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Cradle Cap, Nappy Rash And Other Newborn Nasties
Babies are often born with minor illnesses and problems which can be easily
treated at home. The following is a guide to the most common problems – talk to
your pediatrician for more information.
Newborn Acne, Pimples and Rashes:
Newborn acne can be present at birth or appear anytime during the first month.
It usually affects your baby’s cheeks, but it is also possible for your baby to
have pimples on his chin or forehead. Along with pimples your baby may also have
whiteheads. You will probably notice your baby’s newborn acne more when he is
fussy or hot; this is due to increased blood flow to your baby’s skin.
Newborn acne is thought to be caused by immature and clogged sebaceous glands.
It doesn’t cause any major problems for your baby; however, if it does not go
away within six months you may want to have your baby’s pediatrician check his
skin. The doctor may prescribe a special medication that you can apply to the
affected areas. Remember, this condition has nothing to do with cleanliness so
do not scrub at your baby’s skin or apply harsh soaps or creams which aren’t
designed for babies.
Baby Boys and Undescended Testicles:
Most baby boys are born with their testicles descended, but a small number of
babies are born with undescended testicles. Most of these will usually require
no medical attention; the problem usually corrects itself. If it does not,
however, your child will be given medication or hormones which will encourage
the testicles to drop down into the scrotum. If the treatment doesn’t work your
baby may have to undergo surgery. Surgery is usually done on an outpatient
basis.
Caring For Your Baby Girl’s Genitals:
Your baby girl was exposed to many hormones while she was in your uterus, and
these hormones may cause her vagina to be a little swollen at first or to have a
milky, thick discharge. In addition, your newborn baby girl may have a tiny
amount of bleeding during her first few days of life. All of this is completely
normal. As the hormone levels in her body start to decrease these initial
problems will disappear.
You should clean your newborn baby girl thoroughly. This includes her genitals.
To clean your baby girl’s genitals you should carefully spread her labia and
wash between the creases. You should not poke and prod and try to clean the
inside of her vagina. Nature does a thorough job of cleaning it naturally. If
your newborn baby girl has bleeding or if you notice a discharge or foul odor
coming from her vagina, she may have developed an infection. Take her to be
checked by her pediatrician.
Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is harmless but can be stubborn to treat. While no one knows for sure
what causes cradle cap, it is thought to be from an overproduction of oil. If
your baby’s oil glands are working overtime and making too much oil, it can
cause dead skin and oil to cake up on her scalp.
Cradle cap looks like patchy scales which will turn greasy, and may turn yellow,
brown or red. These unsightly patches can cover your baby’s entire head. While
they do not hurt your baby, they may be itchy or irritated. Your baby’s
pediatrician can give you medication to apply to your baby’s head if she has
cradle cap. You can also help to loosen the scales by washing your baby’s head
with warm water and gently brushing it with a soft toothbrush. Gently massaging
your baby's head with olive oil, to which one drop of camomile essential oil has
been added, can also be very effective, although it may take a day or two to see
the results.
Constipation
For the first few days of his life, your newborn baby will pass stools that are
black or dark green and tarry. Regular bowel movements generally start on day
three, and these will be lighter in colour. Your newborn’s bowel movements will
be quite frequent, especially if the baby is breastfed. If your baby is still
passing dark stools and has not transitioned into having regular bowel movements
by day four or five, he may have newborn constipation.
If your baby is showing signs of constipation you should take him to the doctor
immediately. Your baby’s doctor will want to know his feeding schedule, as well
as the amount of wet diapers your baby has on a daily basis.
Nappy Rash
Most babies will get some degree of nappy rash during the first year or two.
Newborns are particularly prone to acquiring this red, inflamed area on the
buttocks, thighs or genitals. Fortunately, treating it is fairly simple.
Anything which irritates the skin can cause diaper rash. A baby’s skin is very
sensitive. Long exposure to urine and faeces is the most common cause, so ensure
you change your baby’s nappies often. Pure urine is not infectious but it mixes
readily with other organisms, providing them with the ideal environment to grow
in. Bacteria are often found in faeces, as a normal part of the body’s disposal
of potentially harmful ‘invaders’.
One organism in particular accounts for a large number of diaper rash cases:
yeast. This common fungus grows well in moist, warm environments, such as soiled
diapers. Even when waste isn’t present, excessive humidity in the air encourages
moisture under the diaper. This condition is especially likely in skin folds
which trap moisture.
For babies who tend to develop nappy rash, avoid diapers or outer pants that
have elastic bands that tighten against the legs. This blocks air flow that
helps to keep the area dry. They may also chafe. For more serious cases, an
antifungal cream may be called for. There are many over-the-counter ointments
and prescription strength creams. With proper care almost all cases of diaper
rash can be conquered within a few days.
You might also be interested in:
Read our Diary Of A New Mum and discover what happens when Jessica-Ann comes
home from the hospital and during her first year at home. This fun read is
perfect for new mums and experienced mums alike! New episodes weekly.
Diary Of A New Mum
More about Newborn Babies
Back to AV Baby home
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