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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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A Visit to Bisleri's Mumbai Plant - My Experience and Learnings
It’s monsoon time, my least favorite season of the year. This is particularly because diseases are rampant and there’s nothing more stressful for me, as a mother, than my children being unwell. Unclean water is a major carrier of diseases, and so, when I was invited to visit the Bisleri factory, I was keen to see the purification process and how a company as pervasive as Bisleri is in India, ensures that the water we receive is truly pure. I have to say: I was impressed.
The water goes through a 10-step purification process, where minerals like Potassium, Magnesium, etc. are added, and it goes through 114 tests, including a double ozonisation process and a manual inspection, before it is truly Bisleri water. Yes, each bottle is manually inspected against a white light, which highlights impurities, if any. The bottles are made from smaller preforms , that are blown up and then sterilized before the mineralized water is added in. It is completely safe, not just for us, but for our babies too! I feel that my children are safer consuming Bisleri mineral water than filtered water (which we would also boil as a secondary precaution), and have switched to that for the monsoon season.
The Bisleri plant, itself, is spotlessly clean and we were made to wear shoe covers, gloves, and hair nets, and take off our jewelry or anything that can be a contaminant, even though we were nowhere near the water. Cleanliness was ensured on every level. It is also efficiently planned and is one of India’s first vertical plants. There’s a conveyer belt running through the plant that brings in recycled bottles and helps pack and transport the filled bottles.
What I found most amazing was that for the large 20 liter jars of water, recycled containers were coming back in to the plant, and then being cleaned, washed, sterilized, and refilled! These are ideal for your home, and great for the environment. We also had the opportunity to address our concerns with the company director who answered all out questions. It was also interesting to note that each bottle has a batch number and manufacture date, and that the expiry is said to be 6 months from the date of manufacture. The bottles can also be reused at home, but should not be used again for very long (10 days max).
I learned that there are approx. 5,500 mineral water companies in Indian market many of which are lookalikes or fakes. The reason for this is the trust that the brand has established over the last 50 years, which is unparalleled, and after visiting the factory, I am not the least bit surprised. So, when you buy your water, ensure that it is the right brand, and that it was sealed when you opened it. The larger jars should be doubly sealed with plastic around the cap, too.
At the end of it all, I no longer have a doubt about the veracity of the claims Bisleri makes. It is true- Har Paani Ki Bottle Bisleri Nahi.
You can book your own visit to the plant at https://www.bisleri.com/book-a-visit and see for yourself.
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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12 Books on Baby's First Year to Start Perfect Storytime
Reading is great for your baby, developing their language skills, and providing opportunities for parent-child bonding. Making sure that your baby’s first library books are colorful or interesting to touch is ideal to start with.
With colorful pictures, something physical to touch, and interesting but simple content for you to read out, your baby will become excited whenever story time comes around.
Best First Baby Books to Read to Your Little Ones
The first year after the baby’s birth fly by in the wink of an eye. Your baby is growing fast and hitting each new milestone before you know it! But even amidst all the excitement, making time to get your baby a little more interested in books is well worth it. Here are some of the best options when it comes to the best books to read for a baby’s first year:
1. Baby Touch: My First Book by Ladybird
No other book is better than this if you want to pick out your baby’s first black and white books.
Published Year - 2020
This interesting book is made of cloth and contains simple illustrations in black and white. The book is meant to be touched and felt by your little one and is great for helping them develop their eyesight.
2. Look, Look! by Peter Linenthal
If your little one is beginning to look around and learn, this is the book for you.
Published Year - 1998
This board book with striking high-contrast pictures uses only a few simple words to describe the scene. The letters are in red, curved type, making them attractive to babies.
3. Ten Tiny Toes by Caroline Jayne Church
Make this interesting book one of your baby's first learning books.
Published Year - 2014
With colorful pictures, Ten Tiny Toes is a good learning book that teaches your child the different parts of the body.
4. Baby Touch and Feel: Animals by DK
This book will be a delight full of charming little animals and interesting characters!
Published Year - 2008
The book contains animal textures so that as you introduce your baby to the image of one animal, your baby will be able to touch and feel how the real animal would.
5. Moo Baa La La La by Sandra Boynton
This book is all kinds of silly, so it will be perfect for entertaining both parent and child.
Published Year - 1982
This book is hilarious to teach children all about different animals’ sounds. This does include three little piggies who sing “la la la”!
6. Baby Happy Baby Sad by Leslie Patricelli
This baby book will be the first to teach your little one the simple concept of happy and sad.
Published Year - 2008
Using simple illustrations, like a happy baby with a red balloon and a sad baby when the balloon flies away, the basic emotions of happiness and sadness are put into more understandable concepts for your baby in this book.
7. God Bless You and Good Night by Hannah Hall
This is a great bedtime story that will set the mood for a good night.
