Family Doctor Health Advisor
Children: Babies under one
Sleeping problems in babies | Excessive crying | Fever in babies | Vomiting in babies | Diarrhoea in babies | Feeding problems | Slow weight gain | Skin problems in babies
Children: All ages
Feeling generally unwell | Tiredness | Sleeping problems in children | Growth problems | Excessive weight gain | Fever in children | Rash with fever | Skin problems in children | Hair, scalp, and nail problems | Itching | Lumps and swellings | Dizziness, fainting, and seizures | Headache | Confusion and/or drowsiness | Clumsiness | Speech difficulties | Behaviour problems | School difficulties | Eye problems | Disturbed or impaired vision | Painful or irritated ear | Hearing problems | Runny or blocked nose | Sore throat | Coughing | Breathing problems | Mouth problems | Teeth problems | Eating problems | Vomiting in children | Abdominal pain | Diarrhoea in children | Constipation | Abnormal-looking faeces | Urinary problems | Toilet-training problems | Genital problems in boys | Genital problems in girls | Painful arm or leg | Joint and back problems | Foot problems | Limping
Children: Adolescents
Adolescent weight problems | Adolescent behaviour problems | Problems with puberty in boys | Problems with puberty in girls | Adolescent skin problems
Skin problems in babies
If your baby has a rash with a temperature, see Rash with fever.
The skin of newborn babies is very sensitive and can easily become irritated from rubbing on clothes or bedding. Such minor skin problems are usually no cause for concern. One of the most common skin problems in babies is nappy rash, which can be treated easily. Other rashes and skin abnormalities that occur for no apparent reason or that persist longer than a few days should be brought to your doctor's attention, especially if your baby seems unwell.
Does your baby have a rash of dark red spots that do not fade on pressure ( Checking a red rash)?
Yes 11 No 2Birthmarks
Most babies have a few moles or pigmented marks. Birthmarks may alarm parents, but most are harmless. Some birthmarks disappear or become less noticeable in time. Marks that do not clear up can be hidden with cosmetics or, in some cases, treated with laser surgery.
Strawberry marks
These bright red, raised marks can occur anywhere on a baby's body. They often grow rapidly during the first months of life, but then start to shrink in the second year, and usually disappear without scarring by the age of 8. If your child has a strawberry mark near an eye or a lip, consult your doctor as soon as possible because early treatment can prevent it growing and interfering with your baby's vision or feeding.
Mongolian blue spots
These bruise-like marks sometimes appear on the back and buttocks of dark-skinned babies and disappear before the second birthday.
Port wine stains
These flat, red or purple marks can be found anywhere on the body. They will not fade but may be improved by laser treatment.
Stork marks
Stork marks are flat, pink patches on the face and back of the neck. They usually fade in the first few months or are covered by the hair.
Self-Help Nappy rash
Nappy rash affects most babies at some time. It is particularly common after diarrhoea but can also develop if the skin becomes irritated from wearing a wet or soiled nappy for a long time. You can help clear up your baby's nappy rash by following these steps:
- Leave your baby to play without wearing a nappy as often as possible - preferably at least once a day.
- Wash the baby's nappy area with water, dry it carefully, and avoid scented wipes.
- Change your baby's nappy often.
- Make sure that you dry the creases in your baby's skin thoroughly.
- Apply a water-repellent cream such as zinc and castor oil or petroleum jelly.
- If you use cloth nappies, make sure they are thoroughly rinsed, and avoid using biological detergents.
Consult your doctor if the rash becomes blistery, weepy, or ulcerated or if it does not clear up within a few days.
Newborn skin
A newborn baby's skin is very delicate and easily irritated. Do not use soap or wipes to clean your baby until he or she is at least 6 weeks old because these can dry the skin. Water is usually sufficient for cleansing the nappy area, and a few drops of baby oil in the bath water will help avoid dry skin.
There are several harmless skin problems that commonly affect babies. These include:
- Blotchy skin partly due to blood vessels being visible because there is little fat below the skin and partly because circulation is not mature, resulting in uneven blood flow.
- Milia - white spots on the nose and cheeks caused by blocked sebaceous glands in the skin. The spots clear up without treatment within the first couple of weeks.
- Peeling or flaking skin on the hands and feet. Gently rub emollient lotion into the affected areas.
- Urticaria - a rash of spots with a white centre and red halo, which clears up quickly without treatment.
- Heat rash - small red spots, often on the face and chest. Make sure that your baby is not too warm. No treatment is needed.
Family Doctor Health Advisor is for information purposes only, and is designed as a general reference and catalyst to seeking further information.
The RACGP is not engaged in providing medical or other advice or services, and is not responsible for the results of any actions taken by any person on the basis of any information in this publication, or for any error in, or omission from, this publication.
Publication Date: 31 March 2009
Authorised By: RACGP
