Babies are born with delicate, soft skin, even the slightest irritants can cause rashes and allergies on the face. The most common complaints of baby’s skin include dry, patchy skin, cradle cap, rashes, and more. These complaints can cause mental disorders in parents. However, most of the time, skin problems can be managed by following some basic baby skin care routines.

Baby’s skin is very sensitive and it is affected by heat, cold, bacteria, allergens, fungi and prolonged exposure to the outside environment. The good news is that most problems can be managed by practicing a few preventative steps, external application of topical creams and ointments, and sometimes oral medications may be required.

Common complaints in infants

DRY SKIN – This is the most common problem in babies. The dryness and flakiness of the face, hands and lips means baby needs a moisturizer that is gentle on the skin. However, excessive dryness may require appropriate medical advice.

Diaper rash – It manifests as redness around the diaper area and usually appears when the diaper stays wet for a long time or is very tight. This can be avoided if the diaper area is exposed to air for a longer time or if the diaper changes frequently and can also be managed by using zinc oxide creams on the skin areas.

BABY ACNE-These are small temporary bumps that appear on the face of babies. Although they don’t have a specific cause, they go away on their own.

BABY ECZEMA – These appear as red, itchy rashes, first appear on the face, then progress to the chest, knees, and elbow. Minor eczema can be treated with mild soaps and a moisturizer, but a serious eczema problem requires proper medical advice.

STICKY WARMTH – It mainly appears as a small pinkish-red bump on the sweat-prone area such as the armpits, neck and skin folds, and can be managed by keeping them in a cool, dry environment and by losing tight-fitting clothes.

CRADLE CAP-It occurs as scaly skin on the head due to excessive sweating due to overactive sweat glands in the skin surrounding the hair follicles. It can be managed by using any mild shampoo or hair cleanser.

SUNBURN – Sunlight is a good source of vitamin D, but it can sometimes cause sunburn on baby’s skin. It is therefore advisable to use sunscreen on baby’s skin to avoid such problems.

Basic skin care can be followed to prevent any skin problems in babies.

1. Babies do not need frequent baths and therefore three baths per week are enough for them and avoid using soap on their face but use plain water to wipe their face.
2. Use products that are gentle on their skin, without perfume or dye.
3. Avoid sprinkling talcum powder on their skin frequently as they don’t need it but can cause dryness.
4. Baby massage is a good solution for dry, scaly skin and can be done two or three times a week.
5. Avoid using harsh detergents on baby’s clothes and bedding which can irritate their delicate skin

Most of the time, baby’s skin problems are manageable, but if they are accompanied by fever, sluggishness, red dots with yellow fluids, or any sign of infection, it is best to see a pediatrician immediately.