Skin Problems with Babies

Babies may exhibit any number of skin problems. While parents often worry when their baby breaks out in a rash or starts getting pimples, the fact of the matter is that most of the skin problems that babies experience are relatively harmless. This doesn't mean, of course, that parents shouldn't be concerned about skin problems in babies, only that they don't need to worry, as most of these problems are treatable and won't cause permanent damage.

One of the most common skin problems in babies is cradle cap. Cradle cap presents as a flaky, sometimes yellow-ish dandruff on the scalp. Experts aren't entirely sure what it is that causes cradle cap. Most babies will outgrow cradle cap by the age of 12 months, but some children may struggle with cradle cap for several years. If cradle cap symptoms occur on other parts of the body, such as the eyebrows, armpits or ears, it is called seborrheic dermatitis, rather than cradle cap.

Eczema is a very common skin problem in babies. While some babies may not develop eczema until the age of two or so, many babies develop it much sooner. Eczema appears on the joint areas, and takes the form of a rash. The problem with eczema for babies is that it itches, and scratching their eczema can cause it to spread, and it can even cause it to open up into sores. It is believed that eczema may be caused by an allergic reaction of some sort. There is even speculation that eczema may be the result of a food allergy, or the way that the baby's body is interacting with certain types of food.

Acne is also a common skin problem in babies. Usually, these pimples will disappear by the time that the baby is six months old, however.

Finally, Molluscum Contagiosum is a common skin problem for babies. Molluscum Contagiosum resembles acne, but often occurs as a rash of pimples numbering in the dozens. These pimples will be dipped in the middle, and produce a hard white substance when popped. Molluscum Contagiosum tends to disappear on its own within a year. If your baby is exhibiting signs of a skin problem, you should contact your health care provider for a diagnosis, and to help with a treatment plan for the skin problem.

Source: Baby Zone, http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=10&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.babyzone.com%2Fbaby_toddler_preschooler_health%2Fillness_disease%2Fphotos_common_rashes&ei=nQT7SaaCBsKrtger-qHaBQ&usg=AFQjCNHa2CldAUTYvXPaE56LEfla5Vbn1A