Page 152 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

150 COMMON CONDITIONS: PROBLEMS IN BABIES

Rashes and skin problems

Young babies have sensitive skin that is susceptible to pimples and
WARNING
rashes. Most rashes, such as the tiny white spots (milia) seen on
the nose and cheeks of newborn babies, are harmless and clear up Seek immediate medical help if
your baby has a rash and is:
quickly. However, a rash may be due to a disorder such as eczema,
● Drowsy or floppy and dislikes
or an infectious illness, such as chicken pox, measles, or meningitis.
being touched or held
● Has a fever, a high-pitched cry,
See also Rubella, p.27; Measles, p.29; Chicken pox, p.32;
and/or is vomiting or refusing food
Eczema, p.38; Heat rash, pp.46–47; Diaper rash, p.152.

See your doctor first
PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE
Make an appointment to see your doctor if:
Checking a rash A dark red or purple
● You are unsure what has caused the rash
blotchy rash may be a sign of meningitis. Using the
● Pimples are blistered, crusty, or weepy
glass tumbler test will help you establish whether
● A rash is accompanied by other symptoms
this is a possibility.
● Press a clear glass firmly against the rash. If the
rash does not fade and is still visible through the
What you can do yourself glass, get medical help immediately.
● If the rash fades, repeat the test again later. In a
The measures below will help you identify and few cases, a meningitis
deal with your baby’s skin problems.
rash fades at first but later
● A red or purple blotchy rash should be checked becomes typical and does
carefully (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE, right). not fade when pressed.
● Don’t use soaps or wipes on your baby until he or Possible meningitis
she is at least 6 weeks old, since these can dry the This rash is still visible
skin; use plain water instead. Add a few drops of when the glass is pressed
baby oil to your baby’s bath. against the skin, so it may
be a sign of meningitis.
● Wash and dry your baby’s face carefully after
each feeding to avoid rashes on the chin or cheeks
caused by food traces or regurgitated milk.
DRUG REMEDIES
● Dress your baby with cotton next to the skin;
fabrics such as wool can irritate delicate skin. Moisturizers (see p.187), such as water-
● Put a muslin cloth over the undersheet in the based cream or an unperfumed baby cream, will help
moisturize and protect your baby’s skin. Apply a
stroller and crib and change it regularly if your baby
cream thinly to the skin after washing your baby.
dribbles. When holding your baby, use a cloth to
stop his or her skin from rubbing against your clothes,
and change position occasionally during feedings.
● If a newborn has dry skin on the hands and feet,
Seek further medical advice
rub in moisturizing cream (see DRUG REMEDIES, right).
Arrange to see your doctor if:
● If your baby develops a heat rash, cool him or her
down (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE: TREATING A BABY ● A skin problem does not clear up promptly
WITH HEAT RASH, p.46). ● A rash becomes blistered, crusty, or weepy,
or your baby develops a fever