Baby Soft Skin
As new parents, many are excited to cuddle and
hold their new infants with their baby soft skin. Fear and concern often
arise when the newborn develops rashes – sometimes within the first few
days of birth. Most of these eruptions are short-lived and occur
as the infant's skin is renewed. Here a few common benign eruptions
to be aware of:
Erythema Toxicum Neonatorum (ETN) – This common newborn rash often appears primarily on the face, chest and legs on the 2nd or 3rd day of life. The pustules (i.e. pimples) fade in 5-7 days without treatment. The cause is unknown.
Neonatorum Acne – A similar appearing eruption to ETN, this eruption is caused by oil gland stimulation by maternal hormones. The comedones – or blackheads – fade without treatment over 4 months.
Milia – Milia are 1- to 2-mm pearly white or yellow papules (solid elevations of skin with no visible fluid) that are most often found on the baby’s forehead and chin. They appear and fade during the first month of life. Milia are caused by keratin protein plugs in the pores, and no treatment is needed.
Please remember, your baby does not need a bath every day. Cleanse the diaper area gently with each change. Simple Vaseline is sufficient to keep the skin healthy. During bath time, use tepid water. Cleansing products should be scent and dye free. Products such as "Free and Clear" or Aveeno baby care products are recommended.
Enjoy your new bundle of joy!
Erythema Toxicum Neonatorum (ETN) – This common newborn rash often appears primarily on the face, chest and legs on the 2nd or 3rd day of life. The pustules (i.e. pimples) fade in 5-7 days without treatment. The cause is unknown.
Neonatorum Acne – A similar appearing eruption to ETN, this eruption is caused by oil gland stimulation by maternal hormones. The comedones – or blackheads – fade without treatment over 4 months.
Milia – Milia are 1- to 2-mm pearly white or yellow papules (solid elevations of skin with no visible fluid) that are most often found on the baby’s forehead and chin. They appear and fade during the first month of life. Milia are caused by keratin protein plugs in the pores, and no treatment is needed.
Please remember, your baby does not need a bath every day. Cleanse the diaper area gently with each change. Simple Vaseline is sufficient to keep the skin healthy. During bath time, use tepid water. Cleansing products should be scent and dye free. Products such as "Free and Clear" or Aveeno baby care products are recommended.
Enjoy your new bundle of joy!
-Posted by Carol Mattes, MD, PhD
posted by MAR at
11:16 AM
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