Common baby rashes and how to treat them

Your newborn’s skin can take time to develop after the watery environment of the womb, and while it can absorb moisture more rapidly than adult skin, it can also lose it faster, making it prone to dryness, infection – and rashes.

The good news is that most rashes can be managed by paying attention to bathing, moisturisers and your little one’s environment, and resolve on their own. Here is how to treat some of the most common ones.

Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis)

Spot it: Overproduction of the oil-producing glands in your baby’s scalp causes yellowish crusts to form, often surrounded by a red rash. 

Treat it: Rub a few drops of baby oil into the scalp to soften the crust, wait a few minutes, then use a soft brush or small comb to gently remove the scales. Wash baby’s hair with a mild baby shampoo. “The contributing factor for cradle cap is an overgrowth of a yeast, so in more severe cases your baby may require treatment with an antifungal shampoo,” says Dr Imraan Jhetam, a specialist dermatologist in Umhlanga and Ballito, KZN.

Milia (milk spots)

Spot it: Tiny white cysts form under baby’s skin soon after birth, commonly on the nose, chin or cheeks. This is caused by a buildup of keratin – a protein produced by the skin that forms the core of hair, skin, and nails, giving them strength and protection, explains Dr Jhetam. “The microcysts are harmless and disappear on their own.”

Treat it: Wash baby’s face once a day with soap and water. Don’t try to squeeze the milia or apply skin products which may irritate the skin, he says. “Using mild products is advised.” 

Baby acne

Spot it: Little red or white bumps develop soon after birth across baby’s cheeks, nose and forehead, and sometimes on the upper body. “This is due to overproduction of oil stimulated by hormones passed from the mother to baby,” says Dr Jhetam. The bumps generally clear up on their own by the time baby is three months old and don’t leave scars.

Treat it: Wash baby’s face daily with mild soap and water. Never squeeze the ‘pimples,’ he cautions.

Baby eczema (atopic dermatitis)

Spot it: Patches of dry, scaly, itchy red or purplish skin develop, typically inside the joints of elbows and knees, says Dr Jhetam. The cause is often a combination of factors such as genetics, a compromised skin barrier, irritants like harsh soaps, detergents or fabrics, or allergens. 

Treat it: Use a mild cleanser labelled fragrance-free and hypoallergenic when bathing baby, gently pat their skin dry, then apply a moisturiser for sensitive skin, particularly in cold weather, he advises. Avoid contact with products or fabrics that cause irritation, such as wool or synthetic materials, and with pets. If the rash doesn’t improve, ask your health provider about medication. For severe eczema, they may recommend different emollients (medical moisturisers), or topical treatments such as steroid creams. 

Heat rash

Spot it: Clear or red bumps appear on your baby’s skin when they overheat in hot and humid weather, are overdressed, or run a fever. This is due to blocked sweat ducts, says Dr Jhetam. Once they cool down the rash usually disappears. 

Treat or prevent it: In warm weather, dress baby in cool clothing that breathes, like cotton, and in cool weather dress them in lawyers you can remove if the temperature rises. “Keeping baby in an air-conditioned room, if available, helps, as this not only cools but reduces the humidity,” he says.

Nappy rash

Spot it: A red or purplish rash emerges that can be tender or itchy, and become eroded like a sore if left untreated. The cause is overlong contact with urine or stools, which may be acidic and irritate the skin, or sometimes a fungal infection, says Dr Jhetam. The rash is more likely to occur if nappies don’t fit well and rub baby’s skin, if you use wipes or lotions that dry the skin, or if baby has loose stools.

Treat it: Change nappies frequently. Each time, wash the area with warm water and a soft cloth and pat dry. Leave baby without a nappy for a while, then liberally apply a barrier cream to help keep their skin dry.

Most rashes are very treatable and are not serious, Dr Jhetam says but see a doctor or clinic sister if baby also develops a fever, the rash causes pain or irritation and doesn’t improve, or it spreads.

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