Home Remedies for Infant Skin Rashes

The first thing to remember about baby rashes, especially if you are an anxious new parent, is that many of them are normal, and will pass. While doctors will often tell you they will disappear with time, some people use natural remedies. Babies' skin is new and sensitive, so it's best to leave it alone if you can, except for careful cleaning. According to a UK baby care website, "water only" for at least the first month is the best choice. After that, you may want to avoid exposing baby's system to the "chemical soup" which is blamed for so many skin and respiratory conditions.

If you can, avoid alcohol-containing products such as wipes, powders which might get in baby's lungs, and petroleum jelly, and don't rush to medicinal creams unless you know t hey are necessary. If in doubt, ask your doctor whether an anti-fungal, hydrocortisone or other cream is needed.

Some of the rashes that babies get can look somewhat nasty, but they are a normal part of babyhood. Acne from the mother's estrogen will pass, the crusty "cradle cap" and similar conditions on baby's body can be treated but will go away in the first two years, and other conditions may be temporary as well. To identify common rashes, see this site or descriptions on this site. What doctors say is that very red skin is a sign of a more problematic condition that should be treated by your healthcare provider, as well as broken or infected skin.

Remember, just like the rest of your baby, the skin is developing and is not ready for adult products like shampoo and soap. Even products designed for babies can irritate the skin of some infants, so it's best to be as careful as possible about what you use. Babies aren't yet out in the world getting dirty, so you don't even have to clean them as often, just face and behind, avoid the eyes, don't forget to clean carefully but thoroughly after diaper changes, and get all the milk from any wrinkles around their face!

There are so many great natural products that you can get to soothe your baby's skin, but olive oil is a simple remedy that is recommended by many parents, especially for dry, flaky skin such as cradle cap. It's important to avoid oils such as peanut that may cause allergic reactions, and mineral oil and the like are also discouraged. Vitamin E, especially as part of a diaper change, has been helpful for many parents in keeping sensitive skin healthy when blended with a base oil, and calendula and evening primrose oil, combined equal parts to four parts base oil is recommended by this site, which suggests pesticide-free sweet almond or jojoba oil for the base.

DIAPER RASHES - unless it's a yeast rash which needs cream from the doctor, keeping clean is your best bet. Be careful with powders, don't get them in the baby's tiny lungs! The key to avoiding diaper rashes is keeping dry - change when necessary, air dry when changing if possible, avoid plastic pants which keep moisture in, and use mild soap and water to launder cloth diapers. Look out for alcohol in wipes which will irritate baby's skin, it's best just not to use them.

OTHER RASHES - heat rash, little red dots that might be alarming at first, just mean to lower the heat and humidity for baby, or remove some clothes. Putting anything on the skin for the rash will reduce perspiration and make it harder to recover. There are some other skin rashes, mild and red, white or clear in appearance, which will clear up in a day or so, but if you see hives, it's time to look for a cause and talk to the doctor who might suggest an antihistamine like Benadryl, or if you are using a chemical product, it may be time to stop.

BABY ACNE - this is just a result of exposure to mother's estrogen, and it will clear up soon. Not to worry! Just make sure you are bathing every 2-3 days, and don't use medications that kids or adults use.

CRADLE CAP - while this looks nasty, it too will pass. It is found on the body as well as the head sometimes. Brush dry skin, apply olive oil for what remains if necessary, and wash with very mild shampoo. If it's stubborn, remains after about 18 months, or doesn't respond to what you're doing for it, give the doctor a call.

ECZEMA - this might be more of a challenge, and the key is to keep baby clean, but not dry out the skin. Use loose cotton clothing, mild, non-drying soap and avoiding long baths is good, olive oil or creams made of natural oil also. One company sells Emu oil! Keep baby's nails cut to prevent scratching. If the skin is broken or the condition worsens, a doctor may need to be consulted, especially if the skin appears infected.

Remember, let your baby's skin heal itself whenever possible. This means being careful what you use on it, washing the face daily but the baby every 2-3 days, and making sure that treatment is necessary before you spring to action! Baby's skin will thank you for your care.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003259.htm (U.S. Government Medical Information)

http://naturesbabyproducts.com/baby-skin-rashes.html (Descriptions)

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/baby-rashes/FL00090 (Mayo Clinic Photographs)

http://www.babyworld.co.uk/information/baby/bathing/skin_care.asp (Natural baby care information)

http://www.aromababy.com/baby-care.shtml (Natural oils recommendations)