No matter whether your baby is a newborn or in toddler age, you must be careful about his skin health. Skin issues are sometimes more severe than other health issues. The reason is that skin is directly exposed to the environment.
Babies have sensitive skin, requiring more protection and care even if the skin is normal. Your baby’s skin is vulnerable to various skin diseases, and you have to protect your baby like a warrior.
This article defines common skin issues and guides mothers to ensure a healthy skincare routine for their babies.
Common Skin Conditions in Infants and Toddlers
Below skin conditions are quite common in children within toddler age. Read about each issue and check if your baby is affected by any of these diseases.
If yes, you must take preventive measures and treatment to cure your baby’s skin, then maintain a healthy newborn skincare routine.
1. Diaper Rash
Diaper Rash is a type of rash that is caused due to wearing diapers for a long time. It leads to the formation of scaly patches and redness in the diaper area. It often causes inflammation near patches.
Frequently changing diapers is a must to adopt preventive measures to stop the spread of bacteria.
A mild diaper rash is common and can be treated at home, but if the condition is out of control, you must visit a good pediatrician for proper treatment.
2. Cradle cap
Cradle cap is one of the most common skin conditions in babies.
Cradle cap causes the formation of crusty flakes and scaly patches on the baby’s skin (mostly on the scalp).
The symptoms are common but in severe conditions, it can cause inflammation, itching, temporary hair loss (due to scratching), and redness in the affected area.
Cradle cap is mainly confused with dandruff. Seborrheic Dermatitis is the parent disease which is referred to as cradle cap in children, and its mild form is referred to as dandruff in adults.
3. Eczema
Most people confuse it with Atopic Dermatitis which is a form of Eczema, not eczema itself. Eczema causes the formation of inflamed, dry, and itchy skin.
Like other common skin conditions in babies, it usually fades out on its own. If your baby is affected by Eczema and you see severe symptoms, visit a good pediatrician for proper treatment.
4. Neonatal Acne (Baby Acne)
Acne is the most common skin condition, both in adults and children. In babies, the acne is called baby acne or neonatal acne.
Neonatal acne causes small bumps on the skin (pimples), which cause redness and mild inflammation. Sometimes, babies born with acne, It is due to the exposure of skin to maternal hormones.
It usually fades out within a few weeks. If not, seek a pediatrician’s help.
Guide for Inexperienced Mothers
Now that you know about common skin conditions and have treated them carefully, take a look at the below gentle baby skincare practices to ensure a good skincare routine for your loved one.
Regular Bathing
Make sure to give enough baths to your baby. Usually, babies don’t need enough baths because of their less exposure to the outside environment. So less dirt means less need for a bath. However, a mother should give enough baths to her baby as necessary.
If the baby is exposed to dirt or something polluted, a mother must give a proper bath to ensure that the baby is clean. Make sure to use mild or cold water during the bath. Avoid using hot water because it is harmful to the baby’s sensitive skin.
Protection from heat and sun
Heat and sun rays are harmful to the skin of any age group. For babies with already sensitive skin, it will be more dangerous than usual. Direct exposure to sun rays can damage skin tissues and can cause various skin problems like dry skin, acne, sunburn, and rash.
According to researchers, cold water is better than hot water in baths and regular use. This is because hot water weakens the immune system and damages the skin.
Hot water can also cause itching and irritation of skin diseases. So, it is recommended to use mild or cold water in the bath.
Gentle Massage
Massage is essential for infants and toddlers. Regular massage with baby oil or natural oils maintains skin health, fills oil requirements in the body, avoids dryness, and provides many other benefits.
When massaging your baby, gently rub the skin and use natural oils. You can use coconut, almond, or olive oil for better results.
Natural oils create a barrier and a protective layer on the skin. Massaging also helps relax muscles. The good thing is babies enjoy a massage if done correctly!
Use a good shampoo
Regular bath is essential but using a shampoo alongside the bath is better, especially when your baby is dealing with skin issues like acne, rash, cradle cap, eczema, etc.
Why not use a shampoo which is not only good for regular skin but also solves these skin diseases? Well, using a cradle cap shampoo can help fight against common skin conditions.
The interesting fact is that it is completely safe. It doesn’t contain fragrance irritants and can be used twice a week.
Change Diaper Regularly
Now, this is one of the most important preventive measures to save your baby from various skin diseases like infection and rash. Usually, the diapers are built to fit up on baby, and they generally come in tight sizes.
Wearing a diaper for too long without removing or changing it can cause sweating. Frequent exposure of skin to pee and poop leads to the spread of infection. The bacteria can cause many other skin problems, so changing diapers as necessary is important.
Conclusions
It is not possible to tell each and everything about baby skincare routine because it includes so many things.
This guide focuses on ensuring a good routine for babies whether dealing with skin issues or not.
However, you will learn and experience many more things while raising your child.
Approach your baby’s skin carefully due to its sensitivity. Always give your baby the best.
Hope this guide helped you a lot.
