Dry skin
When a baby is first born, they may experience a period of dry skin during the process of shedding the vernix, and even peeling. Parents need not worry, as this condition usually only lasts one to two weeks. If the skin is very dry, you can apply baby oil or a moisturising lotion made for newborn babies.
Nappy rash
Nappy rash is also a common skin problem for newborns. This is because babies often wear nappies, which can leave certain areas of skin damp or cause a rash due to a lack of ventilation. It can also be caused by a fungal infection. Therefore, if your baby has nappy rash, you can apply a moisturising cream to soothe the skin. If the condition does not improve, you can consult a doctor to see if antifungal medication is required to help the situation.
Miliary eruption
When a baby is born, small white spots, similar to whiteheads, may appear on their nose. Parents might worry if this condition will persist, but there's no need to be concerned. These milia are very common in newborns and generally require no treatment, typically disappearing on their own within a month.
Toxic erythema
In the first week after birth, it is possible to see a baby covered in a rash, or even red patches. This condition is called erythema toxicum, and the name sounds rather frightening. Another more common name is "baby acne" [or "neonatal acne"], which is actually a benign condition. The condition usually improves before the baby reaches one month old. Applying a regular moisturiser can help to soothe the skin. Generally, there is no need to see a doctor, as it can heal naturally.
Mole
I would also like to share with everyone that newborns may have moles. The most common type of mole we call Mongolian spots. Mongolian spots are dark blue and usually appear on babies' backs, bottoms, or limbs. At birth, the spots may be relatively large, and parents may worry that Mongolian spots will remain and not fade. Actually, you don't need to worry, because Mongolian spots usually gradually fade after children turn five. As they grow, you will find that these spots slowly fade.
Angioma
Vascular malformations mainly form because blood vessels grow closer to the skin. Common locations include the eyelids, forehead, back of the head, or the nape of the neck. They may also become more noticeable when a baby cries or gets excited. There's no need to worry in these cases, as they will gradually disappear after a year or two as the child grows.
Situations where you need to see a doctor
What I've just explained are relatively benign situations where you don't need to see a doctor. I'd also like to share two situations where you do need to see a doctor:
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis: This condition often appears about a month after a baby is born, with the skin producing a lot of oil, leading to cradle cap, or small yellow spots appearing on the eyebrows. The face can also be affected. Creams can often be used to help relieve the condition. It looks a bit like eczema, and a doctor consultation is often needed for a correct diagnosis.
- Eczema: This is also a condition that many parents are very concerned about, as they worry whether it will persist. Eczema can appear after a baby is one month old, possibly due to a congenital allergic constitution, or caused by the immune system and environmental factors. If you suspect your baby has eczema, it is best to take them to a doctor for an examination immediately. Let the doctor make a diagnosis, and then follow the appropriate treatment to help the baby manage the condition.
How do new parents care for newborns?
- Because babies' skin is quite delicate, extra care needs to be taken with details once they come home. For example, when bathing them, the water temperature should be appropriate. We also recommend using a thermometer or smart device to test the water temperature. We have also encountered situations where children have been scalded because caregivers didn't pay attention to the water temperature.
- Regarding clothing, we also encourage wearing cotton garments as much as possible, and not dressing children in too many layers. Parents often worry about their babies feeling cold, but in reality, they have similar sensations to us. Therefore, when we feel hot, we should also observe if the baby is feeling overheated, as babies cannot put on or take off their own clothes. Parents can pay attention not to dress their babies in too many layers, which can lead to overheating.
