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Common Skin Allergies In Babies
Babies have sensitive skin and their little immune systems are still developing, which makes them susceptible to various allergies and infections. A slight irritation to your baby’s skin can trigger a rash and make him cranky and irritated. We know you want to keep your baby safe but skin allergies are common in babies and toddlers, and the best thing you can do is to be aware of them. Some skin allergies are more common than others and knowing more about these can prove handy. So read on to know about different types of skin allergies and how you can treat them.
What Is a Skin Allergy?
A skin allergy occurs when the skin gets irritated or becomes inflamed by coming in contact with an allergen. Similarly, when the body releases the chemical histamine because of the presence of an allergen, it leads to an inflammatory reaction. The allergy then manifests as one of many types of rashes or hives. Skin allergies are more common in infants with sensitive skin. Even irritants such as a dirty diaper, drool, food, soaps, and detergents can cause allergic reactions in children.
Common Skin Allergies in Babies
Skin allergies and rashes are common in babies and require little to no medication or treatment. Most skin problems resolve with time, but if they don't, you might have to take your little one to a paediatrician. Mentioned below are some common skin allergies that affect babies:
1. Eczema
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that can develop in a baby who is between 1 and 5 years of age. However, this condition may also develop in a baby who is between three and four months of age. Eczema is characterised by red itchy rashes that may consist of tiny red bumps. There are different types of eczema but babies and children are usually develop atopic eczema.
Causes
Genetics is one cause of eczema but wearing certain kinds of clothes and soap can trigger it too. Sometimes, food allergies and environmental pollutants like dust and smoke can also cause eczema. Accumulation of sweat in warm weather and extremely cold weather can also be responsible for this condition.
Symptoms
Eczema might be localized or appear all over the body. Dry, thick skin or red itchy rashes are some symptoms of this allergy.
Treatment
If your baby develops this skin condition, bathe him well. Use a mild skin-cleanser that is fragrance-free and is prescribed by a paediatrician or dermatologist. Do not buy over-the-counter eczema ointment. If the condition is severe, check with your baby’s paediatrician; he will most likely prescribe steroid ointments to control the inflammation which might provide your little one some relief.
2. Papular Urticaria or Bug Bites
This rash is commonly seen in exposed areas such as the hands, face, and neck. It is quite common in babies and can lead to hives all over the body giving you the impression that there are a lot of insect bites though it might be just one. Although it usually affects children between 2 and 6 years of age, it can also occurs in infants.
Causes
Papular urticaria is an allergic reaction to insect bites. Fleas found on pet cats is the main cause of this allergy. However, bites from various insects like bird mites, bedbugs, mosquitoes, gnats, caterpillars, and carpet beetles can also cause this rash to appear.
Symptoms
It starts out as a rash that appears to be a small bump on the skin, which then turns a reddish-brown shade. These bumps can be quite itchy.
Treatment
As this is a common skin allergy, a topical steroid cream is usually suggested for relief from the itching. An anti-histamine might also provide relief and should be given at night. In case the rashes get infected, an antibiotic cream may be prescribed by your child’s doctor.
3. Miliaria or Heat Rash
Heat rash (sweat rash or prickly heat), is commonly seen on baby’s face, neck, back, underarms, or bottom. It is a skin rash that appears when the skin gets too warm. Babies with sensitive skin and who live in warm weather are especially prone to this.
Causes
The main cause of heat rash is the accumulation of sweat under the skin. As babies have smaller sweat glands, their bodies lack the ability to regulate body temperature, thus making them prone to heat rash. If you make your baby wear tight clothes or even strap him into a car seat for a long trip in humid weather, it can lead to an onset of this rash.
Symptoms
It appears as tiny red bumps or blisters filled with pus as a result of the sweat ducts being blocked.
Treatment
It usually resolves on its own and no specific treatment is required. But if your baby has heat rash, make him wear comfortable clothes - this will help speed up the healing process.
4. Ringworm
This fungal infection affects the scalp, feet, and private parts more than any other area on the baby’s body. It is contagious but not painful or dangerous and can spread through infected sheets, towels, clothes, and toys.
Causes
The common cause of ringworm infection include accumulation of sweat on baby’s skin and wet patches in the folds of the skin. This infection can also enter the baby’s body through a cut or scratch on the skin after coming in contact with an infected person or animal.
Symptoms
The rash appears like red rings on the affected area and is likely to be itchy. The rings might be smooth in the middle and crusty or scaly on the outside.
Treatment
Anti-fungal creams can help treating ringworm infections in babies. The cream should be applied after washing and drying the affected areas. A medicated shampoo might be necessary to treat ringworm infection on the scalp instead of a cream.
