A baby’s skin is fragile and delicate. Hence, most parents may encounter several issues when it comes to their baby’s skin. Their skin may get easily affected by heat, drool, insect bites, climate changes and allergic reactions.
The skin is the largest organ in the body and it’s important because it serves as the body’s first line of defense against environmental hazards. It protects the inside of the body to prevent damage and entry of bacteria and other microorganisms. In babies, however, they suffer from several skin conditions.
Atopic Dermatitis Or Eczema
Atopic dermatitis or eczema is the most common skin condition affecting both children and adults, including babies. The children usually have the first symptoms of the disease during the first year of life.
They suffer from red, itchy, dry and rough skin. It usually appears on the joints of the arms and legs, the neck and cheeks. Though the exact cause of atopic dermatitis is unknown, it’s usually linked to the immune reaction of the body and family history. The disease usually flares up when the baby is exposed to high temperatures, cold temperatures, viral infections, house dust mites, skin products and when the air in the house is cold and dry.
One way to treat eczema is through the use of hypoallergenic and soap-free skin care products. Also, it is important to make sure your baby’s skin is hydrated and moisturized. Eczema worsens when the skin is dry.
To prevent flare ups, use a humidifier in the room when the temperature is cold and the air is dry. In bathing, aside from using hypoallergenic products, you can add crushed baby cereal or oatmeal to her water to add extra hydration and to prevent the skin from becoming dry. Natural remedies such as coconut oil and petroleum jelly are effective in keeping the skin soft and moisturized.
Baby Acne
Baby acne is another common skin problem among newborns. It appears like pimples that usually come out on the cheeks and chin. Doctors consider this a normal skin condition as a result of the baby’s exposure to maternal hormones during pregnancy.
Baby acne appears between 2 weeks to 4 weeks of life and goes away on its own. However, in some cases, the pimples are so abundant and irritable, that treatment is needed. Your pediatrician may prescribe steroid creams. You can also wash the face with gentle soap and water.
Cold Sores
A baby is prone to cold sores because they still have an underdeveloped immune system. Cold sores are caused by a virus called the Herpes simplex virus, which can be passed from one person to another. It may appear asymptomatic for an adult with a healthy immune system but it may appear on babies when they’re kissed on the lips.
Baby chapped lips increase the risk of developing cold sores because the skin integrity is impaired. Hence, the virus can easily penetrate the skin.
To prevent this, you should never kiss your baby on the lips. Moreover, treat chapped lips immediately to prevent wounds from developing.
The baby’s skin is delicate so proper care is important. Once your baby develops skin conditions, they can become irritable and fussy. Hence, keeping your baby’s skin clean and moisturized is important.
GUEST BLOGGER:
My name is Stacy Belk. I am a nurse slash mother-of-two. I want to help first time mothers whose babies suffer from various skin conditions. My first-born suffered from eczema for two years of her life and today, I want other moms to know more about this skin condition and how it can affect their babies. Checkout my blog at Momwoot.Com
