Common Skin Issues In Babies And How To Prevent Them

As a parent, naturally you’ll want to do all you can to protect your baby, which is why it can be extremely distressing when your little bundle of joy starts to develop issues with their skin.

The good thing is, in most cases these are nothing to worry about and your baby's skin should clear up within a few months when they’ve acclimatised to their new environment and their immune system has developed. 

But if you’re concerned about your baby’s skin and you’re looking for some information and guidance, then you've come to the right place. Here, we discuss the most common skin complaints seen in young infants and we’ll also offer some advice on how you can prevent or avoid them.

Skin Sensitivities

Babies have ultra-sensitive skin, particularly in the first few weeks and months of their life. This is because their skin is thinner and more delicate, making it more susceptible to irritation.

A baby's skin can become irritated due to a number of environmental factors, and this irritation can manifest in a range of skin issues. These include:

Cradle Cap

Seborrheic dermatitis, known colloquially as cradle cap, is a common skin condition that affects some infants. It appears as scaly, crusty patches on the baby's scalp, hence the name!

While it's usually harmless, it can be unsightly and extremely itchy, which will cause a degree of discomfort and could mean you have an unhappy baby on your hands!

Nappy Rash

Nappy rash is a skin cognition that can affect any baby. It shows up as red, irritated skin around the groin and bum, and it can be extremely uncomfortable for your baby.

It usually occurs as a result of your baby's skin being exposed to wetness and moisture for extended periods, so keeping the area dry and using the right skincare products can help prevent nappy rash.

Erythema Toxicum

Erythema toxicum is a rash that affects many newborn babies. It shows up in red spots or blotches with small yellowish pustules at the centre. Although the appearance of this condition can be alarming for parents, it's harmless and will usually go away on its own.

Eczema

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis as it’s medically known, is characterised by red, itchy skin. Although eczema can show up at any age, in many cases it first surfaces in infancy and it can be triggered by various factors, including genetics and environmental conditions.

Fungal Infections

Babies are more susceptible to fungal infections due to their underdeveloped immune system, and these can affect an infant’s skin, leading to red and itchy patches.

Certain products can trigger yeast infections, while moist, warm conditions also help the fungus to thrive. So keep these in mind to help prevent or combat fungal skin ailments in your baby.

How Natural/Vegan Baby Moisturisers Help

As they’re very often formulated with all-natural ingredients, as well as being free from harsh chemicals, fragrances and potential allergens, vegan baby moisturisers can be a god-send for your little one’s skin.

Here’s how an all-natural moisturiser could help soothe your baby’s skin and help prevent the skin problems we’ve mentioned above:

Cradle Cap

For parents trying to find a solution for their baby’s cradle cap, vegan moisturisers can offer a soothing solution. Our gentle, natural formulas can help soften the skin and alleviate the itchiness. Try our award winning baby oil.

Nappy Rash

Some vegan moisturisers can help by creating a protective barrier on your baby's skin, which helps shield the area from moisture and prevents nappy rash.

Managing Eczema

Eczema can pose challenges for parents as it can often be painful for their babies. In severe cases, you may require specialist creams prescribed by your GP. However, your baby might also benefit from the soothing properties of a natural vegan cream as in many cases these products help lock in moisture and offer relief from itchy, inflamed skin. If your baby is already eating solids avoid dairy milk and products as these are amongst the known eczema triggers.

Fighting Fungal Infections

If your baby has a fungal infection, again this may well require anti-fungal cream from your doctor. However, that’s not to say you can’t get some relief from a  natural moisturiser as ingredients like tea tree oil, aloe vera and coconut oil possess antifungal properties that can help combat fungal infections.

So that’s how a good-quality, all-natural vegan baby moisturiser can help treat and prevent your infant’s skin complaints. As mentioned, most of these are usually nothing to worry about, but they can be unsightly and uncomfortable, so clearly you’ll want to do all you can to improve the condition of your baby’s skin.