1) Infant Acne:
Age: ~3-4 weeks
Looks: tiny, firm, pus-filled pimples that have a slight redness around the
base on faces, can spread to shoulder and back.
Causes: Hormones present at the end of the pregnancy stimulate oil glands in
baby’s skin, and he oil clogs pores.
Treatments: not necessary, disappear on its own within a few weeks.
When to worry: if pimples not small and hard but large and squishy, and seems
to have liquid pus in them, or if there is more than a little redness around
the base. This may be a sign of bacteria infection.
2)Eczema:
Age: usually the first signs starts at 3 months of age.
Looks: different in infants than in older children, should be diagnosed by
PED or dermatologist. For infants, it typically appear on their cheeks, trunk,
or scalp; the area look red, scaly, and sometimes crusty. In toddlers and
older kids, the rash is confined o the folds of the arms and legs and the
diaper area; it looks red, but it isn’t crusty or scaly. In severe cases, the
skin can even thicken. Itchy and can cause significant discomfort.
Treatments: drug-wise, Elidel and Protopic are not cortisone-based and can be
used safely for longer periods of time (Note from me – Elidel is considered
by PEDs to be used on babies under 2, however, FDA suggests not using on
babies under 2)
Dailycare-wise: Moisture your baby’s skin everyday with a bland lubricant
right after bath; do not let babies in bath for too long (<10mins); Keep
temperature/humidity right;
Trim nails often.
When to worry: When after treatment the eczema does not get better, which may
indicate some allergy or bacteria infection
3)Cradle Cap:
Age: first occur in baby’s first 3 months of life
Looks: weepy, yellowish scales that dry to crust, can also be slightly red,
not itchy though.
Treatments: most cases will clear up on their own by the time baby is 8-12
months old, often sooner, whether you treat it or not.
Sometimes it can spread to face, behind the ears, and to the neck, armpits,
and diaper area. In this case, you need to see a doc for medication