A few moms have asked me to write something about birthmarks and skin rashes, so here are some examples and practical tips. I hope this helps.
Birthmarks
are simply patches of discoloured skin usually caused by extra blood supply.
Birthmarks can be flat or raised, be there at birth or appear later. While some
are temporary and fade, others become more prominent and permanent as your baby
grows older.
Examples of temporary birthmarks:
• ‘Stork bites’ are usually found on baby’s
neck, forehead, eyelids or nose and are most noticeable when baby cries. They’ve
usually faded by the age of 2.
• Strawberry naevus
is a small but fiercely red raised patch that looks like a strawberry. Luckily
these disappear after a few years, but often look worse before fading, and can
bleed. Light pressure with a clean piece of gauze will stop the bleeding.
• Mongolian spots
look like a bruise and is often on the lower back or bottom. If not warned,
mothers may worry that she will be accused of smacking her baby! These don’t
hurt and will disappear by the time the child goes to school.
Permanent birthmarks:
• Brown
birthmarks (called moles) are circular and sometimes hairy. These should be
seen by a dermatologist.
• Port
wine stain describes this red patch of skin that can unfortunately be on the
face, forehead, arms and legs. The redness may fade, but it’s best to get
advice from a dermatologist.
What can you do?
Speak to your clinic sister or house doctor
but don’t use old-wives’ remedies. Disfiguring permanent birthmarks can be
treated with a variety of techniques or cosmetic surgery today. Don’t make a big
thing of the birthmark so that your child feels self-conscious. As a child I
developed a small black mole on my leg. My mother called it a ‘sputnik’ because
it appeared when the first sputnik was launched. Imagine my surprise when I
learned what a sputnik is – and my disappointment that mine was just a small mole
after all!
Rashes
Your baby’s skin is protected by vernix – a
creamy, water-proof moisturising barrier cream – during the pregnancy. To date,
the cosmetic industry has not been able to match this magic cream, and
midwives, aware of its nutritional and protective value, don’t wash the vernix
off immediately after the birth the way we used to. The baby is simply wiped
clean for the first 24 hours so that the vernix can be absorbed.
• Peeling skin.
Babies who have gone beyond their expected due date may have drier
skin that
flakes. Bathing with fragrance-free aqueous cream helps.
• Milia
are small white spots that are said to be caused by blocked oil glands. These
are
not pimples – so don’t squeeze them! Clean baby’s face with cotton wool and
cooled,
boiled water. The spots will clear on their own.
• Baby acne.
This is very common after the first few weeks, and like adolescent acne, is
caused by hormonal changes. These are withdrawal hormones baby received from
you
during the pregnancy.
• Nappy rash
occurs in the nappy area and may be caused from the ammonia in the
urine, nappy
irritation or soft stools. Clean the skin well after every nappy change – even
when the nappy is only wet – and leave the nappy off for a while for the skin
to dry
properly. Short snaps of sunshine also helps. Use a zinc and castor-oil
based barrier
cream.
• Cradle cap
occurs on baby head, and may reach over the forehead onto the
eyebrows. This is
caused by overactive oil glands and can look thick and discoloured.
Leave baby
oil on these patches overnight, and they’ll be easy to wash off with a soft
sponge the next day. Repeat daily if necessary.
• Eczema
is common in older babies – often when they’re weaned off breast milk. Skin
becomes dry and sensitive. Eczema can also be sparked by an allergy. It usually
occurs
on the face and in folds like elbows and the back of knees. It’s best to
see a doctor who
will prescribe a mild cortisone cream. Use this sparingly and
follow instructions. Make
sure baby’s clothes are well rinsed of soaps and
detergents and only use baby skin
care products.
Common childhood rashes are usually symptoms
of childhood illnesses such as measles, German measles, roseola, chicken pox or
scarlet fever. These should be diagnosed by a doctor because many of these are
also notifiable diseases. Symptoms are treated and the child is kept
comfortable and away from other children while infectious.
Less often, rashes can be caused by
allergies e.g. egg white, or parasites e.g. scabies.
The skin is classified as a body organ
because it’s essential for our survival. Because it covers such a big area, the
skin is considered to be the biggest body organ. It’s really important to look
after our skin – especially baby’s skin. Early childhood lays down the
foundations of healthy skin. Your children will thank you when they’re older.
