Understanding The Plaques On The Skin Of Newborns – Being Parents

A newborn baby’s skin is extremely fragile and will continue to change in appearance during the first weeks of life.

Small red patches on the skin of the newborn may even appear but this should not alarm parents, as they are normal. If you are wondering what these red patches are on newborn skin, don’t miss this article.

True, the appearance of plaques on the skin of the newborn can occur on any part of the body. In general, they appear more often on the hands, soles of the feet and ankles.

This is because all babies lose the outer layer of their skin in the first two or three weeks after birth.

In addition, the amount of plaques on the newborn’s skin can vary from baby to baby. It often depends on the details of the birth. If the baby was born prematurely, if the birth was on time or was delayed.

In other cases, red patches can appear as a result of conditions that require treatment.

However, some degree of dryness in the skin after birth is quite normal and usually goes away on its own. Usually, this does not require any special care on your part.

Causes of plaques on newborn skin

If your baby’s skin appears to be dry or begins to peel off in the weeks after birth, learning more may allay your concerns. We show you the main causes below:

1. Ichthyosis

First of all, a genetic condition called ichthyosis can cause flaking and dryness of the skin. This condition of the skin causes peeling, itching and peeling of the skin.

The doctor can diagnose this condition in the baby through the family’s medical history and after a physical exam. During this examination, the doctor may also take a sample of blood or skin.

There is no cure for ichthyosis, but regular application of creams will relieve dryness and improve the condition of your baby’s skin.

2. Eczema

In some cases, a skin condition called eczema or atopic dermatitis causes flaking and dry skin. Eczema can cause dry patches, redness and itching on the baby’s dermis.

This problem does not usually appear immediately after birth, but can develop later in childhood.

Its exact cause is still unknown, but several factors are considered to trigger a seizure, including exposure to irritants such as shampoos and detergents.

Some tips for reducing plaques on newborn skin

If the little one seems uncomfortable because of the peeling skin, the most important thing is to relieve the discomfort. In addition to this care, the love and special attention of the parents is what will help him the most.

Here are some tips that will help you reduce plaques on your child’s skin:

1. Baths with lukewarm water

Hot water dries up the skin for people of all ages, including newborns. If your little one has patches on their skin, you shouldn’t use too hot water.

Lukewarm water baths are ideal for sensitive newborn skin, always respecting the special recommendations for the hygiene of these babies.

2. Use baby shampoo

To help treat and prevent peeling skin, simply wash your newborn with a shampoo specially formulated for babies. It is likely that the soap you are using for you is too harsh for her delicate skin.

3. Use a humidifier

Using a humidifier at home can make all the difference in treating your baby’s skin. Humidifiers add moisture to the air, which helps treat and prevent flaking of the skin.

It’s extremely simple: place the humidifier in the room where the baby spends the most time and let it run for a few hours whenever the air is a little too dry.

4. Limit time in the tub

Baths can have harmful effects on the baby’s skin. Prolonged periods in the bathwater can wash away natural oils and make the baby more susceptible to flaking. Therefore, reduce bath time and you will quickly see the difference on baby’s skin.

5. Moisturize the baby frequently

Maintaining constant fluid levels in the body is absolutely necessary. The established routine for breastfeeding or formula feeding should be strictly followed.

Also, you should avoid skipping takes at all costs. Diet and hydration help restore moisture to the skin.

Finally, remember that the appearance of plaques on the skin of the newborn is normal and should not be too worrying for you. In any case, with the advice we have given you, you now know the origin of this problem and how to fix it.