Newborn Rashes and Birthmarks

When to Call for Newborn Rashes and Birthmarks

Care Advice for Newborn Rashes and Birthmarks

1. Acne:
   • More than 30 percent of newborns develop baby acne of the face. Acne consists of small red bumps.
   • This baby acne begins at 2 to 4 weeks of age. It lasts until 4 to 6 months of age.
   • The cause appears to be the transfer of maternal hormones just prior to birth.
   • Since it goes away on its own, no treatment is needed. Baby oil or ointments make it worse.
2. Drooling or Spit-up Rash:
   • Many babies have a rash on the chin or cheeks that comes and goes. This is often due to contact with food. It's more common after starting baby foods. In newborns, it can also be from stomach acid that has been spit up. Prolonged contact with spit-up during sleep can cause the rash to get worse.
   • Other temporary rashes on the face are heat rashes. These can occur in areas held against the mother's skin during nursing. Heat rashes are more common in the summertime.
   • Rinse the face with water after all feedings or spitting up. During hot weather, change the baby's position more often. Also, put a cool wet washcloth on the rash. Do this for 10 minutes.
3. Erythema Toxicum:
   • More than 50 percent of babies get a rash called erythema toxicum. It starts on the second or third day of life.
   • It's a harmless baby rash that doesn't need to be seen.
   • The rash is made up red blotches. They are ½ inch to 1 inch (1 to 2.5 cm). The blotches have a small white or yellow "pimple" in the center.
   • They look like insect bites, but are not. Red blotches are the main feature.
   • They can be numerous, keep occurring, and look terrible. They can occur anywhere on the body surface, except the palms and soles.
   • Their cause is unknown, but they are not an infection.
   • They go away by 1-2 weeks of age.
   • No treatment is needed. Ointments or baby oil make it worse.
4. Skin Injury from Forceps, Scalp Electrode or Birth Canal:
   • The pressure of a forceps on the skin can leave marks. You may see bruises or scrapes anywhere on the head or face.
   • During birth, skin overlying bony prominences can become damaged. You might see this on the sides of the skull bone. This is from pressure from the birth canal. Even without a forceps delivery, you may see bruises or scrapes.
   • Scalp electrodes can also cause scalp scrapes and scabs.
   • The bruises and scrapes will be noted at birth. They will be more noticeable by day 2. They heal over or go away by 1 - 2 weeks of age.
   • A fat tissue injury won't appear until day 5 to 10. Look for a firm coin-shaped lump. It will be under the skin and sometimes with a scab. This lump may take 3 or 4 weeks to go away.
   • For any breaks in the skin, apply an antibiotic ointment (such as Polysporin). No prescription is needed. Use 3 times per day until healed.
   • Call Your Doctor If:
   • It becomes tender to the touch
   • Becomes soft in the center
   • Starts to looks infected
5. Milia:
   • Milia are tiny white bumps that occur on the face. The nose and cheeks are most often involved. Milia can also be seen on the forehead and chin.
   • Milia occur in 40 percent of newborn babies. Present at birth.
   • Milia are many in number. They occur equally on both sides of the face.
   • Although they look like pimples, they are much smaller (pinhead size). They are not infected.
   • They do not look like water blisters.
   • They are blocked-off skin pores. They will open up.
   • Milia will go away by 1 to 2 months of age.
   • No treatment is needed. Ointments or creams can make them worse.
6. Mongolian Spots:
   • A Mongolian spot is a normal bluish-green or bluish-gray flat birthmark. They occur in over 90 percent of Native American, Asian, Hispanic, and African American babies. They are also seen in 10 percent of Caucasians, especially those of Mediterranean descent.
   • They are present at birth.
   • They occur most commonly over the back and buttocks. However, they can be present on any part of the body.
   • They vary greatly in size and shape.
   • They do not indicate illness or any disease.
   • Most fade away by 2 or 3 years of age. A trace may last into adult life.
7. Stork Bites (Pink Birthmarks):
   • Flat pink birthmarks that occur over the bridge of the nose or the eyelids. You can also find them on the back of the neck ("stork bites"). The ones in front are often referred to as "an angel's kiss".
   • They occur in more than 50 percent of newborns. They are present at birth.
   • All the birthmarks on the bridge of the nose and eyelids clear completely. Those on the eyelids clear by 1 year of age. Those on the bridge of the nose may last for a few more years. Those on the forehead from the nose up to the hairline usually last into adulthood. Laser treatment during infancy should be considered. Most birthmarks on the nape of the neck also clear. But, 25 percent can last into adult life.
8. Strawberry Hemangiomas:
   • Strawberry hemangiomas are red birthmarks that are raised or increasing in size.
   • Onset usually between 2-4 weeks of age. Most often, start after 3 weeks of age. Sometimes (although rare), they don't appear until the second month of life.
   • They become larger for 1 year. Then, they fade away over 6 to 8 years without any treatment.
   • They run a small risk of bleeding with trauma. Any bleeding should stop with 10 minutes of direct pressure.
   • Discuss with your child's doctor on the next regular visit. Call sooner if you are concerned.
9. Port-Wine Stain Birthmarks:
   • Present at birth in 1 out of 200 newborns
   • Deeper in color (dark red or purple) than stork bites (salmon patches)
   • Flat, smooth surface
   • Natural course: Do not fade or disappear like stork bites. May become darker.
   • Grow with the child, but cover the same area
   • Treatment: May refer to dermatologist for laser treatments early in infancy
10. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Your baby starts to look or act abnormal in any way
    • You think your child needs to be seen

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.