Your holding your newborn close 8 inches from your face, staring
into all his perfection, taking in the miracle you created, and then you start
noticing that the "Baby Smooth" perfect skin you expected him to be
born with, isn't so smooth after all. It's dry, it's peeling, it flaky -
what is this?!
No worries, that
baby smooth skin will come around, but first he has to shed some skin.
Don't pick at the peeling skin, let it fall away naturally to reveal the
healthy skin below. In utero, your baby's skin is covered in a white,
cheese like substance called Vernix Caseosa. You may continue to see this
in the folds of his skin, leave it there, it will moisturize his skin.
Mother's often
bring their babies to me questioning there skin - is it heat? allergies?
Often their is no reason to worry. Your newborn’s skin is being exposed to a brand new atmosphere. During this time you may notice rashes, bumps, discoloration – most of this is normal. If you see your infant has any of the following skin conditions, there is no need to apply ointments, creams, etc; will resolve if left alone. Please review some of the common skin conditions in newborns:
- Milia
Tiny white
bumps/yellow spots caused by secretions
from your
infants skin glands. The bumps are on
the chin,
cheeks, nose and will clear up within the
first 3 weeks
- Erythema Toxicum
--Reddened areas with white bumps in the middle. This common rash appears within the first few
days of your newborn’s life and will clear up.
- Heat Rash
Tiny sweat blisters/red bumps due to exposure to
humid climates. Often shows up in skin folds. Will away within a few days.
- Mongolian Spots
Flat, pigmented area of skin (varied in size) that
appears gray, brown, or blue (looks like bruise). Most often located on the back and more
common in dark-skinned infants.
Generally disappear by school age
~Cradle and All, *Cribside Care for Baby, Peace of Mind for Mommy
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