Table of contents:
- Important facts about baby skin and its care
- 1. Baby's skin is very sensitive
- 2. The skin can also be spotty
- 3. Prone to sunburn
- 3. Not all babies have birthmarks
- 4. Crusted scalp can disappear on its own
- 5. Prickly heat often appears
- 6. Babies do not need to use powder
- 7. Do not wash it frequently
- 8. Diaper rash can be prevented
Babies are born with skin that is much more sensitive than adults. If you are not careful in caring for it, it could be dangerous. That is why, understanding everything about baby skin can be one way to determine the best treatment for him.
Important facts about baby skin and its care
1. Baby's skin is very sensitive
Baby's skin is still very thin, fragile, and sensitive. That's why babies are so prone to rashes, eczema, irritation, and even dry skin. Therefore, choose baby care products that are pH balanced, free from chemicals and allergens, and 100% detergent free.
Also, choose soft and comfortable clothes for him to reduce the risk of irritated and allergic skin of the baby. Caring for baby skin is arguably a little complicated and requires a lot of patience. But, understanding these three keys, maybe it can help your worries.
- Find out what conditions you can still treat at home.
- Find out what conditions require medical care.
- Find out how to prevent skin problems.
2. The skin can also be spotty
Acne in babies is not the same as acne in teenagers. Research shows that acne in babies is caused by yeast, not oil. The skin will be more blotchy around the nose and cheeks. However, this condition usually goes away on its own within a few weeks.
3. Prone to sunburn
Avoid exposing your little one to direct sunlight, especially at 10 am to 4 pm. The reason is, a baby's skin is very sensitive to sunlight and can burn quickly because he has not developed melanin to protect his own skin.
So, if you are forced to take him outside of a room that allows him to be exposed to sunlight, you can apply a special baby sunscreen to his skin. Don't forget, also use a head protector, goggles, and an umbrella whenever you take him out.
3. Not all babies have birthmarks
Most babies have birthmarks on their skin. The location can be anywhere. Birthmarks, which generally look characteristic on this skin, are not inherited. So, even if you have a birthmark on a certain body part, your little one may not necessarily have it in the same place, or he may not even have it at all.
Generally, birthmarks are nothing to worry about and don't need treatment. But, if your little one's birthmark worries you, talk to your pediatrician.
4. Crusted scalp can disappear on its own
Crusty scalp can appear during the first or second month of birth. Usually this condition is not dangerous and will go away on its own over time. Crusted scalp in medical language is called seborrheic dermatitis, this is caused by too much oil production. This condition generally appears followed by a red rash and scaly skin that is yellowish, thick, and accompanied by oil on the area of the head, eyebrows, eyelids, side of the nose, or behind the ear.
5. Prickly heat often appears
Prickly heat is a common problem that babies often experience, causing small pink bumps. Usually prickly heat appears on the parts of the baby's body that sweat the most, such as the neck, groin area, armpits, and skin folds.
A cool, dry environment and loose clothing are the best ways to treat this condition.
6. Babies do not need to use powder
Babies can inhale very fine powder pellets. This makes him prone to lung problems. Especially in babies who have respiratory problems such as asthma. So, you should avoid using the powder too often on your baby.
7. Do not wash it frequently
Remember, baby's skin is very soft and sensitive. So make sure the skin is well protected. A baby's skin that is in contact with water too often, more than three times a week, can erode the natural oil levels in his body. In fact, this oil is a natural moisturizer that can keep the skin from drying out.
You just need to clean the body by simply wiping it with a soft wet towel 2-3 times a week. Especially for the genital area, you can clean it with a little water or add soap. But remember, choose a special baby soap that does not contain detergents.
8. Diaper rash can be prevented
If your baby has red skin around the groin area, this is a sign that he has diaper rash. The principal rash results from irritation due to:
- Wearing diapers that are too tight
- Wearing wet diapers for too long
- Sensitive to certain brands of detergents, diapers, or baby wipes
Many new parents mistake all babies for diaper rash. In fact, although this condition is quite common, diaper rash is very preventable. You can avoid diaper rash by:
- Immediately change a dirty or wet diaper and do this as often as possible.
- Clean all parts of the skin that are often covered by diapers thoroughly, especially in every skin fold.
- Don't let your baby always wear diapers. Baby's skin also needs good air circulation in order to "breathe". The more often the baby's skin is free from diapers and is exposed to air, the less risk of diaper rash.
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