What are Newborn Rashes

Your newborn’s skin goes through many changes during the first few weeks of life. Some of these changes may show up as areas of red, raised, or irritated skin (rash).

Many parents worry when their baby develops a rash, but many newborn rashes are completely normal and go away without treatment. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns.

What are some common types of newborn rashes?

Milia

• Milia appear as tiny, hard, yellow or white lumps. Many newborns get this kind of rash.
• Milia can appear on:
  • The face.
  • The chest.
  • The back.
  • The scalp.

Heat rash

• Heat rash is a blotchy, red rash that looks like small bumps and spots.
• It often shows up in skin folds or on parts of the body that are covered by clothing or diapers.
• This is also commonly called prickly rash or sweaty rash.

Erythema toxicum (E tox)

• E tox looks like small, yellow-colored blisters surrounded by redness on your baby’s skin. The spots of the rash can be blotchy.
• This is a common rash, and it usually starts 2 or 3 days after birth.
• This rash can appear on:
  • The face.
  • The chest.
  • The back.
  • The arms.
  • The legs.

Neonatal acne

• This is a type of acne that often appears on a newborn’s face, especially on:
  • The forehead.
  • The nose.
  • The cheeks.

Pustular melanosis

• This rash causes blisters (pustules) that are not surrounded by a blotchy red area.
• This rash can appear on any part of the body, even on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.
• This is a less common newborn rash. It is more common among African-American newborns.

Do newborn rashes cause any pain?

Rashes can be irritating and itchy. They can become painful if they get infected. Contact your baby’s health care provider if your baby has a rash and is becoming fussy or seems uncomfortable.

How are newborn rashes diagnosed?

To diagnose a rash, your baby’s health care provider will:

• Do a physical exam.
• Consider your baby’s other symptoms and overall health.
• Take a sample of fluid from any pustules to test in a lab, if necessary.

Do newborn rashes require treatment?

Many newborn rashes go away on their own. Some may require treatment, including:

• Changing bathing and clothing routines.
• Using over-the-counter lotions or a cleanser for sensitive skin.
• Lotions and ointments as prescribed by your baby’s health care provider.

What should I do if I think my baby has a newborn rash?

If you are concerned about your baby’s rash, talk with your baby’s health care provider. You can take these steps to care for your newborn’s skin:

• Bathe your baby in lukewarm or cool water.
• Do not let your baby overheat.
• Use recommended lotions or ointments only as directed by your baby’s health care provider.

Can newborn rashes be prevented?

You can help prevent some newborn rashes by:

• Using skin products, including a moisturizer, for sensitive skin.
• Washing your baby only a few times a week.
• Using a gentle cloth for cleansing.
• Patting your baby’s skin dry after bathing. Avoid rubbing the skin.
• Preventing overheating, such as removing extra clothing.

Do not use baby powder to dry damp areas. Breathing in (inhaling) baby powder is not safe for your baby. Instead, your baby’s health care provider may recommend that you sprinkle a small amount of talcum powder on moist areas.

Summary

• Many newborn rashes are completely normal and go away without treatment.
• Patting your baby’s skin dry after bathing, instead of rubbing, may help prevent rashes.
• Do not use baby powder. This can be dangerous if your baby breathes it in.
• If you are concerned about your baby’s rash, or if your baby has a rash and becomes fussy or seems uncomfortable, talk with your baby’s health care provider.