Saliva rash is a type of contact dermatitis that occurs in children due to alkaline saliva and digestive enzymes. It can be treated by washing the face regularly, using a bib, and applying mild topical medication or skin creams. In some cases, medical attention may be needed.
A saliva rash is a form of contact dermatitis that can occur around the mouth, face and throat in children. Also known as a rash, it occurs because babies tend to drool and their saliva is alkaline, which irritates the skin. It also contains traces of digestive enzymes that can create further irritation. This condition usually resolves as children get older and develop better control over salivation. In some cases, medical attention may be needed because the baby may also have a skin infection or other problem.
In the mouth, saliva provides lubrication and some of the enzymes needed to start the digestive process. Newborns, who are still developing motor control, tend to drool and drool, leaving deposits of saliva around their mouths. This can cause a rash that may be raised, reddish, and bumpy. The rash of saliva can come and go over time.
Several measures can be used to address a rash. Regularly washing a child’s face with a mild soap designed for newborns and patting it dry can reduce skin irritation. This will remove the saliva deposits so they don’t have a chance to cause skin irritation, without leaving your skin moist; this can cause eczema over time. Using a bib to catch saliva during mealtimes can also help, as can wiping the face with a moistened washcloth after your baby has eaten.
Sometimes a saliva eruption occurs at the same time as a bacterial infection. Surface bacteria or fungi can take advantage of the skin irritation to start colonizing the skin, in which case the rash could get worse and the baby could be in pain. A mild topical medication can treat the infection until it goes away. It is recommended that you speak to a pediatrician or other medical professional experienced in child care about which medications to use, as baby’s skin is delicate and some preparations may be too harsh for the face.
Skin creams are also available to soothe skin irritation and keep the skin lubricated to reduce the incidence of eczema. If a child has a recurring rash that persists despite keeping the face clean, and an exam reveals no signs of an underlying bacterial infection, it may be advisable to consider using a baby moisturizer. These products can reduce the discomfort. It can take several days to be fully effective and it is again important to use a product that is safe for children to avoid damaging the fragile skin on the face.
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