Published Year - 2013
This sweet story will take you and your baby to the families of different baby animals getting ready for bed with some pretty rhymes.
8. B is for Bison: A National Parks Primer by Greg Paproki
Your baby will learn about 26 US National Parks located all over the country.
Published Year - 2021
This book contains colorful and engaging illustrations of national parks around the country. Your baby will get to see animals, landmarks, and beautiful sceneries.
9. Good Night Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
If you have asked yourself, “What are the best books for a 1-year-old?” this one is it! Funny and charming, it is a good bedtime story.
Published Year - 1996
A cheeky gorilla gets his hands on the keys belonging to the zookeeper. He lets all the animals out of the cage, only for Mrs. Zoo-Keeper to find them all sleeping in her home.
10. Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle
This baby board book is great for teaching the little ones how friends stick together.
Published Year - 2020
This story is about a little blue truck that gets stuck in the muck while helping a dump truck. The truck’s friends rally together to help him out.
11. Peek-A-Who? by Nina Laden
This interesting book uses simple rhymes and colorful images to take the beloved Peek-A-Boo game and turn it into a book!
Published Year - 2000
This strong and colorful board book lets you and the kids guess what is hidden on the coming page, such as an owl that says “who.”
12. I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont
Self-Esteem is so important, and if you would like an easy way to teach your child how to, this book is a great way.
Published Year - 2016
This book is serious and has silly themes as it teaches little ones about the important things in life through fun rhymes and bright illustrations.
Babies may not always understand what is being read or said to them, but they will be keenly observing things and listening well as you read together. Soon, your little one will be able to recite their favorite stories as you read them. So, pick out some of the top books for a baby’s first year, and get into the habit of reading bedtime stories together.
Also Read: Best Toys for Baby’s First Year Read more
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Two Easy and Effective Tips on How to Be a Happy Mommy!
Hi beautiful mommies!
As a busy mom of two, I find it very hard to find 'me time' in my day; and I am sure you guys feel the same way. Yes, like you I have browsed through many articles that give tips on how to achieve more from your day. But, here I am not going to give you any more gyaan on how to manage your time better.
Instead, I am going to give you two easy and effective tips that have worked for me. These are more habits than tips that have helped me invest in self-care which in turn have helped me become a happier mommy!
Get Ready for the Day:
Mommying is a full-time job, so why not take the time to get ready for it? No, you don't have to go to an office to get ready for work. You can take five minutes to put on some kajal and lip gloss even if you are a stay-at-home mom. The point here is to not look good, but feel good. Those five minutes I take in front of the mirror give me the spring in my step; the 'I am ready to take on anything' kind of vibe which helps me stay cool and happy for the most part of the day!
Do What You Love:
You are an amazing mommy, but there is so much more to you than your super mom powers. YouGet ready for the day: are an individual with talents and passions. I enjoy music, so I try and incorporate it in my day however I can. So, if you love sketching, get colouring with your kiddos. If you love fashion, create a fashion wardrobe for your kiddos, and so on.
There are days when my house is a complete mess and I jump to a 'clean up, clean up' rap song with my kiddos. It instantly brings a smile on my face and creates a moment of happiness.
Finding happiness in little the things is cliche, but it is a truth that will help you achieve so much more by pushing you forward in your journey as a mom. Good luck!
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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Vandana Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
12 hours ago
Q. I'm currently 37 weeks 4 days my baby weight is 2.4kg whether it is normal?
Vandana Sharma
Nutritionist
12 hours ago
A. Hello mam that is fine , and this varies as it depends o various factors as well too , so avoid stress, take rest and and also healthy diet as well
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
12 hours ago
Q. what could be the baby weight when we are in 37 week 4 days? what could be average weight before labour?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
12 hours ago
A. there is lot of individual variation it can be around 3 kgs ok. 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 Disha Patel has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. hlo plzz tell me gripe water de sakte hai baby ko Mera baby 15 months ka hogya hai ???
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
11 hours ago
A. nahi.
its not nessesary to feed it.
ur baby is 15 month okd, give all family food in roughly mashed form, include seasonal fruits n veggies.
t..c
Sarika gupta has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
Am 25 weeks pregnant with Twins, and cervix of 25mm. got cerclage done at 21 weeks. please suggest precautions so that I can smoothly continue ue my pregnancy and avoid premises.
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
11 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and please have coconut water on daily basis and also have more green leaves vegetables fruits and dairy products in diet and also home made food. Also go on regular check ups. Also be happy and stress free .
Thanks and take care
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. what does this mean
"There is a funneling of internal os with effective cervical length (measures ~2.8 cm on TVS) "
in 29 weeks 5 days pregnancy?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
10 hours ago
A. small cervical length ok. 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. my baby approximately weighs only 2.4 kgs in my womb what are all the foods that can increase baby weight?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
32 mins ago
A. normal traditional foods if you are having deficiency of hemoglobin can take iron supplements calcium etc. 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
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