5. Hives
Hives are not infectious and can either disappear within a few hours or last for a few weeks. Hives are itchy, raised patches on the skin. They can range in size and shape and can develop anywhere on the body.
Causes
Hives develop when the body’s immune system produces the chemical histamine in response to viral infections, insect bites, certain types of food, or sudden changes in the temperature. Your baby might feel an itchy or burning sensation when hives appear.
Symptoms
If your baby gets reddish, swollen botches on any part of the body, especially when accompanied by the cold or flu, following an insect bite, after eating peanuts, eggs, or seafood, or after a significant temperature variation, then it is likely to be hives.
Treatment
An anti-histamine medication can provide some quick relief to your baby. If it happens frequently, your doctor might ask you to note down every detail of your child’s day to find out what triggers the reaction. Further blood and urine tests may also be suggested to determine the cause.
6. Seborrhoea
This skin problem usually occurs in babies six months of age or younger. The scalp, eyebrows, ears, neck, cheeks, and chest are where seborrhoea appears. It is also known as cradle cap when it occurs on the scalp and eyebrows. This rash is largely painless and does not irritate the baby in any way.
Causes
No specific causes of seborrhoea have been identified though it is believed that this condition occurs when there is an excess of sebum, which is an oily substance manufactured by skin glands.
Symptoms
Yellow or crusty flakes are telltale signs of seborrhoea. On the scalp and eyebrows, it can be mistaken for dandruff. When it occurs behind the ears, this allergy gives a cracked and scaly look whereas it can appear red and bumpy on the chest and neck region.
Treatment
To treat the scaly deposits on your baby's scalp, massage your baby's scalp with some amount of olive oil, brushing off the scales. Using a little bit of anti-dandruff shampoo to wash the scalp or behind the ears might also prove beneficial.
7. Intertrigo
Often seen in chubby babies, this rash appears in the folds of the skin with the neck being the most common spot. It is often painless though skin-to-skin friction can cause some pain.
Causes
This rash is seen when excessive moisture such as that from drool and spit collects in the creases of the baby’s skin. Since these parts of the skin are not exposed to air, there is little chance for the moisture to dry up making your baby vulnerable to an infection.
Symptoms
It looks red or reddish-brown. It is likely to be itchy and may give out a foul odour while the skin might be crusty or cracked.
Treatment
You must wash and clean the folds of the baby’s skin with water and dry it well. Then apply petroleum jelly or a zinc oxide barrier cream to speed up the healing process. A topical steroid may be prescribed in severe cases as also oral medication.
Tips to Prevent Skin Allergies in Infants
Most of the common newborn baby skin problems can be prevented by taking some simple precautions. Keeping baby’s skin clean and moisturized plays an important part in this. Here are some things you can do to prevent skin allergies:
Do not use soap while bathing your baby every day. Soap has a drying effect and it can leave your baby’s skin flaky, depriving it of its natural oils if used frequently.
Moisturize your baby’s skin using a mild cream after bathing him every time.
Keep your baby away from insects and bugs. You can use nets on the windows of your home to keep insects away and dress your baby in pants and long sleeves when going out, particularly if visiting parks or open spaces.
Dress your baby in layers so that you are able to take off your baby’s clothes if it gets warm and thus, avoid sweating.
Be sure to check the ingredients in the food that you give to your baby to guard against food allergens. This way, you will be able to avoid many of the usual food allergens if not all.
Keep the temperature of your baby’s room comfortable. It should be neither too hot nor too cold.
If anyone in your family has skin allergies of any kind, keep the baby away from them to prevent direct contact.
Dress your baby in soft, cotton fabric all the time. Clothes made from synthetic materials can be itchy and rough besides being a source of allergens.
When to Consult a Doctor
As mentioned above, most skin problems resolve with time and can be treated at home too. However, in some cases, consulting a doctor becomes necessary. If your baby develops a skin allergy and the rashes worsen over time, you should take him to a paediatrician. Sometimes, a rash can also signify some illness - in this case too immediate medical attention is required. If your baby has fever, is crying continuously, or is lethargic, you should consult a doctor.
A good deal of patience is required when dealing with skin allergies in babies. Prevention is key when it comes to skin allergies. Try to keep your baby safe from skin allergies by maintaining good hygiene and keeping your baby’s skin clean and dry as much as possible.
Disclaimer: This information is just a guide and not a substitute for medical advice from a qualified professional.
References and Resources:
MedicalNewsToday
Healthline
Also Read: Baby Skin Care - Easy Tips For Baby's Skin Care Read more
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Understanding Baby & Toddler Clothing Sizes
Purchasing clothes for adults is now simpler than ever. You have a good idea of your own clothing size, and you can quickly pop into the trial room to get a confirmation. But parents are usually clueless in understanding how do baby clothes sizes work and what’s the right one to pick out for their child. Every baby is unique in their physical constitution and their growth rate. Therefore, purchasing clothes that would fit comfortably as well as last for a longer time is a tough line to walk.
