3 Common Baby Skin Conditions and What You Can Do About Them

Eczema is a condition that typically shows up as dry, itchy, patchy areas of skin. Babies with a genetic predisposition for allergies tend to be more eczema-prone than those who do not have a family history of allergies. Any number of things can trigger eczema in babies who are genetically predisposed to it - from sweating and cold weather, to certain fabrics or clothes detergents. Really anything that irritates a baby's skin may cause eczema to surface. Eczema doesn't usually appear until babies are 3-4 months old. And while the condition can appear on any part of the body, it's unusual to find it in the diaper area. The best way to treat eczema is to start by washing the skin with a gentle cleanser, so as not to further irritate the skin. You can ask your pediatrician or dermatologist for a recommendation. Then apply an equally gentle moisturizer onto your baby's damp skin twice per day. If these natural moisturizing solutions don't do the trick, your baby may need something prescribed by your pediatrician.

It's not just teenagers that have to deal with acne. In fact, it's not at all uncommon for small pimples to develop on a baby's cheeks, forehead and nose within a month or two of their birth. And the condition tends to worsen before it finally clears after a few weeks. So no need to stress. Regularly wash your baby's face with water and gently rub in a mild moisturizer. It won't clear up the acne, but it can improve the appearance of your baby's skin. And by all means, do NOT use acne medicines intended for older children or adults. With patience, your baby's acne will more than likely clear on its own.

Nobody knows what causes this condition. Commonly known as "cradle cap", seborrhea is a rash that can appear on the scalp and eyebrows, cheeks, behind the ears, on the neck and/or even on the chest. Seborrhea shows up on different parts of a baby's body in different ways. On the scalp and eyebrows, it looks like dandruff or yellow, crusty scales. Behind the ears it appears more cracked and scaly. And on the cheeks, chest and neck, it will look red and bumpy. This condition is most common in babies under 6 months. And though it looks unsightly, babies generally don't experience any discomfort. Rubbing olive oil or baby oil on your baby's scalp can loosen the scales. And washing any affected spots with a gentle shampoo is also recommended.

Even though the above baby skin conditions are pretty common, it pays to be diligent and stay on top of any changes you see on your baby's skin. You can never be too safe with your baby's health. And keep checking back with our blog for more great tips on caring for your racially diverse baby's skin and hair.