Soaps, detergents, urine, stool, saliva, and solvents are common causes of irritant dermatitis.Īllergic dermatitis occurs when you're exposed to something you're allergic to, such as poison ivy, cosmetics, food, or dye. It can occur in anyone and often happens after repeated exposure. Irritant contact dermatitis is the most common type. Contact dermatitis is a vesicular rash that occurs after exposure to something you're allergic to or that irritates you. Viral diseases that can cause a vesicular rash include:Ĭontact dermatitis. Bacterial diseases that can cause a vesicular rash include: Vesicular rashes that are caused by viruses and bacteria often occur with a fever. It normally goes away on its own within 10 days.īacterial and viral causes. It appears around 30 minutes after exposure to the sun, often on areas of the body that are covered in the winter, such as the arms and upper chest. It usually happens after the first sun exposure of the year, in the spring or early summer. Polymorphous light eruption is a rash that develops in people who have a sensitivity to the sun. They usually go away on their own, but you may need to see a doctor if they don't. They usually appear a few hours after you've been in the cold. It usually goes away on its own, but severe cases may need medical care.Ĭhilblains are small, itchy patches that usually appear on your fingers or toes after you've been exposed to cold, but not freezing, weather. In adults, it's usually in the folds of skin and places where clothing rubs.

In babies, the rash is usually on the neck, shoulders, and chest. It tends to happen in hot, humid weather. This category includes rashes that result from issues such as exposure to the elements, chemicals, or insect venom.Ī heat rash develops when you have blocked pores that trap sweat under your skin. There are many conditions that can cause a vesicular rash. Most vesicular rashes are harmless and will go away, but there are some serious diseases that can cause vesicular rashes. A vesicular rash occurs when there are vesicles in the area of your rash. It can range in size from pinpoint to 5 millimeters, which is about the size of a pencil eraser. Thankfully, most rashes in newborns and infants are not harmful but can certainly be frustrating for parents! Keep in mind, however, that some rashes can be quite serious in infants (such as herpes or bacterial meningitis) so if a rash seems unusual or severe, or if the baby is ill or febrile, contact your child's doctor.Īlisen Huske is a pediatrician with 16th Street Community Health Centers.A vesicle is a small, fluid-filled blister. Sometimes the baby's skin is sensitive to the diaper material itself so changing brands may be necessary. Changing diapers promptly, removing all stool from crevices using a fragrance free wipe and then applying a barrier cream with every diaper change will help. As the baby gets older, diaper rashes will come and go. I personally like A&D Original Ointment because it is clear so it allows for easier monitoring of the rash and its properties help to both heal and protect. Time and frequent application of barrier cream will help. During the first week of life, frequent stooling can turn the skin around the anus quite raw. If it is severe despite your efforts, your doctor may be able to discuss available prescription creams. If cradle cap is mild, often the best treatment is to ignore it.

Just make sure your baby doesn't get ahold of the oil as it can be fatal if swallowed. Working baby oil into the scalp and gently combing it away can help too. A small amount of anti-dandruff shampoo can help if applied for a few minutes to the scalp twice a week, taking care to avoid getting it into the baby's eyes. Many babies suffer from these scales on the scalp up until 1 year of age. But what about all those wonderful smelling baby products the baby was given? Feel free to save them for later as most babies will outgrow their “baby eczema” by 1 year old.

For those tougher red patches, consult with your baby's doctor about using hydrocortisone ointment along with the petroleum jelly.

I prefer the original liquid Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser for bathing and a good petroleum jelly like Aquaphor Healing Ointment at least twice a day for soothing and protecting baby skin. Use only gentle, fragrance free cleansers and moisturizers.

Bathe only when needed (once a week may be fine in the winter).

The best treatment is prevention. The first rule is to avoid drying out sensitive baby skin. The face is most often involved in young babies but dry skin and red, even oozing patches may be seen over the whole body in more severe cases. Often what follows heat rash is more dry, sensitive skin.

Pinpoint rash baby