How To Measure Your Child's Clothing Size?
You need to consider some factors when deciding to pick out the right clothes for your baby. Therefore, understanding how to measure the clothing size and the various standards used to define them becomes extremely crucial.
Most of the times, the sizes of the clothes are mentioned on the tags based on the age range of the child. At times, a few brands also choose to mention the height or weight of the baby as a benchmark. While this can be helpful, each baby grows at a different speed.
In baby clothes sizes for 0-3 months, it is highly preferred to purchase single bodysuits or one-piece clothing that can be extended. Larger sizes can be used later in life as well. Toddlers need a different perspective altogether. Since these babies can now move around or might even potty properly, the clothes need to ensure free movement without being restrictive. Also, the units of measurement differ from centimetres to inches, based on the standard adopted by the clothing brand.
Getting boots for your baby is another challenge altogether. It is best to prep yourself by having a basic idea of your baby’s foot dimensions, which can be measured at home. Let your child’s foot be extended fully and measure from the long toe to the edge of the heel, along with the maximum width.
Baby Clothes Size Chart
Understanding a baby clothes size for 9-12 months or even smaller than that is quite challenging since all of these falls within the months when a child’s body grows rapidly. Any clothes that fit exactly in a particular month, might end up being a bit too tight within a couple of weeks. Therefore, shopping for newborn babies and infants under a year old requires extra precaution.
Clothing Size Based On Age
Height
Weight
Premature New Born
Less than 17 inches
Less than 2.2 kg
Full Term New Born
Less than 20 inches
2.2 to 3.6 kg
New Born to 3 months
20 to 23.5 inches
3.6 to 5.7 kg
3 months to 6 months
24 to 25.5 inches
5.9 to 7.5 kg
6 months to 9 months
26 to 27.5 inches
7.7 to 9.3 kg
9 months to 1 year
28 to 30.5 inches
9.5 to 10.6 kg
Toddler Clothing Size Chart
In order to figure out the right baby clothes size for 18-24 months, using a toddler clothing size chart will be extremely useful. You can get an idea of the age range, paired with an approximation of height and weight, allowing you to make a near perfect decision through this chart.
Clothing Size Based On Age
Height
Weight
Nearly 1 year
28 to 29.5 inches
8.8 to 9.9 kg
1 year to 1.5 years
30 to 31.5 inches
10.2 to 11.8 kg
1.5 years to 2 years
32 to 33.5 inches
12 to 13.6 kg
2 years to 3 years
34 to 37 inches
13.8 to 15.4 kg
More than 3 years
38 inches and more
15.6 kg and above
How To Convert Sizes To Other International Size Types?
You might have access to a 2-year-old clothing size chart but the standard used to measure those sizes may not be the same as your own. Clothing size standards differ quite a bit, and the major differences come between European, UK and US sizing of clothes.
A rule of thumb to remember when purchasing clothes is to know that nearly all clothes in European sizes are based on the height of the baby. As for UK and US sizes, they are pretty much the same with tiny differences in the width or the height of the clothes. It is best to rely on physical dimensions instead of the child’s age mentioned on it.
Tips To Help You Buy The Right Sized Clothes For Your Child
While it is important to understand baby clothes sizes chest measurement before picking out the right clothes for your little one, there are also a few tips that you can take into account to make things easier.
Do your best to avoid any clothes that are made from synthetic materials. Go for the ones made from cotton or other natural fibres. These would be much easier on your child’s sensitive skin.
Most of the clothes that you purchase for your baby can be cheap and utilitarian. When buying any clothes that you might want your baby to wear when going to an event or for a photo shoot, make sure you take about 2-3 of those. There is a good chance the little one would make a mess of either one of those, so having a backup is in your best interests.
The initial months of your toddler are precisely where the umbilical stump is still in the process of healing and becoming a proper navel. Therefore, avoid getting any separate pants in a small size which would have their waist right on the umbilical cord, making it irritated.
Making a baby wear a T-shirt is a difficult task. Not only do infants have no idea about navigating their body parts in a way to wear the clothes correctly, but most babies hate their heads and faces being covered by anything. Therefore, go for shirts or suits that have a front-open button, or buy a T-shirt that has enough space for the head to pass through easily.
If your friends or relatives give you any of the old clothes worn by their kids, accept them whole-heartedly. These are clothes that have bode well for their children, and they will so for yours, too.
While picking out clothes to gift a relative or a friend who has just had a baby, pick out a size larger than the current age of the child. Larger ones are more comfortable and even if they don’t fit the baby right now, they definitely will in a couple of months.
