Your newborn may be prone to different types of baby rashes. In fact, it’s quite normal for newborns and babies to develop rashes in their first few months, as a variety of factors can trigger these skin changes. Fortunately, most baby rashes are harmless and usually go away on their own.
Read on as we explore some of the most common rashes in babies and newborns, and when to consider seeking further treatment options.
Baby rash from dermatitis
Dermatitis is an umbrella term for any condition that causes skin inflammation, and can occur at any age. Dermatitis conditions are often accompanied by red rashes, itchiness and dry skin. Specific conditions that fall under dermatitis include:
Nappy rash
Nappy rash is common in babies and can develop for a number of reasons, particularly when a baby is exposed to urine or poo for too long or their nappy rubbing against their skin.
Prevention and treatment
Regularly cleaning a baby’s nappy area, changing them frequently, and not putting their nappy on too tightly can help prevent nappy rash.
Your GP may also prescribe treatment if your baby is distressed or has an infection. This may include a steroid cream, ointment, an antifungal cream or antibiotics.
Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is a common skin condition that’s harmless in babies. It typically appears as patches of yellow, scaly skin on a baby’s scalp and face. While the cause of cradle cap remains unclear. it can also appear on your baby’s nappy area.
Prevention and treatment
Only use an approved, sensitive baby shampoo to wash your baby’s scalp
Brush their hair with a soft brush
Do not pick crusts, as this could cause an infection.
Your pharmacist may also recommend emollient creams, gentle baby shampoos for the scalp, or barrier creams to protect the nappy area.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Eczema is a condition that can cause dry, red, itchy skin. A poor skin barrier function can trigger eczema, and other factors such as the kind of soap used to bathe and indoor temperature and conditions can make the condition flare up.
Prevention and treatment
There is no cure for eczema, but symptoms can be managed by avoiding triggers. Emollients may be used to moisturise the skin while steroid creams can help ease any inflammation.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema that is trigged when your baby encounters an irritant (such as soaps or detergent), or an allergen (such as substances in certain products). Symptoms may include itchy, dry, cracked skin, commonly on the hands and face.
Prevention and treatment:
Keeping your baby away from irritants or allergens that might trigger their symptoms is the best way to prevent contact dermatitis. In some cases, emollients or topical corticosteroids may be recommended.
Baby rash from other conditions
Not all baby rashes are caused by an infection or dermatitis. Other rashes may arise from:
Teething – This can cause a rash to appear on your baby’s face, alongside other symptoms such as pain, drooling, and rubbing gums.
Allergic reactions – May cause itchy skin or a raised rash. Other symptoms may include feeling sick, a runny nose and coughs, and sneezes.
Heat rash – Also known as ‘prickly heat’, it appears as a rash of small, raised spots that itch or feel prickly, as the name implies.
Warts – Look like small lumps on the skin that are rough and firm to touch. They can appear on the palms of the hands, knuckles, knees, and fingers.
Baby acne – A common skin condition that affects newborns. It typically appears as breakouts on their face and chest.
Milia – Tiny white or yellow spots that can appear on your newborn’s face a few days after they’re born. They usually appear on their nose, but can also develop on other areas of their face.
Erythema toxicum – Raised red, white, or yellow spots that appear on baby’s face, body, upper arms and thighs. Common in babies in the first few weeks.
Scabies – Itchy, raised spots that typically appear between the fingers at first. These types of spots are caused by small mites that burrow into the skin.
When to call a doctor for baby rash
Rashes in babies can develop for a variety of reasons. The good news is that most baby rashes are usually nothing to worry about. However, if your child displays any of the following symptoms, book an urgent GP appointment, or get help from 111:
They have a rash you’re concerned about, and you don’t know what to do
Their back or chest feels hotter than usual, they are shivering or feel sweaty
They have a temperature of 38°C and are under three months old
They are three months or older with a temperature of 39°C or higher
They are five years old or above with a temperature below 36°C.
Seek immediate medical attention if your baby is poorly with a rash and also:
Has a stiff neck
Is troubled by light
Seems confused, agitated or doesn’t respond like they normally do
Has trouble breathing, appears breathless or is breathing excessively fast
Has pale, blue, grey or blotchy looking skin, lips or tongue
Has swelled lips, mouth, throat or tongue
Has a tight throat and finds it hard to swallow
Their rash appears as tiny bruises or bleeding under the skin, and doesn’t disappear when you put a glass to it.
How AVEENO® Baby products can be used to maintain good, healthy, hydrated skin
If your baby's skin is dry, applying AVEENO® Baby moisturising products can help moisturise their skin – and potentially lessen the chances of certain irritating rashes from occurring.
AVEENO® DERMEXA EMOLLIENT CREAM – Specially formulated for babies with dry, itchy skin prone to irritation and itchiness. The formula helps to strengthen their skin barrier function.
AVEENO® BABY DAILY CARE MOISTURISING LOTION – A nourishing, non-greasy formula clinically proven to moisturise normal to dry baby skin.
AVEENO® DAILY CARE BABY NAPPY CREAM – Designed to sooth sensitive baby skin and protect against the causes of nappy rash.
AVEENO® BABY DAILY CARE 2-in-1 SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER - Designed for baby’s delicate hair and scalp. Leaves hair soft, smooth and easy to manage, without drying.
Our guide to newborn skincare may also be helpful for general advice.