Onset: Prickly heat rash or “bungang araw” is said to be the most temporary baby skin rashes. They commonly appear on babies during hot, humid weather.
Cause: These common baby skin rashes develop because of blocked sweat glands. Experts explain that the openings of your baby’s sweat glands are so tiny that any kind of irritation can block them. In prickly heat rash, the irritation comes from heat – either from hot weather or being overdressed. Sometimes friction from clothes and ointment applications can also cause irritation.
Remedy: Bungang araw does not require additional treatment other than transferring your baby to a cooler environment and making sure that their clothes are not too thick. It will also help if you give them a cool bath. Please do not apply liniment baby powder to the rashes, but you can apply lotion for dry skin.
Erythema Toxicum
Experts say that erythema toxicum is also one of the most common baby skin rashes; it is perfectly normal and is actually expected in some newborn babies. Reports estimate that it occurs in 40% to 70% of newborns. Erythema toxicum looks like insect bites, but remember that they are not. They are also not a symptom of infection.
The rashes appear as flat, red splotches without defined borders. Moms also see a tiny white or yellow, pimple-like dot at the center of the rash. You can find them anywhere on the body, except on the soles and palms.
Onset: Erythema toxicum typically appears in the first week of life and goes away within a week.
Causes: Doctors explain that an imbalance in the fetal and maternal hormones usually causes erythema toxicum.
Remedy: These rashes do not require treatment as they will disappear on their own.

Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is common baby skin rashes that appear as bright-red patchwork on your baby’s genitals and bottom. Babies often cry because of these rashes as they are sore and irritating.
Onset and Cause: Babies can develop them anytime when their skin experiences prolonged exposure to a wet or dirty diaper.
Remedy: The home treatment for these common baby skin rashes usually involves diaper rash ointment or cream. There are many over-the-counter brands available in the store, but you can also consult your doctor for the best option.
To heal your baby’s rashes, dry their bottom and the genital area thoroughly after each diaper change and then use the cream or ointment. To avoid developing the rashes, change your baby’s nappies frequently. Also, allow them to go without a diaper even just for short periods.
Don’t use powder or cornstarch as your baby may inhale them and harm their lungs.
Eczema
Another of the common baby skin rashes is eczema. The rashes appear as dry, rough patches that are often crusty and itchy. You can see the rashes anywhere on the body but are more common in between fingers and areas which we can flex (elbows, armpits, etc).
Onset: Most cases of eczema happen within a few months after the baby is born. Some babies outgrow it once they reach school age, but for others, it could persist until adulthood.
Cause: Baby eczema usually occurs due to atopy or the genetic tendency to experience allergic conditions. If parents have allergies, they can pass them to the baby.
Remedy: To help your baby feel better when they have eczema, bathe them every 2 or 3 days instead of daily. Use a generous amount of gentle moisturizer on their skin and avoid any kind of irritation. You can also use topical steroids as per doctor recommendation.
Key Takeaways
A lot of us know that a baby’s skin is sensitive, that is why it is sometimes alarming when we see rashes on them. Keeping these common baby skin rashes in mind will help parents identify what’s normal and what’s not.
If the home treatment for baby skin rashes does not work and you feel that the rashes are not going away as they should, bring your newborn to the doctor.
Learn more about Baby Care here.
Comments
Share your thoughts
Be the first to let Hello Doctor know your thoughts!
Join Us or Log In to join the discussion