Skin rashes are very common in infants, especially during the first few months of life. Many infants will have dry, peeling skin during this time. This is best treated with a simple lotion such as Keri Lotion, Aveeno, or Eucerin, and the avoidance of soap.

Heat rash is caused by plugging of the sweat pores and retention of sweat. This is extremely irritating and causes a very red, prickly type of rash especially in the neck region. It may spread over the entire back and chest. Treatment consists of dressing the child less warmly, bathing your child with tepid or cool water and a wash cloth (without soap), and occasionally, especially in the neck region, a very light application of baby powder after bathing.

Diaper rash is more easily prevented than treated. It is aggravated by the hot, humid environment produced by plastic covered diapers. Changing the diapers as frequently as practical is enough to prevent most rashes.

Changing the diaper soon after a bowel movement is particularly important to prevent irritation. For most children the diaper area should be cleansed with water and a wash cloth after each soiling. Baby wipes are usually fine to use, but may be irritating when there is a diaper rash. For little girls it is important to remember to wipe from front to back when cleansing (try to keep the vaginal area as clear of stool as possible).

No matter how careful you are about cleaning the diaper area, some degree of diaper rash will occur in almost all children. Once it has started, determine if it is a moist, weeping type of skin rash or if it is a dry and scaly rash. The wet, weeping diaper rash is best treated by careful drying and a light application of baby powder. Once the rash is dry or scaling, heavy ointments such as Vaseline, A & D, or Desitin may be used to prevent contact of urine or stool with the skin. It bears stressing that excessive heat and excessive moisture in the diaper area will always result in a diaper rash. Frequent diaper changes and careful cleaning of the diaper area are essential.

Cradle cap is a skin condition affecting the scalp which is quite common in babies. It consists of a yellowish white scale (or flake) on the top of the baby’s scalp. There may also be involvement of the eyebrows or eyelids. Often there will be a greasy looking crust.

To help cradle cap resolve, brush the scalp daily using a firm brush with closely placed bristles. Soap and water washings using the finger tips or wash cloth at the time of bathing will help. Never use oils or lotions on the baby’s scalp as these will make the problem worse. If your baby does develop cradle cap, pay special attention to the shampooing of the scalp using a hand brush or fingernail brush and baby shampoo.

Babies who have cradle cap will frequently have a rash on their cheeks and forehead, or over the arms and chest. This rash may be very difficult to clear up until the cradle cap itself has been adequately controlled. Do not use medicated shampoos or soaps without specific instructions from us.

Until the umbilical cord falls off (usually two to three weeks of age) and the circumcision is well healed (seven to ten days), limit bathing to sponge baths. When both the navel and the circumcision are well healed, warm water baths may be given with particular attention paid to the diaper area.

Any soap can be irritating to your baby’s skin and should be used very sparingly. Your baby can go many months with simple water and wash cloth baths without soap. If you do feel soap is necessary, use a soap-free cleanser currently available on the market such as Aveeno or Cetaphil skin cleanser. The bath water should be approximately body temperature (between 95 degrees and 98 degrees) for very young babies. The bath should be of short duration. Never leave the baby unattended, even for a second, while he is in or near the bath. When the bath is over, pat the skin dry, paying particular attention to the folds and creases of the skin. Powder or cornstarch is not necessary, but may be used sparingly if desired. It should be placed on your hands first, and then applied to the baby’s skin. For girls, avoid heavy use of baby powder in the vaginal area as it clumps and increases irritation. Boric acid powders and solutions and powders with zinc stearate should never be used.