Bringing a baby into the world is an exciting journey, but it also comes with a flood of questions, especially when it comes to newborn skin.
Questions such as, "How often should newborns bathe? Should you remove cradle cap or leave it alone? How do you get rid of diaper rash fast? " make the whole process complicated. It gets a bit tricky because everyone, from elders to fellow parents, has different ideas about taking care of newborn skin.
Lucky for us, we reached out to Dr. Lee Hwee Chyen, the Medical Director and Consultant Dermatologist at Epi Dermatology & Laser Specialist Clinic.
Let's dive into some common concerns parents often have, with insights from a pediatric dermatologist.
How Often Should Newborns Take a Bath
Bathing your newborn is like a baptism of fire for new parents, but once you get the hang of it, it's a sweet bonding time between you and your little one. But when should you start going at it, and how often is just right?
According to Dr Lee, newborns have delicate and sensitive skin, and their bathing frequency should be approached with care.
"In general, it is recommended for newborns to take sponge baths - up to the point the umbilical cord stump falls off - or tub baths at a frequency of two to three times weekly. Bath times should be kept short at around five to ten minutes to prevent stripping the baby’s skin of natural oils, to avoid dryness and irritation," she said.
Moreover, Dr Lee reminds parents that the products they use on their baby can also cause dryness and skin irritation, so make sure you choose ones that have your baby's best interest at heart.
"Gentle, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free baby soap, shampoo, and moisturisers should be used to further minimise risks of irritation, as well as to keep the newborns’ skin hydrated," she advised.
Managing Cradle Cap
Another newborn skin concern that gets on parents' nerve is the thick whitish crust that emerges on baby's head, otherwise known as cradle cap. They wonder if that feels uncomfortable on the baby's head and whether they should do something about it. So, what's the verdict?
According to Dr Lee, cradle cap, or infantile seborrheic dermatitis, is a harmless condition that does not cause any discomfort or itching despite its appearance. You will notice yellow, greasy, scaly patches on a baby's scalp, although it can also occur on the face, ears, neck, and in the diaper area.
So if it does not cause any discomfort to your baby, it's best to leave it alone.
"Avoid aggressive scrubbing of the scalp or using harsh products as this can worsen the condition," said Dr Lee.
"While it tends to resolve over time, parents can manage the condition by using mild baby shampoo to gently wash and massage the scalp daily. Baby or olive oil may help to soften stubborn crusts," she said.
Diaper Rash
Meanwhile, diaper rash can turn a happy baby into a fussy one. Why? Because it can cause a stinging sensation and pain in your baby's private parts.
"Newborns and babies are vulnerable to diaper dermatitis. Its primary causes include prolonged exposure to wet diapers, friction, and the constant contact of urine and faeces with the skin," said Dr Lee.
"Additionally, the use of certain diapers, wipes, or topical products may contribute to skin sensitivity. To prevent and manage diaper dermatitis in Singapore's climate, it's essential to maintain good diaper-changing practices."
Dr Lee reminds parents to regularly change their babies' diapers to prevent rashes and infections in the diaper area.
"Parents should also avoid diapers that are too tight, as these can cause friction and trap moisture. Instead, consider breathable diapers and use diaper rash creams to strengthen protective barriers on the skin and reduce discomfort," she said.
She also recommends gentle cleaning with mild, fragrance-free baby wipes to help soothe the skin.
Heat Rash
Being in a hot country means our little ones can easily get heat rash. Think about how annoying those red, itchy rashes are for us adults when it's hot and sweaty. Now imagine how our babies feel, especially since they can't really do anything to make it better themselves!
"Children in Singapore are prone to heat rash as well due to our tropical weather, particularly if they are dressed too warmly or spend extended periods in hot and humid environments. Babies and young children are especially susceptible as their sweat ducts are still developing. In most cases, the heat rash resolves on its own once the affected area is kept cool and dry," said Dr Lee.
To combat heat rash, she suggests dressing the baby in breathable, lightweight clothing, especially when going outside. Keeping them cool is also key, so refrain from going out when it's too hot, and make sure the baby stays in a well-ventilated area in the house.
"Overall, engaging in good hygiene practices, such as keeping the diaper area clean and dry, and ensuring proper care, particularly during warm weather, can help reduce the occurrences of diaper and heat rash in babies," she shared.
However, the expert stresses that every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. She strongly tells parents to consult with their paediatric dermatologists should their babies' symptoms persist or worsen.
How to Deal with Newborn Acne
Yes, even babies can get acne, and it's more common than you might think. Those tiny red bumps on your baby's face are often a result of maternal hormones still in their system.
"It’s common for acne or rashes to develop on newborn’s faces, and they are generally benign and without too much cause for concern," said Dr Lee.
That said, there are several steps parents can take to manage and alleviate these conditions, such as cleaning the area with mild, fragrance-free baby soap and gently patting the area dry. Choosing soft, breathable fabrics for the baby's clothing and bedding will also help to further reduce friction and irritation.
"Conversely, excessive rubbing or scrubbing, along with harsh soaps or lotions, should be avoided as this may exacerbate the severity of the acne and rashes," reminded the expert. If these conditions continue to persist despite these measures, consultation with a paediatric dermatologist is recommended as prescription medications may be required.
In wrapping up, taking care of your newborn's skin doesn't have to be a puzzle. Remember, the key is to always go for gentle products - soft wipes, mild soaps, and creams that are kind to sensitive skin. And hey, if you notice any skin issues that just won't go away or seem to get worse, it's totally okay to reach out to a dermatologist. They're the pros who can give you the best advice.
So, keep it simple, stay gentle, and know that you've got this! Your little one's skin is in good hands.
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