In terms of baby clothing, single bodied suits are the best style you can opt for your little one. These can be worn easily and, since they are buttoned up right below the crotch, your child won’t be able to pull them up or disturb the diaper in any way. Avoid using cloth-based nappies with such clothes though.
Buttons on a baby’s clothes can be difficult to close when the baby’s crying and it is the middle of the night. Zippers are a tad more convenient but they might get worn out quickly or get stuck randomly. Opt for clothes that have studs that can be pressed easily.
After having bought any clothes that are larger than what your baby needs, don’t immediately wash them or remove their tags. Some clothes could be stored until the time is right. The others could be exchanged from the store if their need is imminent.
Don’t go out and buy an entire suitcase full of clothes for your baby. Purchase a couple of necessary items and follow up once you know how large your baby is and its gender. Your friends and family will, no doubt, gift you a few clothes, too.
If you are planning to expand your family, later on, it is best to purchase clothes that are gender neutral. This would allow you to store them once your baby grows up and reuse them in case you plan to have a second child later on.
When buying clothes for infants, opt for quality over quantity since a good texture is needed for their skin. For grown-up toddlers, purchase durable clothing that can be washed easily or replaced cheaply.
Making use of a baby clothes size guide can be one of the most important tools you’d need to help with your purchases for the little guy. Knowing the rapid growth rate of babies and planning ahead accordingly can help you be in a better place with your shopping.
Also Read: Essential Baby Sleep Products - Checklist Read more
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Mommies! Before Tooth Fairies, Watch Out for Tooth Caries!
The phase of motherhood is highly unpredictable. As much as it is the most beautiful time in a woman’s life, it is a time that comes with thousands of lessons. In my case, I had a wonderful baby and a super supportive family but the issue I faced with my offspring cropped out of nowhere and became quite a tussle for me as a parent. If I ask you what is the most suitable replacement for breastfeeding for your baby, your answer ought to be the bottle. I thought about the same replacement but it led to umpteen visits to the dentist for my little one.
Imagine those difficult vaccination visits to the paediatrician, going to a dentist with an under 3-year-old is not a situation a parent wants to be put in. Anyway, as things got worse we headed to the nearest dentist who broke quite unexpected news. The first question she asked me was if my baby was bottle fed? Honestly, as a working mother who anyway lives with a guilt (which fluctuates as per days and situations), my heart skipped a beat. In a hushed tone, I said ‘yes’ and there was my first lesson as a mom I am never bound to forget. Pointing out the miserable state of my son’s teeth, the doctor said that my baby was suffering from 'dental caries'. It is one of the most common yet most preventable many toddlers face today. When I interrupted her saying if chocolates and sweets could be the culprit, she persisted that it was bottle milk that had played the biggest role in ruining his teeth.
What is Tooth Caries
Teeth caries or early childhood caries (ECC) are also known as baby bottle tooth decay (BBTD). These are caused by frequent snacking or going to sleep with a bottle containing anything other than water.
The idea is not to let go off the bottle completely but not to let it stay in the child’s mouth after he/she falls asleep.
So Here is a Checklist for Moms That Could Save a lot of Tooth Pain in Their Children
Try to feed milk to the baby with a spoon rather than a bottle.
Remove the bottle when the baby falls asleep.
Hold your baby while feeding him/her.
Wipe your baby’s teeth with a damp cloth to avoid bacteria in the mouth.
Do not share spoons and forks with your baby as bacteria can enter through saliva.
Clean the pacifier every time before use.
Rinse their mouth every time after giving any syrup or sweet juices.
Colour coated sweets need to given only in moderation.
And with that I would like to leave with a little thought for the young mothers out there. Anything in moderation is the best that we can give our little ones. So why not make these small efforts for their brighter and bigger smiles.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert water leak from baby eye....what is that
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. blocked naso lacrimal duct kk. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. loop of cord is seen round the neck in growth scan is it a problem at the time of delivery
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. single Loop okay no problem wait. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Puja Kumari has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert My baby is 4months old he is having fever after vaccination . how many days would the fever remain? can I give him medicine
Puja Kumari
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
A. vomiting ka kya karan ho sakta
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert
Can we have sex during pregnancy and is it safe?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. okay no problem if you don't have any risk factors ko. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. Dr meri baby 12 month running hai uska weight 6 kg hai uska growth nahi ho pa Raha hai to kya kare or over active hai
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. ok see c. if the baby is not having proper height and weight it means that baby is having failure to thrive baby needs investigations like TSH and other related test to find out the reason
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
51 mins ago
Q. mere twins baby hai boy nd girl one month 8 days when I check eye and ear which month
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
50 mins ago
A. For the query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Online consultation can also be taken jjand the expert will give you the proper answer .
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