Newborns go through rapid changes in their first days.Their skin can show a wide range of colors and marks.There are some skin conditions that can be the sign of a more serious problem.When to contact your medical professionals and what to expect from your newborn skin can be learned if you have a newborn.
Step 1: Your newborn's skin tone should be noted.
A newborn may have red or pink skin.The baby's hands and feet may be bluish due to the lack of blood and oxygen in the body.The bluish color will go away as the newborn's circulatory system opens.Let your doctor know if your newborn's skin is bluish all over.Your baby will be lighter than yours at first, if you have dark skin.Newborns with fair skin may show some redness.
Step 2: Common color patches are to be looked for.
There could be pink patches on a newborn's eye or forehead.These are known as "angel kisses" or "salmon patches" and fade within a few months.A patch may be visible on a newborn's neck.This is known as a "stork bite" and will fade or become less noticeable in time.
Step 3: Don't be alarmed if there is some bruise.
A newborn may have a bruise because birth can be physically demanding for both mother and baby.There are patches of blue or other colors on the baby's skin.This isn't usually a cause for concern.Your physician will look at your newborn and make sure he or she is okay.
Step 4: There is a chance of swelling.
A baby's skin may appear smooth and puffy at birth.There may be redness.It is not uncommon for an infant's head or eyes to have some amount of puffy skin.If you notice swelling in the newborn's feet or hands, please let your doctor know.
Step 5: There will be peeling and peeling.
A newborn's skin may look flaky up to 36 hours after birth.Most of the time, skin peeling in the hands and feet will go away.If your baby cries or becomes cold, his or her skin may turn bluish or spotted.
Step 6: There is a natural coating on the skin.
A newborn may have vernix caseosa on their skin.This can only be found at skin folds, such as on the legs.Theamniotic fluid on the baby's skin will wash off during his or her first bath.Since the vernix caseosa is gone, you won't notice it for a long time.
Step 7: Expect some baby skin issues.
In the first few weeks of an infant's life, there may be mild acne.The mother's hormones were passed to the baby.The condition will clear on its own.
Step 8: If it appears, you need to care for the cap.
Many infants will show a cap at some point.The skin on the baby's head is dry and flaky.By the time an infant is one year old, the cradle cap will be gone.Rub the skin of your baby's head with baby oil or mineral oil an hour before you wash it.The dry and dead skin will be loosened by this.Remove the baby's hair with a soft bristle brush.Remove cradle cap scales with this well.After washing and rinsing your baby's hair, gently dry it with a towel.
Step 9: Be ready for hair on your body.
A newborn may have hair on their skin.This can be seen on the shoulders, back, and sacral area.This can be present on any premature infant.In the first few weeks of life, Lanugo will disappear.
Step 10: There is a chance that you will watch for milia.
Plugged pores in the skin of an infant are called milia.These spots may look similar to small whiteheads, but they should not be confused with common baby skin problems.
Step 11: Take note of any spots from the mongolians.
There are patches that may show up on infants of African-American or Asian descent.The spots are harmless and will disappear within a year in some cases.
Step 12: There is Erythema toxicum.
A rash may appear 1-2 days after a baby is born.It looks like small patches of red.It looks alarming, but Erythema toxicum is harmless.Within a week, it should disappear.
Step 13: Take note of harlequin coloring.
A newborn is red on one side and pale on the other.The newborn's circulatory and related systems are still developing, so it may occur when the newborn lies on his or her side.The coloring is usually gone within twenty minutes after the baby is active or crying.Within the first three weeks of a newborn's life, hilter coloring is most common.
Step 14: It's a good idea to care for diaper rash.
diaper rash can occur if a wet diaper is worn for a long time or if urine and stool irritate the infant's skin.An infant's bottom or genitals can become red and sore.The condition can be treated at home.If there are frequent diaper changes, diaper rash will be avoided or disappear within 24 hours.
Step 15: Let your doctor know if your baby's skin is discolored.
Jaundice is a common condition in infants and is not associated with a disease or problem.It can cause orange or greenish skin in some cases.It is possible to see it 24 hours after birth and peak at about 72 hours.There are a number of reasons why an infant builds up a substance called bilirubin, ranging from not getting enough breast milk to the newborn having an immature liver.Phototherapy treatments expose the infant to light, which helps to eliminate bilirubin, and frequent feeding is also recommended.If phototherapy is needed, your physician will tell you what to do.
Step 16: Look for any light brown spots.
Light tan spots can appear at birth or in the first few years of a child's life.If many of these spots are present, your child will be monitored by your doctor, since they may be a sign of a condition called neurofibromatosis.
Step 17: Make sure to watch any moles.
There may be moles on your baby.They can be as small as a pea, or large enough to cover an entire limb.Since large nevi have a higher risk of becoming skin cancer, your doctor will inspect and monitor them.
Step 18: Have your doctor look at the large purplish blotches.
Port wine stains are often harmless, but could be a symptom of an underlying issue such as Sturge-Weber syndrome.
Step 19: Have your doctor look at your baby's skin.
Some infants have a lump underneath the surface called fat necrosis.Your doctor will want to examine the lump to make sure it is not related to another condition, as fat necrosis is often benign and will go away on its own within a few weeks.
Step 20: Your baby's skin color should be kept an eye on.
Let your doctor know if your newborn's skin is bluish all over.If this is a sign of a heart problem, you should see a doctor.
Step 21: If you have any concerns, contact your physician.
If you notice pain, swelling, or warmth in an area of your baby's skin, talk to your doctor.