Rashes
Rashes are common in newborns and babies. Most rashes are harmless and go away on their own. You may notice that your baby’s skin is dry or peeling in the first 1-2 weeks of life and this is normal.
A common rash seen in babies in the first 3-4 days of life is erythema toxicum. Babies with this type of rash are well in themselves. They have a red blotchy rash that can come and go and often appears on the face, body, upper arms and thighs. This rash does not require any treatment and will go away on its own.
Information and pictures of other common skin rashes in babies can be found here.
In the first 3 months of life, if your baby has a rash and other symptoms, they may need to be reviewed by a healthcare professional. Please see below for things to look out for.
Please see Red-Amber-Green tables for advice on when and where to seek care for your child.
About half of all newborns develop tiny (1-2mm) white spots on their face. These are called milia.
These are just blocked sweat pores. They usually clear within the first four weeks of life.
Cradle cap is where yellowish, greasy, scaly patches develop on a baby's scalp. Occasionally, as well as the scalp, the face, ears and neck are also affected.
Nappy rash occurs when the skin around the baby's nappy area becomes irritated. It occurs due to a combination of moist environment, chemical irritants and friction.
Baby acne usually develops about two to four weeks after birth. Tiny red or white bumps appear on the baby’s cheeks, nose, and forehead, which may be surrounded by red skin. The cause is unknown. It typically clears up on its own in about three to four months without leaving marks.
Eczema is a dry skin condition which causes the skin to become itchy, red, dry and cracked.
About half of all newborns develop tiny (1-2mm) white spots on their face. These are called milia.
These are just blocked sweat pores. They usually clear within the first four weeks of life.
When should you worry?
If your child has any of the following:
- Has a rash that does not disappear with pressure (the glass test)
- Breathing very fast, too breathless to talk, eat or drink
- Working hard to breathe, drawing in of the muscles below the ribs, or noisy breathing (grunting)
- Breathing that stops or pauses
- Is pale, blue, mottled or feels unusually cold to touch
- Difficult to wake up or very sleepy
- Weak, high-pitched cry or can’t be settled
- Has a fit (seizure)
- Has a temperature more than 38°C or under 36°C (unless fever in the 48 hours following vaccinations and no other red or amber features)
You need urgent help.
Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or call 999 - dial 999.
If your child has any of the following:
- Has a rash that looks like small blisters or fluid filled spots
- Skin that is swollen, red or hot.
- Redness around the base of the umbilicus (belly button)
- Nappy rash that isn’t getting better with regular nappy changes or barrier creams
- Breathing a bit faster than normal or working a bit harder to breathe
- Dry skin, lips or tongue
- Not had a wee or wet nappy in last 8 hours
- Poor feeding (less than half of their usual amount)
- Irritable (Unable to settle them with cuddles, toys or feeding)
- Getting worse and I am still worried
You need to contact a doctor or nurse today.
Please contact your GP surgery or call NHS 111 - dial 111.
If symptoms persist for 4 hours or more and you have not been able to speak to either a member of staff from your GP practice or to NHS 111 staff, recheck that your child has not developed any red features.
None of the above features are present
- It is common for newborns to develop blotchy red skin at 2 to 3 days old. This is a normal newborn rash and shouldn’t bother your baby. It clears after a few days
- Additional information is available about infant crying and how to cope
Self care
Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your baby, speak to your health visitor, local pharmacist or call NHS 111– dial 111.
Advice and Guidance
Self care and Prevention
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