The Rash On Your Baby's Face Explained By An Australian Expert

Before I had my baby last year, I had absolutely no idea just how much care goes into keeping baby skin healthy and free of a rash. I knew they had sensitive skin, it’s why I spent a week washing all her newborn clothes in an hypoallergenic laundry detergent. But it wasn’t until I was in the newborn trenches myself that I realised just how much care and vigilance goes into looking after baby skin.

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Dots, rashes and redness appear on a daily basis. We spoke with Associate Professor Gayle Fischer on looking after a rash on baby skin and the treatment of them.

What are the most common types of rash?

“The commonest are atopic eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis in the first year of life,” explains Associate Professor Gayle Fischer. “Baby acne usually only happens to boys and is not really a rash: usually just blackheads and a few pimples” Milia are common in newborns but not any later.

Why do these rashes appear?

“Atopic eczema is a common genetic condition that 10-20% of babies have,” explains Associate Professor Gayle Fischer. “The rash appears because of dryness and inflammation.” Psoriasis is also genetic and usually presents itself as red, well defined scaly patches on both cheeks. Milia are actually blocked pores and this happens because very young babies do not sweat freely. “Acne results from inflammation of oil glands on the face reacting to hormones” says Associate Professor Gayle Fischer. “A newborn baby is still affected by mum’s hormones and this may not wear off until they are about 12 months old.”

How do you go about treating these rashes?

“Eczema and psoriasis are both treated with moisturisers, topical corticosteroids and if infected antibiotics,” says Associate Professor Gayle Fischer. “It is best to avoid soap and use a soap substitute.” When it comes to acne, it’s usually a mild case and doesn't need treatment but acne creams containing retinoids can be used if it is severe. Milia also doesn’t need treatment.

What ingredients/products should you avoid?

“None of these conditions are caused by fungal infection so avoid anti-fungal creams,” explains Associate Professor Gayle Fischer. “Never use anything that was not prescribed specifically for your baby. If an antibiotic is needed only use the one prescribed by your doctor.” Avoid perfumed products and soaps as they can be irritating.

What are the biggest no-nos in treating a facial rash at home?

-Don’t Never use topical corticosteroids any stronger than 1% hydrocortisone unless it was prescribed for your baby.

-Do If the rash is getting worse, stop whatever you are doing and see your doctor.

-Don’t try things that were prescribed for you or anyone else.

-Do Avoid herbal products: they are not necessarily any safer than medical ones and can cause allergic reaction.

-Do Avoid perfumed products.

-Don’t pick or squeeze pimples and pustules.

Should you always see a doctor when a rash appears?

Not necessarily. Apply unperfumed moisturiser and wait. Some rashes can be quite mild and transient. "You can apply 1% hydrocortisone available from the chemist yourself," explains Associate Professor Gayle Fischer.

How do you work out when you should see a doctor if a rash appears on a baby’s face?

You should see a doctor if the rash is really obvious, is causing distress, itching and getting worse. “If it is just milia in a newborn there is no need to see a doctor,” sayd Associate Professor Gayle Fischer. “This goes away by itself. Mild acne also goes away with no treatment.”

At what stage should you be referred to see a dermatologist?

Associate Professor Gayle Fischer recommends seeing a dermatologist when the treatment given by your GP doesn’t help and the rash is itchy or sore or becomes very red and weepy.

Has your baby suffered from any of these rashes? What treatment did you employ?

25 Member Comments

Lucy16 6 Jun 2019 6:35 AM

Cute bub in that pic!

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Girl789 30 Jun 2018 12:08 PM

I'm having to use a topical steroid cream as my baby has eczema. She's also intolerant to dairy and eggs and these foods can trigger the rashes so I have to avoid them as I'm breastfeeding. I also swear by Dermeze face and body lotion and QV baby bath oil to help keep the skin soft.

Lucy16 6 Jun 2019 6:33 AM

This!

Same thing with my kidlets...

Linda_Vesinger 29 May 2018 1:14 AM

One of my children used to get ezcema as a little baby but eventually grew out of it. I found being very careful with whatever touched his skin helped a lot

Brinsley 13 Mar 2018 8:42 PM

I love that baby in the pic ... just too cute! Gosh ... I'm not a Mum so I don't know all this baby stuff ... but I would panic if I saw a rash and I'd be straight to the Dr.

Hayley644 1 Jan 2018 10:33 AM

Cute baby pic, love the two little teeth.

Lisa170 30 Dec 2017 11:51 AM

My boy used to get a bit of acne but as long as I kept his face clean it wasn't bad. I do wonder if it means he'll be predisposed to bad teenage acnr though.

skincare junkie 26 Dec 2017 2:55 PM

My bub used to have some milia but they have now all gone. Otherwise she seems to have quite resilient skin similar to mine.

Shop A Everyday 24 Dec 2017 4:52 PM

It's so reassuring to know what these things mean when they worry you so much

Trish_D 24 Dec 2017 4:03 PM

It's been many moons since I had babies but I still recall the angst deciding whether to go to the doctor - we had a very understanding doctor who said, "It's simple, if you're worried you come in."

Snailor 22 Dec 2017 10:47 PM

I had no idea baby could get acne!

bebeautiful34 22 Dec 2017 9:15 AM

I love the Moogoo soothing MSM cream! It's so gentle and soothes all my baby's irritated and sensitive skin

Chrystalage 21 Dec 2017 3:23 AM

A helpful article

Sally10 20 Dec 2017 7:44 PM

I had eczema as a baby and still have problems with it, many years later.

onlyoni 20 Dec 2017 4:57 PM

A helpful article for those who need it.

sootyblack_14 20 Dec 2017 3:54 PM

Cute main picture!!! Some great tips and advice!!! Thank you for sharing!!!

Beautybabe140194 19 Dec 2017 11:47 PM

Did not know acne can occur in babies, very informative. I had eczema as a baby and still have it to this day but it has been treated

2663anne 19 Dec 2017 1:23 PM

My sons skin was easily irritated, the best products for us were MooGoo, all natural and baby safe for when they help themselves to it lol

Miss19 18 Dec 2017 7:27 PM

Aww what a cute little bub in that photo!

Lucrecia629 18 Dec 2017 6:11 PM

I recently experienced this dilemma with my latest baby. Is it eczema? Is it newborn acne? Moisturiser is recommended for one and not the other, so what to do?! Fortunately babies need regular visits with the GP for immunisations so it was easy enough to get the doctor's input. Turned out it was exactly what I thought it was (eczema) and it cleared up pretty quickly, but spots come and go all the time - especially now that the weather is heating up.

Gilded 18 Dec 2017 7:07 PM

My nephew's apple like chubby cheeks were red, inflamed and a bit rashy. I guess it was itchy too coz he would scratch it so hard, leaving scratch marks and cause bleeding. Poor guy had eczema which the family didn't know about until they saw the scratch marks & bleeding and took him to the pediatrician. :(

Yohanna 18 Dec 2017 1:59 PM

I have seen it on babies. My cousin's baby had it, food allergy (cow's milk). Not just rash but really bad tummy, crying etc

Princess Perfume 18 Dec 2017 1:49 PM

When mine were bubs they'd get crashes around their mouths after eating (so much food on their faces and floor) and tomato based sauces were the worst offenders. I just made sure I was vigilant on keeping their faces clean and used a little moisturiser when needed.