Rash

Rashes are typically very treatable and rarely a cause for alarm. Sometimes, however, infant rashes can indicate a more serious illness.

Gas is just air in the stomach or intestines. In most cases, infant gas is nothing to worry about. Many babies are not bothered by it but some become restless and cannot sleep while others cry for hours.

Cause:

Treatment and Tips

Diaper rash:

Eczema:

Drool rash:

Cradle cap can be treated with topical oil, such as coconut oil, gentle scrubbing with a cradle cap brush, and washing your baby’s head

When to see a Doctor

Rash

Rashes are typically very treatable and rarely a cause for alarm. Sometimes, however, infant rashes can indicate a more serious illness.

Gas is just air in the stomach or intestines. In most cases, infant gas is nothing to worry about. Many babies are not bothered by it but some become restless and cannot sleep while others cry for hours.

Cause:

Heat.

Allergies

Fabric

Fragrance

Dampness

Treatment and Tips

Diaper rash:

Change nappy frequently. We avoided scented wet wipes and fragranced soap. You can also use a soft wet cloth.

Wash your hands before and after diaper change so the rash doesn't become infected.

Allow baby to stay without nappy for a little while each day.

Eczema:

Our son showed signs of this early on. We were particular with the products we used on his skin avoiding scented soaps and lotions. We use lotions that are perfume free, pH balanced, dermatologist test. QV and Aveeno products.

We allow the area's (especially where he sweats) to be uncovered regularly especially in winter when he wears warmer clothes.

Over the counter creams and ointment work well.

Oatmeal baths may help.

Dress baby in breathable fabric such as cotton

Dress your baby appropriately depending on the weather

Use irritant free laundry detergent or those specifically formulated for babies

Drool rash:

Clean with warm water but avoid soap.

Be gentle when wiping food off the face

Minimise pacifier use where possible

Avoid fragranced lotions on face

Cradle cap can be treated with topical oil, such as coconut oil, gentle scrubbing with a cradle cap brush, and washing your baby’s head

When to see a Doctor

Fever

Rash for a week and does not respond to home remedies

Rash spreads. If your baby develops widespread hives, especially around the mouth, or develops hives accompanied by coughing, vomiting, wheezing, or other respiratory symptoms you should go to the emergency room. This may be a sign of a very serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

Baby has stiff neck, sensitive to light, uncontrollable shaking as this may be a sign of meningitis which is a medical emergency. Meningitis can progress rapidly and has similar signs to the flu so know the symptoms.

Infectious rashes such as thrush, measles, chickenpox, roseola, and scarlet fever should be evaluated by a pediatrician for the best treatment. These rashes are typically accompanied by a fever and other symptoms.

Next...Allergies

Rash

​

Rashes are typically very treatable and rarely a cause for alarm. Sometimes, however, infant rashes can indicate a more serious illness.

​

Gas is just air in the stomach or intestines. In most cases, infant gas is nothing to worry about. Many babies are not bothered by it but some become restless and cannot sleep while others cry for hours.

​

Cause:

​

Heat.

​

Allergies

​​

Fabric

​

Fragrance

​

Dampness

​

Treatment and Tips

​

Diaper rash:

​

Change nappy frequently. We avoided scented wet wipes and fragranced soap. You can also use a soft wet cloth.

​​

Wash your hands before and after diaper change so the rash doesn't become infected.

​​

Allow baby to stay without nappy for a little while each day.

​

Eczema:

​

Our son showed signs of this early on. We were particular with the products we used on his skin avoiding scented soaps and lotions. We use lotions that are perfume free, pH balanced, dermatologist test. QV and Aveeno products.

​

We allow the area's (especially where he sweats) to be uncovered regularly especially in winter when he wears warmer clothes.

​

Over the counter creams and ointment work well.

​

Oatmeal baths may help.

​

Dress baby in breathable fabric such as cotton

​

Dress your baby appropriately depending on the weather

​​

Use irritant free laundry detergent or those specifically formulated for babies

​

Drool rash:

​

Clean with warm water but avoid soap.

​

Be gentle when wiping food off the face

​​

Minimise pacifier use where possible

​

Avoid fragranced lotions on face

​

Cradle cap can be treated with topical oil, such as coconut oil, gentle scrubbing with a cradle cap brush, and washing your baby’s head

​​

When to see a Doctor

​

Fever

​

Rash for a week and does not respond to home remedies

​​

Rash spreads. If your baby develops widespread hives, especially around the mouth, or develops hives accompanied by coughing, vomiting, wheezing, or other respiratory symptoms you should go to the emergency room. This may be a sign of a very serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

​​

Baby has stiff neck, sensitive to light, uncontrollable shaking as this may be a sign of meningitis which is a medical emergency. Meningitis can progress rapidly and has similar signs to the flu so know the symptoms.

​

Infectious rashes such as thrush, measles, chickenpox, roseola, and scarlet fever should be evaluated by a pediatrician for the best treatment. These rashes are typically accompanied by a fever and other symptoms.

​​

​​

Next...Allergies