Baby acne, eczema, nappy rash . . . these are skin conditions that often affect the little ones. Find out why and how best to prevent and treat them here.

Source: NaifCare.com

1. Baby acne 

Pimples on your baby's face? Yes, it is possible. Babies can also suffer from acne. This is often caused by hormones. Many mothers think it is caused by breastfeeding, but it often starts in the womb. The hormones that are passed on through the umbilical cord remain present in your baby for a while after birth. As with adults, pimples are caused by the accumulation of extra sebum. This causes the pores to become clogged. Baby acne does not necessarily occur immediately after birth. Your baby may suffer from it for up to four weeks after giving birth.

In addition to normal baby acne, there is another type of acne: Erythema Neonatorum Toxicum, also known as ENT. With ENT, the bumps tend to be light yellow or white and feel more solid. Unfortunately, there is no specific cause for this type of acne. What we do know is that ENT is just as harmless as baby acne and most of the time disappears within about a week. With baby acne, it is not recommended to apply greasy creams. This will cause even more congestion. Patience is literally a virtue in this case.

 

2. Eczema 

More than 1 in 10 babies suffer from this skin condition. There are different types of eczema, of which constitutional eczema is the most common in babies. This form of eczema is also known as atopic eczema and is characterised by red spots, flaky skin, blisters, bumps and itching. It is particularly prominent on the face, such as on the cheeks, but also near the ears. As the child grows older, the eczema often moves to the hollows of the knees, wrists, ankles and the corners of the elbows.

Unfortunately, not much is known about the cause, but we do know that babies who suffer from eczema may have a food allergy.

What to do when you have eczema? 

We have put together the following tips to help you minimise your baby's eczema:

• Grease, grease, grease. It is important to keep the skin greasy in order to minimise itching. Apply an oily cream to your mini-me, such as our Nurturing Cream! This cream contains cottonseed oil and almond oil, so ultra hydrating ;)

• Keep your little one's nails as short as possible! The shorter their nails are, the less likely they are to scratch. Socks on the hands also helps.

• Dress your baby as breezy as possible and use natural fabrics. This is also very important when it comes to preventing baby acne.

• Washing your child every day is not necessary. Long, hot showers or baths can dry out the skin. In addition, use an oil-based washing product, such as a Milky Bath Oil.

 

3. Nappy rash

Does your mini-me have a red bottom? Nappy rash is very common and is characterised by red skin around the buttocks, chafing and sometimes open wet spots, ouch! This type of rash may look like baby acne at first glance, but it is not. You can recognise nappy rash by the open, damp patches that appear. Fortunately, there is a solution: bottom cream! Zinc oxide is known to protect, cool and heal the skin. Naïf's Bottom Cream contains zinc oxide as the main ingredient and, in addition, camomile and vitamin E as soothing ingredients. Prevent nappy rash by changing the diaper immediately after peeing or pooing and gently pat the bottom dry or let it air dry. Also beware of wipes, which can often contain irritants such as phenoxyethanol, which can further irritate the skin. Use a natural oil, such as coconut oil and/or water to cleanse the skin. 

 

4. Heat rash

This rash often occurs in the summer, but can also occur when a baby is dressed too warmly. Heat rash often comes in the form of small blisters filled with fluid. Blisters are common in areas with glands (armpits, face, neck). There are four types of heat rash:

• Miliaria crystalline: blockage of the glands on the surface of the skin. Lumps form, filled with clear fluid. These nodules often disappear after a few hours.

• Miliaria rubra: the blockage goes deeper into the skin. This is noticeable through red bumps that appear. These bumps also cause itching.

• Miliaria profunda: with this type, the blockage goes deeper into the skin and sweat leaks from the glands into the skin. This is accompanied by itching and pain.

• Miliaria pustulosa: when the bumps become infected with bacteria, Miliaria pustulosa is formed. Pus then forms on the bumps. This form is also accompanied by itching and pain.

It is very important not to apply an oily cream to your little one when he has a heat rash. Instead, apply a diaper cream, as this has a soothing and cooling effect.

 

5. Cradle Cap

A common skin condition in babies. It is the white or yellowish-white flakes/crusts on the scalp. There is no need to worry about it. Lots of babies have it. In fact, even children of a slightly older age can be affected. It is just not very attractive looking. What to do? Spread some oil on the head and you can comb it out in no time. For very small babies, we recommend just leaving it in place. Only when the fontanel has grown together can you gently comb it away. The Naïf Soothing Baby Oil is perfect for this! 

 

6. Stork bite

A red mark on the head. It is caused by the stork when bringing the baby. At least, that's how the fable goes. Goes away by itself.

 

7. Strawberry Mark

Strawberry spot: Also called hemangioma. A benign tumour, consisting of small blood vessels. In principle, there is nothing wrong with it, but if the spot grows larger or it starts to fester, it is wise to call in professional help. Most spots fade and disappear.

 

8. Pigment spot

A darker or lighter spot on the skin that often goes away through time. Or it won't, but that's OK too - in any case, it's nothing to worry about.

 

9. Wine stain 

A wine stain is a kind of pigmentation spot, but reddish-purple in colour. The spot grows with your child and the size may vary. It does not disappear by itself, but can be reduced with laser treatments. Only when your child is fully grown-up, of course.

 

10. Mongolian spot

This occurs in babies with a darker skin tone. It is a blue-black spot, caused by pigment cells in the fat layer of the skin. When new skin layers appear, the spot often disappears. This usually happens around the tenth year of life.