5 common baby rashes and how to soothe them
A baby’s sensitive skin is prone to many types of rashes. Most of them are harmless and clear up on their own, but they can cause discomfort and irritation.
According to Sister Marisce Blackaller-Smal, a registered nurse and midwife from Cape Town, the five most common types of rashes seen in babies are eczema, cradle cap, nappy rash and heat rash.
1 Eczema
“This skin condition, which causes the skin to become itchy, dry and flaky, could be either atopic or contact dermatitis. Determine what is causing the rash and avoid contact with whatever is causing the skin to flare up,” Blackaller-Smal says.
Use products on baby’s skin that don’t contain any colourants or perfume as it can aggravate the rash, and moisturise with a good fatty ointment. “Speak to your pharmacist about an over-the-counter antihistamine or cortisone which can help soothe the skin, and don’t dress baby too warmly as this can make eczema worse.”
She also recommends choosing loose cotton clothing that doesn’t scratch baby’s skin.
2 Cradle cap
Cradle cap is characterised by rough, flaky patches on a baby’s head. Blackaller-Smal says many cradle cap issues resolve on their own, without treatment.
“In mild cases applying coconut or olive oil to the scalp, lightly massaging it into the hair, and then softly brushing it, will help to lift the cradle cap. In more severe cases it would be advised to use a product indicated for cradle cap, or a doctor can prescribe an antifungal shampoo.”
Clicks stocks Mustela Foam Shampoo For Newborns, with gentle exfoliating ingredients that help clean cradle cap flakes.
3 Nappy rash
Many factors can cause a nappy rash – such as prolonged exposure to wet or dirty nappies – and it is important to determine what the problem is.
“It could be a simple nappy rash, but it could also be a fungal or bacterial infection, which can infect the skin while it is broken, causing a secondary infection. These infections might require a medicated ointment or cream,” she said.
Blackaller-Smal advises caregivers to clean nappy-rash afflicted babies with clean water and cotton pads, rather than wet wipes. “Rooibos tea in bath water also helps to soothe raw skin, and frequent nappy changes are vital.”
Purity Everyday Bum Spray with zinc oxide, available at Clicks, helps prevent nappy rash.
4 Teething rash
Drooling is a common symptom of teething, when baby’s teeth start pushing through their gums. Teething rash occurs because food, saliva, and constant wetness irritate a baby's skin, and can affect the cheeks, chin, neck and chest. It can look blotchy, red, bumpy, chapped and dry. “Apply a fatty ointment to the areas that are exposed to the saliva, and dry the neck area well after bath time.”
5 Heat rash
Very common in newborn babies, whose sweat glands are not yet fully developed, heat rash is when sweat gets trapped under the skin, causing small spots or blisters to develop.
“Avoid this by not dressing your baby in clothing which is too warm. Pick light, cotton clothing and use layers which you can adjust to the temperature.”
Avoiding rashes
Blackaller-Smal recommends using baby products which contain no colourants or perfume to wash and moisturise baby. Clicks sells Epi-max Junior and Baby Cream, Pure Child Wash and Infant Glycerine soap, as well as Bepanthen Cappy Care Ointment, which can be used on most rashes. She also suggests using a laundry soap which is indicated for babies, as it is gentle on the clothing and on baby’s skin.
Most importantly, if you are uncertain what a rash is or what is causing it, visit your nearest Clicks Clinic – the staff will refer you to a doctor if they are unable to help.
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