In the Philippines, it’s no secret that the weather can get really, really hot, and this can be tough on your baby’s skin, making way for irritation, redness, or other health concerns. Prickly heat rashes, for instance, are a common occurrence during the summer. Likewise, mosquito bites are also a problem, as these can lead to diseases such as dengue fever.
So, what can you do to keep your baby’s skin healthy?
Here is a list of baby skincare tips, categorized according to the most common concerns that often cause worry for Pinoy mommies and daddies:
- Newborn Babies with Dry and Peeling Skin on the Face
- Bungang Araw or Prickly Heat Rash
- Bumps, Spots, and Rashes
- Diaper Rashes
- Pimples, Whiteheads, and Blackheads
- Birthmarks
- Cradle Cap
- Infant Sunburn
- Eczema
Newborn Babies with Dry and Peeling Skin on the Face
For newborn infants who show signs of dryness in the skin of their cute little faces, you can do any of the following:
- Wash your baby’s face with a very mild Baby Cleanser, using only your fingertips. Do this once or twice a day, and make sure you rinse all the cleanser off afterwards.
- Use a soft washcloth that has been soaked in warm water to gently massage your baby’s face in a circular motion. Do this for about 30 seconds to a minute.
- After you have cleaned and dried your baby’s face, apply a cream hypoallergenic moisturizer for sensitive skin. Be sure to test the product on a small area of your own skin first, to check for any allergic reactions. Choose a moisturizer that is labeled “fragrance-free” and “paraben-free.”
- Try using a humidifier in your baby’s room, especially at night when your little one is sleeping. This will help add moisture to the air and will keep your baby’s skin from drying out.
That being said, it is always best to meet and consult with your precious one’s pediatrician first before taking any steps in addressing a newborn’s dry and peeling skin.
Bungang Araw
For babies who are suffering from bungang araw, or prickly heat rashes, you can try the following:
- Give your baby a lukewarm bath for about 10-15 minutes. You can also add a few drops of lavender oil to the bathwater, as this can help soothe your child’s skin.
- Gently pat your baby dry with a soft towel after the bath, and then apply a hypoallergenic moisturizer or cream. As with any product you use on your baby’s skin, be sure to test it on a small area of your own skin first.
- Dress your baby in loose, comfortable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton. Avoid putting your child in clothes that are tight-fitting or made from synthetic materials, as these can trap heat and sweat against the skin and make the rash worse.
- Keep the house cool and well-ventilated, as excessive heat can aggravate prickly heat rashes. If possible, use an air conditioner or a fan.
- Give your baby’s skin a break from lotions, creams, and other products for a few days, as these can sometimes make the rash worse.
Feel free to visit our blog on easy-to-do bungang araw remedies for babies if you want a more in-depth discussion on this common skin condition.
Bumps, Spots, and Rashes
Meanwhile, for babies who have bumps, spots, or rashes on their skin, you can try any of the following:
- If your baby has a bump that looks like a mosquito bite, apply a cold compress to the area for about 10 minutes. This will help reduce swelling and itchiness.
- If your baby has a rash that is spread out over a large area of their body, give them a lukewarm bath for 10-15 minutes. Similar to treating bungang araw, you can also add a few drops of lavender oil to the bathwater, as this can help soothe your child’s skin. After the bath, gently pat your baby dry with a soft towel and apply a hypoallergenic moisturizer or cream.
- If your baby has spots that look like chickenpox, do not try to burst them. Keep your child’s nails short and clean to prevent them from scratching and further irritating the spots. You can also apply a cold compress to the area for about 10 minutes, to help reduce swelling and itchiness.
- If your baby has a rash that looks like measles or rubella, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, as this can be a serious illness.
- If your baby has a rash that looks like hives, give them a lukewarm bath for 10-15 minutes. After the bath, gently pat your baby dry with a soft towel and apply a gentle moisturizer or cream. You can also try giving your child an antihistamine, as this can help reduce swelling and itchiness.
- If your baby has a rash that looks like eczema, you can try applying a hypoallergenic moisturizer, cream, or herbal therapy oil for sensitive skin to the area several times a day. You can also try giving your child a lukewarm bath for 10-15 minutes, followed by the application of a gentle after-bath ointment, cream, or oil. If these home remedies do not seem to be working, it is important to seek medical attention and see your baby’s pedia, as eczema can be a serious condition.
Diaper Rashes
While it is another common concern for parents, diaper rashes can be irritating for your little one. So, for babies who have diaper rashes, you can try any of the following:
- The most basic thing you can do to bring comfort to your baby’s irritated tushy is giving them a lukewarm bath and then gently dabbing their skin dry with a soft towel. After the bath, apply a hypoallergenic diaper cream, herbal therapy oil for sensitive skin, or ointment to the area.
- If possible, let your baby go without a diaper for a few hours each day, so that their skin can air out.
- Avoid using wipes that contain alcohol or fragrances, as these can irritate the skin. Instead, use plain water or a hypoallergenic wipe.
