Newborn skin is sensitive and may have acne, milia, bruising, and dryness. Use lotion and baby oil, and wash clothes with a gentle detergent. Contact a doctor if concerned.
Newborn skin is hardly smooth and flawless, as most new parents expect it to be. Babies are typically born with bruises and spots, and their skin is very sensitive. If you know what to expect, however, newborn skincare can be a great way to connect with your baby.
A very common newborn skin problem is baby acne. Acne in babies is the result of hormones received from the mother during pregnancy. This type of acne usually goes away without treatment. If your baby has acne that gets worse or doesn’t clear up after about three months, see your baby’s doctor. Persistent acne could rarely be a sign of a hormonal imbalance.
Milia are also commonly seen on the skin of the newborn. These small white bumps are caused by blocked oil ducts and typically appear on the cheeks, nose and chin. Milia pose no health risk and no treatment is required.
Cravings can take many forms. Some may be serious, but most are not. A port-wine stain, which is a large vascular birthmark, can cause deformity, blindness, or deafness if it’s on the head.
Your baby may have some bruising from her journey through the birth canal. Particularly traumatic births are more likely to bruise, although more typical births might also bruise. These will fade over time and are harmless. If your baby has jaundice, the bruising will likely cause a slight increase in the amount of bilirubin in his system once they start to wear off.
A few days after birth, a newborn’s skin is typically dry and flaky. If your baby was born long after the due date, the skin will usually be dry and flaky at birth. To soothe dry skin, don’t bathe your baby more than three to four times a week and pat him dry, but don’t rub him. A newborn’s skin is so thin that it can tear if rubbed vigorously.
Lotion and baby oil can both help keep a newborn’s skin hydrated. Likewise, a diaper rash cream or petroleum jelly can help prevent diaper rash. If you apply baby powder, swirl it into your hands first so your baby doesn’t breathe in any of it.
Baby skin is also very sensitive to irritants. Wash all of your newborn’s clothes after you buy them. Parents of particularly sensitive children use a laundry detergent free from added perfumes and dyes. You don’t need to buy a detergent made specifically for babies—any brand will do.
Always be sure to wipe milk or formula from your baby’s face and neck after each feed. These are both skin irritants that bother most children. If you are concerned about your baby’s appearance, be sure to contact your doctor.
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