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🧴Skin & Hygiene

Skin care, bathing, diaper rash, and hygiene

11 articles in this category

Skin & Hygiene

Baby Acne

Baby acne appears as small red or white bumps on face (cheeks, forehead, chin). Develops around 2-4 weeks old, caused by maternal hormones still in baby's system. Looks like teenage acne but smaller. Completely normal and common (affects 20-40% of newborns). Usually resolves on its own by 3-4 months without treatment or scarring. Not caused by poor hygiene.

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Skin & Hygiene

Baby Nail Care & Trimming

Baby nails grow surprisingly fast and are sharp - can scratch face easily. Newborns often need nails trimmed 1-2 times per week. Baby nails are soft and flexible, making them tricky to cut. Attached to skin closer than adult nails, so easy to accidentally nick skin. Best time to trim: When baby is sleeping or right after bath (nails softer). Use baby nail clippers or emery board.

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Skin & Hygiene

Bathing Your Baby

Newborns only need 2-3 baths per week (daily baths can dry skin). Sponge baths until umbilical cord falls off (1-3 weeks), then can do tub baths. Bath temperature: 98-100°F (lukewarm, not hot). Test with elbow or bath thermometer. Room should be warm (75°F+) to prevent chilling. Keep baths short: 5-10 minutes max. Use gentle, fragrance-free baby soap sparingly - water alone is fine for most of body.

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Skin & Hygiene

Common Birthmarks in Babies

Birthmarks are very common - about 80% of babies have some type. Most are harmless and don't need treatment. Common types: Mongolian spots (blue-gray patches, common on darker skin tones, fade by school age), Stork bites/Salmon patches (pink patches on eyelids, forehead, neck - fade by age 2), Café au lait spots (light brown, usually permanent but harmless), Strawberry hemangiomas (bright red raised bumps, grow first year then shrink), Port wine stains (flat pink-red marks, usually permanent). Most birthmarks are just cosmetic. Some types (hemangiomas near eyes/airways, multiple café au lait spots) need monitoring.

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Skin & Hygiene

Cradle Cap (Seborrheic Dermatitis)

Cradle cap is yellow, greasy, scaly patches on baby's scalp. May also appear on face (eyebrows, ears, nose folds), chest, or diaper area. Caused by overactive oil glands and possibly yeast. Very common in first 3 months. Not caused by poor hygiene or allergies. Not itchy or painful for baby (though looks uncomfortable). Usually clears by 8-12 months on its own. Harmless but can be treated for cosmetic reasons.

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Skin & Hygiene

Cradle Cap (Seborrheic Dermatitis)

Cradle cap is crusty, greasy, yellowish scales on baby's scalp. Very common in first 3 months. Can also appear on eyebrows, behind ears, or in skin folds. Caused by overactive oil glands plus yeast on skin. NOT caused by poor hygiene or allergies. NOT contagious. Usually harmless and doesn't bother baby (though looks concerning to parents!). Most cases resolve on their own by 6-12 months. Mild cases need no treatment.

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Skin & Hygiene

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Eczema is chronic skin condition causing dry, itchy, red patches. Usually appears on cheeks, scalp, arms, and legs. Often begins 2-6 months old. Causes: genetic (runs in families), sensitive skin barrier, immune system response, environmental triggers (irritants, allergens, dry air). Symptoms: dry scaly patches, redness, itching, thickened skin, small bumps, weeping/crusting in severe cases. Not contagious. Often improves with age but may be lifelong condition requiring management.

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Skin & Hygiene

Heat Rash (Prickly Heat / Miliaria)

Heat rash appears as small red or pink bumps, often in skin folds (neck, armpits, diaper area, chest). Caused by blocked sweat glands when baby gets too hot. More common in hot humid weather or when baby is overdressed. Looks like tiny pimples or blisters. Not painful but may be mildly itchy. Clears quickly (days) once baby is cooled down. Not serious.

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Skin & Hygiene

Milia (Baby Whiteheads)

Milia are tiny white or yellow bumps on baby's face - look like whiteheads or small pearls. Extremely common - affects 40-50% of newborns. Most common on nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead. Caused by immature oil glands and dead skin cells trapped under skin surface. NOT pimples, NOT acne, NOT caused by poor hygiene. Completely harmless and painless. Disappear on their own within first few weeks to months. No treatment needed or recommended.

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Skin & Hygiene

Sun Protection for Babies

Baby skin is extremely sensitive to sun damage. Babies under 6 months should AVOID direct sunlight - stay in shade. Even brief sun exposure can cause sunburn in babies. Sunburn increases skin cancer risk later in life. Sunscreen OK for babies 6+ months. For younger babies, sun avoidance and protective clothing are key. UV rays strongest 10am-4pm - avoid outdoor activities during these hours when possible.

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Skin & Hygiene

Umbilical Cord Care

Umbilical cord stump falls off naturally in 1-3 weeks. Keep dry and exposed to air to promote healing. Modern guidance: Leave it alone - no alcohol, no ointments. Stump changes from yellowish-green to brown/black as it dries. May have small amount of blood when it falls off (normal). Fold diaper down below stump to keep it dry. Give sponge baths only until stump falls off.

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