There are many common causes of rash on infants. They include cradle cap, diaper rash, milia, baby acne, baby eczema, and baby yeast infections to name a few. The following causes of rash on infants are explained in further detail.
Cradle Cap
You probably aren’t expecting your infant to develop a rash, but cradle cap is quiet common. The infant’s scalp will appear scaly and the patches are frequently crusty, thick, yellow, and even greasy. Newborns are frequently afflicted with cradle cap and it typically subsides on its own in a few months. The best way to treat it while it exists is to wash your baby’s hair at least once per day with baby shampoo and use a soft bristled baby brush to loosen the scales of the rash. Then, rinse the baby’s hair.
Diaper Rash
Babies frequently develop diaper rash when they have been left in a dirty diaper too long. The exposure to urine and feces causes a bright red rash on the infant’s bottom. The best way to treat the rash is with an over the counter hydrocortisone cream and to allow the baby to go without a diaper as much as possible. Preventing diaper rash is easy by changing baby regularly and using a cream to protect against the rash.
Milia
Infants develop tiny white bumps that appear on their face, usually their cheeks, chins, or nose. This rash is made up of small white bumps and it is not uncommon for a baby to be born with this rash. Milia is a result of skin flakes being trapped close to the skin. If milia does not resolve on its own within three months then you should make a doctor’s appointment.
Baby Acne
If your infant has a rash on her cheeks or forehead then it very well may be baby acne. Many times baby acne looks its worst when your baby is crying. Baby acne is a result of being exposed to the mother’s hormones in utero. It usually occurs during the first month of life. It should clear up on its own in a few months.
Baby Eczema
Atopic dermatitis is also baby eczema and this is a common infant rash. It produces skin that is itchy, red, and scaly and it may be caused by various things like diet, sweating, soaps, detergents, or other irritants.
Yeast Infection
Another baby rash may be caused by a baby yeast infection. The baby will have a rash on his bottom that is bright red and should be treated with an antifungal cream that is prescribed for the infant rash.