Common irritations on baby’s skin
Baby’s skin is exposed to many irritations from folds, sweat, diapers … We teach you to know and treat them.
The baby’s skin is especially delicate. It is thinner than that of adults and presents greater weakness in the different layers. All this makes it more vulnerable to bacteria, temperature changes and chemicals (for example, some creams, detergents, colognes, shampoos, gels, etc.).
This irritation manifests itself in the form of redness, pimples, sores or eczema . All this is very uncomfortable for the baby and worrying for the parents, what is the reason for the irritation of the baby’s skin? What can we do to calm her down?
Index
WHY IS BABY’S SKIN IRRITATED
The baby’s skin has many folds (in the armpits, on the thighs, on the belly, etc.), especially if the baby is more plump. In these folds, sweat, dirt, remnants of creams or other frequently used products and humidity accumulate. These factors cause fungi, bacteria and viruses to proliferate. The skin becomes irritated and may rise, swell, or flake. Different areas of the baby’s body can suffer irritation and it is very important that we know what areas they are and how we can treat them.
IF THE DIAPER AREA BECOMES IRRITATED
It is very common for the diaper area to become irritated, especially the genitals and thighs. It is very common especially in the first months of life. This is because the urea in the baby’s urine is turned into ammonia by bacteria. In addition, factors such as the change of diet generate a more acidic urine that affects the baby’s skin. Diarrhea and teething also cause changes in skin tolerance and cause irritation. An excess of humidity also generates irritation, not only in this area of the body, but in other folds. In turn, some medications, especially oral antibiotics, produce bacteria in the urine and cause the appearance of fungi. In the latter case, their treatment is more durable and specific, so we must consult with the pediatrician.
To calm it, it is very important to clean and dry the area well. The less chemicals we apply to the baby, the better. It is recommended to clean the area with a soft sponge and pH neutral soap, which we can easily find in supermarkets or pharmacies. Wipes are a good resource, especially outside the home, but they are still packed with chemicals. If you have time and patience, another option is to make our own homemade wipes based on boiled water, neutral soap, virgin olive oil and apple cider vinegar (you can find different preparation formulas on the internet).
After using the wipe, apply a protective cream based on petrolatum (Vaseline) and white zinc oxide (this is more pasty but very effective). Also, it is just as important to change the baby’s diaper regularly (between 7 and 8 times a day). If possible, try to keep these body parts outdoors as long as possible, without a diaper.
IF THE SKIN IS IRRITATED BY SWEAT
The irritation in this case is caused by an immaturity of the baby’s sweat glands. Sweat creates moisture, and moisture is a nest for bacteria in the body. It is important to control temperature changes: not overcoat the baby, not expose him to excessively hot environments, be attentive to the state of the skin in situations of fever, etc. A natural remedy for this can be to bathe the baby in warm water with baking soda and then gently dry him with a soft towel without generating friction.
IF THE BABY HAS SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS
Seborrheic dermatitis is caused by excess activity of the sebaceous glands (they are responsible for lubricating the skin and fighting microbes). It is an inflammation of the skin. Especially the scalp, face, nose, eyebrows and eyelids become inflamed. It manifests as a red, scaly, itchy rash.
In mild or moderate cases you can apply almond oil and a suitable shampoo. In more severe cases, it will be necessary to apply a steroid cream.
IF THE BABY HAS ATOPIC DERMATITIS
It is the most common skin condition in childhood. 20% of children in Spain suffer from it. It consists of an inflammation of the skin that appears between two and eighteen months of life. The skin becomes red, flaky and dry producing a strong itch. It can disturb the baby’s sleep and on some occasions it can scratch excessively and cause skin wounds. It affects areas of increased sweating and the neck, ankles, knees and elbows.
The causes of atopic dermatitis are unclear. It can be of hereditary origin, due to an allergy, infection or for psychological reasons . The best thing is that it is the pediatrician who performs a clinical analysis to determine the cause and the treatment.
A corticosteroid-based cream or anti-inflammatory cream is usually administered. In some more severe cases, antibiotics may be necessary. At home, we can reduce contact with water, use special pH neutral soaps that do not contain so many chemicals, make sure to dry the child’s skin well, dress him in 100% cotton clothing, like bedding, moisturize the baby skin with special cream for atopic skin, avoid bathing the baby every day, pour two or three drops of body oil into the bath water but avoid rubbing his body directly with body oil. In addition, there are hypoallergenic laundry detergents on the market for atopic or sensitive skin. Likewise, medical monitoring of this condition is very important.
IF YOU GET BITTEN BY AN INSECT
Due to the vulnerability of the baby’s skin, the bite of a simple common insect can cause hives and rashes. Given this, the sting area should be cleaned with a physiological solution and covered with gauze to prevent the baby from scratching.
Therefore, proper body hygiene, avoiding excess moisture and preventing the use of products with excessive chemicals, can improve the condition of your baby’s skin and prevent major conditions.
Dr. Tabriella Perivolaris, Sara's mother and fan of fashion, beauty, motherhood, among others, about the female universe. Since 2018 she has been working as a copywriter, always bringing to her articles a little of her experience and experience as a mother and woman.