Baby Rash – Eczema, Heat Rash or Cradle Cap?
If you have noticed that your baby has a rash on their bodies then you might be wondering what you are dealing with. While most rashes are harmless and nothing to be concerned with, there are a few that need a bit more attention. This article will go over some of the more common types of baby rashes.
Diaper Rash
Probably the most common form of rash in babies is diaper rash. This is a rash that babies get in the area where they wear a diaper, particularly the buttocks and between the legs. It is caused because the skin gets wet and can’t breathe properly. Try and leave the diaper off your child at different times during the day to allow the skin to breathe and also change it regularly if you notice it is wet. There are also many good barrier creams on the market that can heal diaper rash quickly.
Heat Rash
Heat Rash or Prickly Heat occurs most often in summer and will probably appear where your baby wear’s clothes, particular in areas that sweat such as under the arms and around the torso area. It looks like little tiny red bumps. You can relieve the itching with a mild calamine lotion. Switching to natural cotton fabrics or going without clothes where possible are other ways to help lessen the symptoms.
Eczema
Eczema outbreaks typically show up as a red, scaly and very itchy rash. There are a number of causes for it, but most often it is an allergy to an irritant of some kind (which may be food, soaps, chemicals, dust or pet hair). Mild eczema cases can usually be treated at home with a good fragrance free lotion recommended for eczema prone skin (and also can be used on babies), but if it gets serious or doesn’t clear within a week or two then visit your doctor or paediatrician for further treatment.
Cradle Cap
Cradle Cap is a rash that appears on the scalp or face of very young babies and looks like crusted scales. You can usually loosen up the scales by rubbing it with baby oil, and there are also special shampoos that can help clear it fast.
These are the most common forms of baby rash that you might encounter as a new mother.
