Baby Skin Rashes, Causes of Rashes and Treatment

Babies are susceptible to a wide assortment of rashes and skin irritations. For example diaper rash is very common and as a rule poses no long term health risk. Baby skin rashes are often the result of accumulated contact with moisture, or fecal matter. They may also be due to fungus and viral infections. Rashes may also be attributed to oil in the skin or like cradle cap, may have no known cause.

Diaper dermatitis (diaper rash) shows up as patches of inflamed, reddened skin. It is generally associated with prolonged contact of a baby’s skin to fecal matter and urine. Sometimes a fungal infection called Candida is implicated in diaper rash as well. Babies that are formula feed may experience more outbreaks of diaper rash than breast fed babies because their waste matter may contain more irritating enzymes and other byproducts. Diaper rash may be minimized by using diapers that are absorbent. This type of baby skin rash also responds well to frequent diaper changes and the use of ointments made from zinc, vitamin A or petroleum jelly.

Fungus may also lead to tinea. Tinea that affects the scalp is called tinea capitis, and when it is on the body it is called tinea corporis, also known as ringworm. Baby skin rashes that are caused by fungal growth are treated with anti-fungal creams. These creams may elicit an allergic reaction in some infants, so caution using them may be advised.

Eczema is another condition that may lead to a baby skin rash. There is no known cause of eczema although there may be a genetic factor. For instance, in families with a history of allergies, there may be an elevated risk that off spring develop eczema. Cradle cap is another rash with mysterious origins. Cradle cap and its associated red and yellow rash, is considered harmless and common. Regular shampooing and the use of mineral oil seems to help significantly. Viral infections like molluscum contagiosum and roseola are also common and treatable.

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