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Table of Contents
Cradle Cap
Newborn Acne
Infantile Acne
Slapped Cheek Syndrome
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoDermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
Treatment
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The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends the following treatment for cradle cap:
See the pediatrician for stubborn cases of cradle cap or in cases in which there is loss of hair, itching, pain, or odor coming from the rash.
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Newborn acne, also known as neonatal acne, is a common facial rash in young babies (as in younger than 6 weeks old). A new parent might worry when they notice red spots showing up on a newborn’s face, but rest assured this is a rash that is harmless and short-lived. About one in five newborns develop newborn acne. It usually shows up at around 3 to 4 weeks of age and goes away in a few weeks or months.
Newborn acne can look similar to adult acne, which may be familiar to you. It appears ascomedones(bumps) and pimples orpustulesscattered across the face. In babies, acne typically affects the cheeks and nose, though it may also pop up on the chin, forehead, chest, and back.
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Blueberry Muffin Rash in Newborns
Most cases of infantile acne do improve on their own. As you would for newborn acne, perform gentle skin care with lukewarm baths and avoid ointments and soaps with fragrance.However, because more severe infantile acne with deeper cysts and nodules can result in scarring, your healthcare provider may recommend further treatment. This may include topical or oral medications.
In rare cases, an underlying medical condition, such as excess hormones known asandrogens, may be causing the acne. Your child’s healthcare provider can examine your child and order laboratory tests to look for this if necessary.
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Miliaare tiny white bumps that appear on the skin in newborns, though adults commonly get them too. Milia are made up of dead skin cells that get trapped under the skin’s surface. In babies, they are also known as milk spots and appear on the nose and cheeks. They may also appear on the eyelids. These small bumps go away on their own within a few weeks to months and do not require any special treatment.
Parvovirus B19 is rarely serious; however, pregnant individuals and those with weakened immune systems can develop complications and should discuss any exposure with their healthcare provider.
Your child’s healthcare provider can help determine the cause of the rash and whether any treatment is necessary.
Infections That Can Cause Facial RashIn some cases, facial rash may result from contagious infections. Some rash-causing infections are less common now that there are effective vaccines. However, babies who are not yet old enough to get their vaccines and babies whose parents have chosen not to vaccinate them are at a higher risk. Let your child’s pediatrician know if they have not received routine childhood vaccines because this makes them susceptible to certain infections like measles, which can cause a facial rash.Rashes in babies related to viral infections include:Measlesrash starts with red spots that appear on the head. The rash then spreads to the body over the next several days. Vaccination is offered at the age of 12 months as part of the MMR series.Varicella(chickenpox) causes an intensely itchy rash with blister-like spots, fever, and headache. Vaccination is offered at 12 months.Rubella (German measles) causes a rash starting on the head that spreads to the body. It also causes a fever and sore throat. Vaccination is offered at 12 months as part of the MMR series.Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)is another common viral illness that causes respiratory symptoms and can be severe in babies. RSV usually doesn’t cause a rash, but like other viral illnesses, it can cause aviral rashwhen it does. Vaccines can now be given during pregnancy. These will protect the babies, especially during parts of the year when RSV is more common.Hand, foot, and mouth diseaseis a common infection for which there is no vaccine. As the name suggests, spots may appear in and around the mouth and on the hands and feet. Other symptoms of the disease include fever and sore throat.
Infections That Can Cause Facial Rash
In some cases, facial rash may result from contagious infections. Some rash-causing infections are less common now that there are effective vaccines. However, babies who are not yet old enough to get their vaccines and babies whose parents have chosen not to vaccinate them are at a higher risk. Let your child’s pediatrician know if they have not received routine childhood vaccines because this makes them susceptible to certain infections like measles, which can cause a facial rash.Rashes in babies related to viral infections include:Measlesrash starts with red spots that appear on the head. The rash then spreads to the body over the next several days. Vaccination is offered at the age of 12 months as part of the MMR series.Varicella(chickenpox) causes an intensely itchy rash with blister-like spots, fever, and headache. Vaccination is offered at 12 months.Rubella (German measles) causes a rash starting on the head that spreads to the body. It also causes a fever and sore throat. Vaccination is offered at 12 months as part of the MMR series.Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)is another common viral illness that causes respiratory symptoms and can be severe in babies. RSV usually doesn’t cause a rash, but like other viral illnesses, it can cause aviral rashwhen it does. Vaccines can now be given during pregnancy. These will protect the babies, especially during parts of the year when RSV is more common.Hand, foot, and mouth diseaseis a common infection for which there is no vaccine. As the name suggests, spots may appear in and around the mouth and on the hands and feet. Other symptoms of the disease include fever and sore throat.
In some cases, facial rash may result from contagious infections. Some rash-causing infections are less common now that there are effective vaccines. However, babies who are not yet old enough to get their vaccines and babies whose parents have chosen not to vaccinate them are at a higher risk. Let your child’s pediatrician know if they have not received routine childhood vaccines because this makes them susceptible to certain infections like measles, which can cause a facial rash.
Rashes in babies related to viral infections include:
Summary
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
DermNet.Terminology in dermatology.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat eczema in babies.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: atopic dermatitis symptoms.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: overview.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat cradle cap.
Samycia M, Lam JM.Infantile acne.CMAJ. 2016 Dec 6;188(17-18):E540. doi:10.1503/cmaj.160139
American Academy of Opthalmology.What are milia?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Parvovirus B19.
MedlinePlus.Rash - child under 2 years.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Measles symptoms and complications.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chickenpox.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Rubella.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hand, foot, and mouth disease.
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