- If you are using cloth diapers, be sure to wash them in a mild detergent and rinse them well. You may also want to soak the diapers in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 10 parts water before washing them.
- If you are using disposable diapers, be sure to choose a brand that is hypoallergenic, gentle on the skin, and fragrance-free.
- If the diaper rash does not seem to be getting better, or if your baby seems to be in pain, it is important to seek medical attention.
Babies have delicate skin that is often prone to rashes, bumps, and spots. While some of these conditions are harmless and will go away on their own, others can be serious and require medical attention.
If you are unsure about what to do, it is always best to seek the advice of a medical professional. With the proper care, most babies will have healthy and happy skin in no time!
Pimples, Whiteheads, and Blackheads
Just like adults, babies can also get pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. These are usually nothing to worry about and will go away on their own. However, if the pimples are large and painful, or if they seem to be spreading, it is important to seek medical attention.
- To help prevent pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads, be sure to clean your baby’s face gently with a mild cleanser. You can also try using a soft washcloth or cotton balls soaked in lukewarm water.
- If your baby does get pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads, do not try to pop them. This can cause them to become infected.
- To help reduce the swelling and redness of pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads, you can try applying a cold compress to the area for about 10 minutes.
- If the pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads do not seem to be getting better, or if your baby seems to be in pain, it is important to seek medical attention. Be sure to give your baby’s pediatrician a call before doing anything that might worsen the condition.
Birthmarks
Birthmarks are discolored patches on the skin that are present at birth or appear soon after. While most birthmarks are harmless, some can be a sign of a more serious condition.
- Mongolian spots are large, blue-gray birthmarks that usually appear on the lower back and buttocks. They are common in babies of Asian and Native American descent. They are usually nothing to worry about and will fade on their own.
- Strawberry hemangiomas are bright red birthmarks that can appear anywhere on the body. They are common in premature babies and usually grow for the first 6-12 months after birth. They will eventually shrink and disappear on their own.
- Port-wine stains are large, purple birthmarks that can appear anywhere on the body. They are usually permanent and will not fade on their own.
- If you are unsure about what type of birthmark your baby has, it is always best to seek the advice of a medical professional or pay a visit to your baby’s pediatrician.
Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is a condition that causes scaly, flaky skin to form on a baby’s scalp. It is usually nothing to worry about and will go away on its own.
- To help treat cradle cap, you can try gently washing your baby’s hair with a mild shampoo. You can also try using a soft brush or comb to loosen the scales.
- If the cradle cap does not seem to be getting better, or if your baby seems to be in pain, it is important to seek medical attention.
Infant Sunburn
Infant sunburn is a serious condition that can occur when a baby’s skin is exposed to the sun for too long. It is important to take steps to prevent infant sunburn and to seek medical attention if it does occur.
And while it is a usual practice for some mommies to bring out their baby for some sunlight, the American Academy of Pediatrics (or AAP) discourages this, stating that infants younger than 6 months old shouldn’t be directly exposed to sunlight, as their skins are naturally quite sensitive and the sunlight’s UV rays can do more harm than good.
- To help prevent infant sunburn, it is important to keep your baby out of the sun during the hours of 10am and 4pm. If you must take your baby out during these hours, it is important to dress them in light-colored clothing that covers their arms and legs, and to put a hat on their head.
- It is also important to use sunscreen on your baby’s skin when they are outside. Be sure to use a sunscreen that is specifically designed for babies and that has an SPF of at least 15.
- If your baby does get sunburned, it is important to seek medical attention. The symptoms of infant sunburn include red, painful skin, blistering, and fever.
- Taking steps to prevent infant sunburn and seeking medical attention if it does occur is important for the health of your baby.
Eczema
Eczema is a condition that causes the skin to become dry, itchy, and inflamed. It is common in babies and children but can occur at any age. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), eczema – also referred to as “atopic dermatitis” – affects around 25% of children, wherein 60% of those who do have it experience it while they’re a year old.
No cure has yet to be discovered for eczema, but the symptoms and flare-ups can be controlled.
- There are many things that can trigger eczema flare-ups, including food allergies, environmental factors, stress, and illness.
- To help treat eczema, it is important to use a gentle soap and moisturizer on your baby’s skin. You can also try using a cool compress to soothe the itchiness.
- If the eczema does not seem to be getting better, or if your baby seems to be in pain due to its symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention.
Taking Care of Your Baby’s Skin
When it comes to your baby’s skin, it is important to be aware of the different conditions that can occur. Birthmarks, cradle cap, infant sunburn, and eczema are all common conditions that can affect your baby’s skin and make it dry – from the face to the body. By being aware of these conditions and knowing how to treat them, you can help keep your baby’s skin healthy and happy.
If the symptoms of your baby’s skin condition persist, be sure to consult a doctor or see your baby’s pediatrician. Don’t hesitate to contact us today if you have any questions or concerns.