- Common causes of spots on baby's skin
- 1. Diaper rash
- 2. Neonatal acne
- 3. Intertrigo
- 4. Seborrhea
- 5. Chickenpox
- 6. Brotoeja
- 7. Milium on the face
The spots on the baby's skin are very common in the first year of life because the baby's skin is very sensitive and reacts against any type of substance, from the sun's rays to bacteria, for example. Generally, they are not serious and their treatment can easily be done with creams and ointments indicated by the pediatrician.
Birth spots usually do not need treatment and do not cause complications, but should be observed by the pediatrician to ensure that they are not a sign of any skin problem.
Common causes of spots on baby's skin
Baby stains can be easily identified by their characteristics, shape or time when they appear, however, it is always recommended to consult the pediatrician before starting any type of treatment.
1. Diaper rash
Diaper rash is common in a baby wearing a diaper, manifesting as red spots on the baby's bottom and genital area due to the contact of feces and urine with the skin, being very common on summer days and when the baby spends a lot of time with the same diaper.
What to do: keep the skin of the butt and genital area clean and dry, changing the diapers when they are dirty, and applying a cream for diaper rash, like Hipoglós, to protect the skin against the acidity of the feces and urine. See what else you can do to cure baby's diaper rash.
2. Neonatal acne
Neonatal acne can appear up to 6 months of the baby's life, however, it is more frequent in the first 3 weeks, producing small red or white balls on the skin of the baby's face, forehead or back.
What to do: treatment for neonatal acne is not necessary, it is only advisable to wash the affected area with water and soap of neutral pH suitable for the baby's skin. In cases where the pimples do not disappear after 6 months, the pediatrician should be consulted again to assess the need to start treatment with acne products.
3. Intertrigo
Intertrigo is a red spot on the baby's skin that appears in the fold area, such as on the legs and neck, especially in chubby babies under 6 months of age. Normally, intertrigo does not bother the baby, but it can cause pain when it is very large.
What to do: wash and dry the skin area under the skin folds and apply an ointment with vitamin A or zinc, such as Hipoglós, under medical advice.
4. Seborrhea
Seborrhea can appear as red spots on the eyebrows or scalp, as well as causing the appearance of a thick, yellowish layer on the baby's head, similar to dandruff.
What to do: wash your hair with water and neutral pH shampoo suitable for babies and, after bathing, comb with a soft bristle brush to remove the cones. Another option is to apply warm oil before the bath to facilitate the removal of the cones with the brush or comb.
5. Chickenpox
Chickenpox, also known as chickenpox, is a very common disease in babies and children that causes the appearance of small spots on the skin that cause a lot of itching, causing the baby to cry and become irritated easily.
What to do: It is recommended to consult the pediatrician before starting the treatment, as it may be necessary to use antiallergic ointments, such as Polaramine, to reduce symptoms and treat red spots. See more tips on how to treat chickenpox.
6. Brotoeja
The rash consists of the appearance of small red or white balls on the skin due to excessive heat and, therefore, they are frequent after being inside a hot car or when the baby is wearing a lot of clothes. Dots can appear anywhere on the body, especially on the neck, back, and folds of arms and knees.
What to do: wear clothes suitable for the season, avoiding very hot clothes indoors and other hot environments. In addition, prolonged sun exposure should also be avoided, even when traveling in the car.
7. Milium on the face
Milium are small cysts that appear on the nose or near the baby's eyes. These are small and benign, with no need for specific treatment. They appear especially in the summer, or when the newborn has a fever.
What to do: There is no need for specific treatment, but to prevent it from getting worse and turning into pellets filled with liquid, you can put a cold saline compress, because this reduces sweating, reducing the risk of the milium becoming full of sweat, which cannot be eliminated. See photos of this complication of milium in the newborn.
In addition to the indicated care, parents should take the baby regularly to the pediatrician to assess the evolution of the spots and adjust the treatment, if necessary.
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