7 things you should know about... baby skin

Rashes, bumps, spots and other skin conditions are common, especially during your little one’s first year. EVELINE GAN finds out what every parent should know about infant skin and how to care for it.

- Eveline Gan

1 Don’t expect baby-smooth skin.

In reality rashes, bumps, spots and other irritations are common, especially during your little one’s first year because his skin is still developing.

The topmost layer (known as the epidermal barrier) doesn’t fully mature until he is around one year old, says Dr Lynn Chiam from Children and Adult Skin, Hair and Laser Clinic at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Medical Centre.

Compared to older kids, infant skin is 20 to 30 per cent thinner, shares Dr Ong Ian, a paediatrician at Thomson Paediatric Centre (Katong). This makes it less resilient and more prone to drying out and irritation.

Besides, babies come into contact regularly with milk and food stains, as well as urine and faeces, all of which can cause further irritation to their birthday suit, Dr Chiam points out.

2 Most newborn rashes are harmless, but...

Most skin rashes on your little one are usually not dangerous and clear up on their own, shares Dr Ong. For instance, those pearly white bumps (known as milia) or pimples (baby acne) on his face typically disappear over time.

But this differs for every child. “While some skin issues like baby acne may get better on its own over time, some infants can get more severe forms and may need treatment,” says Dr Chiam. “It is important to get the correct diagnosis before deciding whether a rash is mild enough to be left alone.”

Sometimes, rashes may also be a warning sign that your baby has some medical issues, such as hand, foot and mouth disease, chickenpox, measles, dengue and brain infection.

Consult a doctor if you notice the following symptoms, Dr Ong advises. If your baby:

• has fever and pain accompanying the rash, looks generally unwell, and is cranky and irritable.