5 Common Skin Issues Affecting Newborn Babies And What You Can Do

Do you see see red, dry, itchy, or inflamed patches on your newborn's delicate skin? There are many types of skin conditions affecting babies, and parents must be careful about what they apply onto their precious child's skin. 

Before deciding on how to help improve your little one's skin condition, you must know the common skin issues newborns face. Check out this list by Dr. Mara Therese P. Evangelista-Huber, aka @dermomtology, a board-certified dermatologist and board-certified dermatopathologist, tells Smart Parenting.

Here are 5 common skin issues that can affect your newborn:

5 common skin issues newborns faces

Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common scaly rash caused by gaps in the skin barrier resulting in dryness and inflammation. According to Dr. Evangelista-Huber, eczema management entails 1) Proper skin care that keeps the skin barrier strong and healthy, and 2) identifying and avoiding triggers.

Eczema triggers include extreme changes in temperature, rough fabrics, insect bites, animal fur, and other pollutants.She advises using gentle products containing "normal skin barrier components, such as ceramides or filaggrin technology." 

Tip: Don't let baths last for more than 15 minutes. Make sure to pat baby's skin dry after baths and moisturize at least twice a day, ideally after diaper changes.

Try:

Cetaphil Pro Ad Derma Skin Restoring Moisturizer 295ml, P1,825

Available in Lazada and Shopee

Diaper rash

These are pink or red scaly patches around the diaper area. Diaper rash is a common skin issue for newborns, and no, it’s not just from chafing or rubbing from tight-fitting diapers. Dr. Huber says it can also be “irritation from stool and urine after long exposure, irritation from a product/ingredient, and introduction to new food.”

A few tips on preventing diaper rash include “using absorbent and snug-fitting diapers, hygienic practices in diaper changes, and having a diaper-free time” for baby. For extra comfort and protection, regularly using a barrier cream can help protect your baby’s skin against dryness and irritation. 

Tip: Change dirty diapers as soon as possible and be gentle when cleaning the diaper area.

Try:

Cetaphil Baby Advanced Protection Cream 85g, P370

Available on Lazada and Shopee

Cradle cap

If you see crusty, oily patches on your baby's scalp, chances are it's a buildup of sebum called cradle cap. Don't worry, the condition isn't painful or itchy, but its white or yellow scales aren't easy to remove. "Apply mineral oil or petroleum jelly on the affected area for five to ten minutes before bathing to loosen the crusts or wash the area with a gentle, hypoallergenic cleanser," says Dr. Evangelista-Huber.

Tip: Some parents swear by the magic of breastmilk to address cradle cap but according to this previous Smart Parenting article, liquid gold has leaves effect. You can also use natural or edible oil. Read this article to know more.

TRY:

Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo with Organic Calendula 230ml, P400

Available on Lazada and Shopee

Baby acne

Did you know that babies can be born with acne? However, according to Dr. Evangelista-Huber, acne that develops at about two weeks of age is neonatal acne, while acne after six weeks is infantile acne. "The exact cause of this is unknown, but it is thought to be due to hormonal changes affecting your baby during birth or the first few weeks of their life," she explains.

If your baby has acne, "Be very gentle with your baby's skin and wash them with lukewarm water." Avoid overly greasy baby skincare products and choose ones recommended by board-certified pediatricians or dermatologists.

Tip: Moms from our Smart Parenting Village swear by breastmilk's positive effect in clearing up baby acne. Avoid scrubbing the skin and always be gentle when washing the area.

TRY:

Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion with Organic Calendula 400ml, P545

Available on Lazada and Shopee

Heat rash

You've likely heard of bungang araw because it's a common skin issue due to our hot weather. "[Heat rash] manifests as small blisters or bumps in body folds or areas where clothing rubs onto the skin," says Evangelista-Huber. It usually heals on its own, but it helps to relieve symptoms by removing your baby's excess clothing, moving her to a cool, shaded spot, letting the skin air-dry, and avoiding ointments or other lotions to avoid blocking the glands more.

To help cool them down, an occasional gentle, soothing bath may go a long way.

Tip: Cool your baby's skin by removing extra layers of clothing and ensuring she is in a cool room. If you are outdoors, remove the damp clothing and use a fan to dry baby's skin.

Try:

Cetaphil Pro Ad Derma Skin Restoring Wash 295ml, P1,035

Available on Lazada and Shopee

Do you want to know if you need to see a professional to consult baby's rashes? Read this story.