Home Remedies for Infant Skin Rashes

Gentle is the Key for Healthy Skin

The first thing to remember about baby rashes, especially if you are an anxious new parent, is that many of them are normal, and will pass. While doctors will often tell you they will disappear with time, some people use natural remedies. Babies' skin is new and sensitive, so it's best to leave it alone if you can, except for careful cleaning. According to a UK baby care website, "water only" for at least the first month is the best choice. After that, you may want to avoid exposing baby's system to the "chemical soup" which is blamed for so many skin and respiratory conditions.

If you can, avoid alcohol-containing products such as wipes, powders which might get in baby's lungs, and petroleum jelly, and don't rush to medicinal creams unless you know t hey are necessary. If in doubt, ask your doctor whether an anti-fungal, hydrocortisone or other cream is needed.

Some of the rashes that babies get can look somewhat nasty, but they are a normal part of babyhood. Acne from the mother's estrogen will pass, the crusty "cradle cap" and similar conditions on baby's body can be treated but will go away in the first two years, and other conditions may be temporary as well. To identify common rashes, see this site or descriptions on this site. What doctors say is that very red skin is a sign of a more problematic condition that should be treated by your healthcare provider, as well as broken or infected skin.

Remember, just like the rest of your baby, the skin is developing and is not ready for adult products like shampoo and soap. Even products designed for babies can irritate the skin of some infants, so it's best to be as careful as possible about what you use. Babies aren't yet out in the world getting dirty, so you don't even have to clean them as often, just face and behind, avoid the eyes, don't forget to clean carefully but thoroughly after diaper changes, and get all the milk from any wrinkles around their face!