9 Most common skin diseases in babies and how to deal with them

Babies, especially newborns, are very susceptible to skin problems because their skin is still very sensitive. So, what are the most common skin diseases in babies, and how to deal with them? As parents, this is very important to understand so that the baby's skin condition does not get worse. Check out the following reviews.

Skin disease in babies that often occurs

In fact, skin diseases in babies are generally harmless and easy to handle at home. Here are some of the most common skin problems in babies.

1. Diaper rash

Diaper rash is one of the most common skin diseases in babies. This condition is characterized by red, shiny, itchy skin irritation in the diaper-covered area of the buttocks.

The cause of diaper rash in babies is due to the condition of the wet diaper and the intensity of diaper changes that are very rare. This makes the friction between the baby's skin and the cloth of the diaper causing the rash.

Diaper rash is not a serious condition, but it should not be ignored as it can develop into a yeast or bacterial infection.

How to fix it:

Use a baby moisturizing cream that contains zinc oxide and lanolin to relieve skin rashes and prevent the irritation from getting worse. This cream also helps moisturize and soften baby's skin.

Make sure you keep the baby's bottom area dry to prevent the diaper rash from recurring. Leave your baby for a while without using a diaper after waking up.

In addition, make sure the baby's diaper is not too tight, but fits the baby's bottom. Make sure you change your child's diaper regularly. When there are red lines on the baby's skin, it is a sign the baby's diaper is too tight.

2. Acne

source: NHS

Acne in babies usually appears on the cheeks, nose, or forehead within one month of the baby's birth. Baby acne can go away on its own, usually three to four months after its appearance.

So, you don't need to worry because acne only appears temporarily. This is one of the most common and harmless skin diseases in babies.

How to fix it:

Wash your baby's face with water and give it a special moisturizer to treat baby acne. Avoid acne medications used for children or adults.

Also, like acne in adults, don't try to pinch or break your baby's acne, as this will worsen the acne condition.

If your pimples continue to get worse or don't go away after three months, see your doctor right away to get proper baby skin care.

3. Eczema

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is one of the most common skin diseases in infants. Eczema causes the baby's skin to become dry, red and itchy. Usually eczema appears on the baby's face, elbows, chest, or arms.

These baby skin problems are common due to allergic reactions to soaps, lotions, or even detergents to wash your baby's clothes.

How to fix it:

There is no cure for eczema in babies. However, they are generally well controlled and will often go away after a few months or years.

The most effective treatment is to prevent the skin from becoming dry and itchy and to avoid the triggers that cause the condition to recur.

Use a baby skin moisturizer to reduce dry skin due to eczema in babies and keep baby's skin moisturised.

4. Dry skin

Dry to scaly baby skin is a disease or problem that is quite common in babies. Some children even experience dry skin that peels off.

There are many things that can cause dry baby skin. For example, the environment is hot dry or too cold, causing the skin to lose fluids.

The most common cause of dry baby's skin is bathing or playing water for too long. The bath soap used can also cause dry baby skin.

How to fix it:

Don't bathe the baby for too long. After bathing the baby, you should make it a habit to apply a baby moisturizer to keep the skin moist. Also make sure your little one is getting enough fluids.

Usually, dry skin in babies will disappear after a few days. However, if this condition bothers or makes the baby uncomfortable, discuss it with your doctor immediately. The doctor will provide the appropriate treatment for this condition.

5. Hemangioma

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, hemangiomas are bright red birthmarks that appear at birth. However, these signs can also appear in the first or second week of a baby's life.

Hemangiomas look like lumps that form from excess blood vessels in the skin. circular or oval in shape and reach 10 cm in size.

How to fix it:

Hemangiomas can go away on their own with the age of the child, but in some cases, they can make the skin itchy and make the baby scratch it.

You can do several treatments, such as:

Keep away from sunshine.
Keeps baby's skin dry.
Avoid using soap if the baby's skin is injured.

Avoid bathing your little one by rubbing it, just wipe it gently with warm water.

6. Cradle cap

source: NHS

Quoted from the NHS, cradle cap is a skin problem in babies characterized by a red rash on the scalp that gradually turns into a dry, scaly, yellow, oily crust.

This condition, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is common in the first three months of life. Cradle cap or seborrheic dermatitis can also occur on the face, ears, and neck.

This condition is classified as safe, does not itch, and is not contagious. However, the presence of a crust on the baby's head sometimes makes it difficult for hair to grow.

How to fix it:

Cradle cap can heal on its own in a few weeks to months. You can wash your hair and scalp gently using a special shampoo for babies.

Use a special baby shampoo that has a special formula for sensitive skin and use an ointment that can moisturize the baby's skin.

7. Hives

source: NHS

Hives are a cause of itchy skin which is characterized by the appearance of red bumps that spread, protrude, and spread on the skin.

In medical language hives are called urticaria. This skin disease in babies can affect the face, body, arms, or legs.

Hives in babies usually occur as an allergic reaction to food, generally eggs and milk. It could also be due to sweat rubbing against the skin.

Hives are harmless, but they can make your baby uncomfortable during sleep or throughout the day.

How to fix it:

If your baby has chronic hives, then immediately consult a doctor for further treatment. Your doctor may recommend a prescription for an antihistamine to reduce symptoms.

8. Milia

source: NHS

About half of all newborns experience tiny white spots on the face called milia.

Even though it is a skin problem or disease in babies, it doesn't need to be treated because it will disappear by itself after a few months.

Quoting from Medlineplus, milia arise when dead skin cells are trapped in small pockets on the surface of the skin and mouth.

If the skin problem in your baby doesn't go away and persists for a long time that makes you worried, see a doctor immediately.

The doctor can find out what the exact cause is and find the right milia treatment according to your child's condition.

How to fix it:

This skin disease is quite common in babies and will actually go away in two weeks. But if it makes it uncomfortable, you can use a warm compress on the area where the milia appears.

If done regularly, it is likely that the white spots in these babies will dry up and peel off by themselves.

9. Impetigo

These conditions include common skin infections in infants. Usually spreads on the body or face, such as the nose, cheeks, and under the eyes.

Impetigo is caused by one of two types of bacteria, entering the baby's body through a cut on the skin.

Impetigo occurs in two forms:

Bulosa which are fluid-filled blisters that leave a thin crust.
Nonbullos in the form of thick skinned yellow ulcers surrounded by reddish skin.

How to overcome

Some cases of impetigo in babies go away on their own in two to three weeks, without needing treatment.

However, if you want to consult a doctor, usually the doctor will prescribe antibiotics to speed up healing to 7-10 days.

This method can also reduce the risk of transmission to babies and other children around them. The type of antibiotic given can be in the form of a topical as well as drinking.