than you can fully grasp them. As a new parent, it’s not uncommon to be a little concerned, especially when those changes are as visible as they can be when appearing on their skin. However, in many cases, there’s nothing to be concerned about. Here, we’re going to look at some common factors that can affect it, some of the changes you might be seeing, how to manage certain changes, and when it might be worth a closer look from your baby’s doctor.
WHAT’S NORMAL FOR A BABY’S SKIN?
Aside from the fact that it feels wonderfully soft to the touch, your baby’s skin is typically thinner and more sensitive than at any other point in their life, and is still learning how to protect itself from the outside world. It’s very common to see changes like peeling, redness, baby acne, tiny white bumps known as milia, or blotchy colour changes as their skin adjusts to dry air for the first time. The skin will gradually thicken over time, but it’s important to be gentle in all your care for this first year, using lukewarm water and mild fragrance-free products. It’s always worth remembering that most early skin changes are temporary, harmless, and resolve on their own, but let’s look at a few of the factors that can influence them.
CHANGES IN YOUR AIR QUALITY
As sensitive as it is, a baby’s skin can react dramatically to changes in the air. This includes temperature changes, as well as moisture levels. Hot, humid air, for instance, can cause heat rash, which can appear as tiny red or clear bumps. On the other hand, cold and dry air can lead to dryness, flaking, and irritation as the skin loses its moisture. Babies can’t regulate body temperature as well as adults, so dressing them in breathable layers and keeping them in cool environments, especially when they sleep, can be a great idea. Keeping a humidifier in their room to ward off cold winter air can keep their skin smooth and moisturised, too. The best way to gauge if your baby is too warm or cold is to check their chest or back, not their hands or feet.
ALLERGENS IN THE HOUSE
It’s not just temperature and humidity that can affect air quality, but allergens, as well. Food allergies are quite common in babies, so it’s wise to introduce your baby to common food allergens one at a time, including cow milk, eggs, and peanut products, when they’re old enough to eat them. However, environmental allergens are worth noting, as well, as pollen, pet dander, and dust can trigger rashes, especially in babies with eczema. These often look like persistent dry patches rather than hives, so it’s important to keep bedding clean, to vacuum their nursery with a HEPA filter, and to keep pets out of where they sleep.
IRRITANTS HIDDEN IN BABY PRODUCTS
It’s always wise to choose products designed to come in contact with your baby with care. This includes direct contact, like soaps, lotions, and fabrics, as well as those that have indirect contact, like the fabric softeners that you use. You typically want to choose those that are fragrance-free and dye-free, and use cleansers and moisturisers designed specifically for babies. In terms of fabrics, cotton and bamboo tend to be the best for their skin, being more breathable than wool or synthetics. Whichever fabric you choose, it’s always wise to wash it to remove any chemical residues from manufacturing and packaging before you use it.
DIAPER RASH AND THE RISK OF FRICTION
Even with more breathable fabrics, friction combined with moisture can be a very common cause of baby skin problems. The most well-known is diaper rash, as enzymes from the baby’s stool can increase irritation, leading to red, sore patches. Changing their diaper frequently, gently cleansing the areas, and using natural barrier creams can help soothe and prevent mild cases. It is worth noting that there are different diaper rashes, which can have different causes, such as allergic reactions, infections from yeast overgrowth on the skin, or reactions to acidic food. Knowing the different causes of diaper rash can help you ensure that you’re able to treat it right away and avoid anything that your baby seems sensitive to.
CHRONIC SKIN CONDITIONS
Some babies develop chronic skin conditions that can be a lot more persistent than everyday irritation. The most common is eczema, which can cause dry, itchy, and inflamed patches that come and go. Psoriasis is rarer and appears a little redder and more scaly. Both of these can make your baby’s skin significantly more sensitive to the triggers mentioned above, so it’s important to see the dermatologist to get tips on how to avoid specific triggers and to get advice on daily moisturising. Sometimes, you may get medicated creams to help with treating them, as well. Most babies do grow out of chronic conditions, even if they may resurface in later life, but it’s important to treat them now due to the discomfort they can cause.
WHEN TO WORRY
Baby acne, eczema, and cradle cap (oily, scaly patches on the scalp) are usually harmless. However, some issues can be worth medical attention. For instance, if a baby has persistent nappy rash that doesn’t get better with cleansing and changing, if they have eczema that progressively worsens, or a rash that you’re concerned about, making an appointment with their doctor might be wise. If they have a fever or show any signs of an infection, such as broken, red, and warm skin, then you should take them to a doctor urgently. If a rash doesn’t blanch when you press a glass against it, it’s an emergency situation.
The majority of changes that might manifest on your baby’s skin are nothing to worry about. Most discomforts can be managed with the right care. The tips above should hopefully help you address those changes with a little more confidence.
