Newborn and Paediatric Skin Problems

The symptoms of newborn and paediatric skin problems depend on your child’s diagnosis and how severe their condition is. 

• eczema (atopic dermatitis) – the main symptoms are redness, itching, and dry, flaky skin. It can appear on any part of the body but is most common in the creases of joints like the elbows and behind the knees, the hands, face, and scalp

• cradle cap (seborrhoeic dermatitis) – symptoms include yellowy scales of skin, sometimes with underlying redness and inflammation on the scalp. It can also spread to the forehead or behind the ears

• nappy rash – nappy rash is redness and irritation over part or all of your baby’s nappy area

• neonatal acne – small red spots and pimples over the cheeks, nose and forehead

• impetigo – red areas of skin that become weepy and dry with a yellow crust

• folliculitis – small pimples and pustules in the hair follicles with surrounding inflammation

• molluscum contagiosum – small flesh-coloured bumps on the skin 

• tinea capitis – scaling and sometimes inflammation on the scalp

• warts and verrucas – bumps on the skin that can be firm, soft, or cauliflower-like. They may have tiny black dots

• birthmarks – are marks on the skin that develop before birth or soon after. They can be brown, tan, black, pale blue, pink, red, or purple and may be flat or raised, and have regular or irregular borders

The causes of newborn and paediatric skin problems vary depending on the type of skin problem your child has, but include: 

• genetics

• exposure to irritants like urine and faeces 

• environmental factors

• infections

• allergic reactions

Your child will be seen by a consultant dermatologist with expertise in treating babies and children. 

Your dermatologist will ask you about your child’s symptoms, general health, and family and medical history. They’ll also thoroughly examine your child’s skin. 

Your consultant can usually diagnose your child’s skin problem based on their symptoms and skin examination. In some cases, your consultant may order tests to confirm the diagnosis. 

These may include: 

• a skin biopsy

• skin scraping and cultures

• allergy testing (prick or patch tests)

Newborn and paediatric skin problems can’t always be prevented, but there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of them developing or prevent them from getting worse. 

To prevent or reduce the risk of skin problems in your baby or child: 

• keep your baby’s skin clean and dry 

• change your baby’s nappies frequently and allow some nappy-free time each day 

• ensure your baby’s nappies fit correctly to avoid skin irritation or leaks 

• use gentle, fragrance-free products designed for babies and children (including laundry detergent)

• bathe your baby in tepid (lukewarm) water for no more than 5 to 10 minutes 

• apply moisturisers and nappy rash cream frequently

• prevent your baby or child from getting too hot by using clothes and blankets made from light, cotton fabrics 

• protect your baby/child from sun exposure

• if your baby/child is diagnosed with a skin condition, follow your dermatologist’s advice carefully and call the clinic if you have any questions. Make sure your child attends all their follow-up appointments and check-ups

Most newborn and paediatric skin problems are mild and easily treated. However, in rare cases, untreated skin problems can lead to complications such as infections, dehydration, pain, and long-term changes to your child’s skin.

Treatment for newborn and paediatric skin problems varies depending on the cause. Your consultant will discuss treatment options with you and recommend the best treatment or combination of treatments for your baby/child. 

Eczema 

Eczema treatment involves using 2 approaches simultaneously. Firstly, the skin barrier needs to be improved through the use of moisturising creams or ointments. These should be part of your child’s daily skincare routine. 

Secondly, an anti-inflammatory cream or ointment, such as a topical steroid, should be used to target the red, inflamed areas of skin. 

Cradle cap 

Cradle cap often resolves on its own without treatment. If you choose, you can help soften the scales with mineral oil or petroleum jelly, then gently remove them with a soft brush or toothbrush. 

Using a gentle baby shampoo can also be helpful. If there’s a lot of inflammation or scaling that isn’t resolving, your dermatologist may recommend an antifungal shampoo or cream, or a mild topical steroid cream.

Nappy rash 

The best approach is to try and prevent nappy rash from occurring. 

Make sure that dirty nappies are changed as soon as possible, use water-based or gentle baby wipes for cleaning, avoid soap and bubble baths and use a barrier cream every time you change your baby’s nappy. Washing your baby in a bath with plain water once a day will also help. 

If nappy rash occurs and doesn’t settle despite these measures, your dermatologist may prescribe your baby some creams to help it settle.

Neonatal acne 

Baby acne is not serious and usually settles on its own. Gentle washing and a light moisturiser may help.

Avoid using acne medication for older children or adults, as this is likely to irritate your baby’s skin. 

Occasionally, if your baby’s acne doesn’t improve, your dermatologist may recommend treatment with an anti-yeast cream.

Skin and scalp infections 

Impetigo and folliculitis can often be treated with topical washes or creams, but if your child’s infection is widespread or severe, your consultant may prescribe oral antibiotics.

Molluscum contagiosum often clears up on its own, but in some cases, a topical treatment such as potassium hydroxide solution can be used to speed up healing.  

Tinea capitis is treated with oral antifungal medicine for at least 4 weeks. 

Warts and verrucas 

Warts and verrucas usually clear up on their own, but this can take several months. Over-the-counter preparations containing salicylic acid are often effective in removing them. 

In some cases, your consultant may suggest freezing your child’s warts (cryotherapy), although this is painful and therefore only suitable for older children.

Birthmarks 

Most birthmarks are harmless and do not need to be treated.

If your child has a large or visible birthmark, it can be surgically removed when your child is older if they would like. 

Port wine stains on visible areas can be lightened with laser treatment. This is not usually suitable for babies or small children, as it involves having multiple general anaesthetics, and the lesions often darken again over time. 

Infantile haemangiomas (strawberry marks) that are large, prominent, interfere with function or are ulcerated may be treated with medication called beta blockers (by mouth or topically) to reduce the blood supply and shrink the haemangioma.

At Welbeck, our dermatologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.