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Seeing a baby's rosy cheeks is cute, but it can actually signal a number of problems. Generally, red cheeks occur when baby teeth begin to grow. However, it could also be a sign of a disease in the baby. What are the causes of red cheeks? Here's the explanation.
Causes of red cheeks from normal to not
Rosy cheeks in babies can be a sign of danger, but it's not always the case. Here are some conditions that make a baby's cheeks red, starting from normal to what parents should watch out for.
A sign of a teething baby
Red cheeks are a sign that the baby's teeth are growing. Why? The redness of the skin occurs because the baby's teeth begin to penetrate the child's gums.
Quoting from Healthy Children, saliva production also increases when the baby is teething. This saliva can flow down the cheeks, so that when it hits the skin, a rash will appear.
This condition causes pain and sometimes fever. That is why babies will find it difficult to sleep and will not eat.
But not to worry, you can reduce the pain that is felt by the baby. The trick, stick a cold washcloth on the baby's cheek to reduce swelling and redness.
Always keep the baby's cheek and chin area dry from saliva or breast milk. Apply the ointment according to the doctor's prescription on the skin that has the rash.
Fifth disease
Fifth disease (erythema infectiosum) has many names, viz slapped cheeks disease or fifth disease. The name of this disease describes a red symptom on the cheek as if it had been slapped.
Compared to adults, this disease is more common in children. However, the symptoms can be severe if they are experienced by pregnant women or people with weakened immune systems.
Quoting from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this disease is caused by parvovirus B19 which can spread through saliva and breathing.
Apart from causing red cheeks, other symptoms that may occur in babies vary widely. But broadly speaking, the characteristics are almost flu-like, such as:
- Headache
- Limp body
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Nausea
- Runny or stuffy nose
In addition to flu symptoms, the rash can spread to other parts of the body. The initial stages of blush will appear on the cheek area, then spread to the arms, legs, and other bodies within a few days or weeks.
This blush on the cheeks usually appears only in babies and children. Adults tend to have joint pain in the wrists, feet, or knees as the main symptom.
This disease can be overcome by taking paracetamol, getting plenty of rest, and drinking water. However, in severe, life-threatening cases, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) may be given.
Allergy
The appearance of a red rash on the baby's cheeks can be a sign of an allergic reaction, especially an allergy to food. This condition can occur at any age, but is more common as children.
When the food that causes allergies is consumed by your little one, the immune system immediately attacks the food substance and considers it a dangerous substance.
The appearance of a rash on the cheeks is usually accompanied by itching. Over time, the rash can spread to other parts of the body. Without treatment, food allergies can get worse and become eczema.
You need to know that, these symptoms appear several minutes or hours after the child eats something. Other allergy symptoms to watch out for include:
- Cough
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nasal congestion, runny nose, or persistent sneezing
- Stomach ache
- Shortness of breath and chest pain
- Facial swelling and increased heart rate (severe allergic reaction)
If the baby has allergy symptoms, check with the doctor immediately. Make sure baby food is free from food allergens.
3.Rosacea
Rosacea is an inflammation of the outer skin caused by bacteria that live in the intestines, mites, and also problems with the blood vessels around the face.
Although red cheeks due to rosacea are more common in adults, babies and babies can also experience this condition.
In addition to red cheeks, the forehead, nose and chin can also show symptoms of a rash. Other symptoms you need to look out for include:
- Thickened and dry skin
- The pores appear larger
- Swollen nose
- There is a lump on the eyelid
- Burning sensation on the skin
Just like allergies, the symptoms of this disease recur. Immediately check with the doctor to get the right medicine for your little one.
Do not forget to take care of the baby's skin, such as applying moisturizer and keeping clothes clean and keeping the air moist.
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