Newborn Skin Conditions

Common newborn skin questions

• "The glass test for meningitis rash — how do I do it?" Press a clear glass firmly against the rash. Most rashes will fade under pressure (blanching). If you can still see the rash through the glass clearly (non-blanching, looks like little dark spots), call 999 immediately — this can be meningococcal septicaemia. It takes 5 seconds and could save a life. Late rash sign — don't wait for it if your baby has fever + lethargy + other features.
• "Baby acne or eczema?" Baby acne — small red bumps and pustules on cheeks/forehead/chin, ~2 weeks to 4 months, NOT itchy, clears spontaneously. Eczema — dry, red, scaly patches, itchy (baby rubs face), often from 2-3 months, family history of atopy.
• "Cradle cap won't go away — what helps?" Massage olive, coconut, or mineral oil into the scalp 20 min before washing. Soft brush after bath to lift scales. Mild antifungal shampoo (ketoconazole 2%) from GP if persistent. Don't pick — risks infection.
• "My baby has eczema — should we avoid foods?" Eczema in early infancy is linked to food allergies (atopic march). But avoiding allergens preventively isn’t recommended (LEAP / EAT trials). Manage the eczema aggressively with emollients; introduce common allergens (egg, peanut) at weaning unless already-known allergy.
• "How often should I bathe my baby?" 2-3 times a week is plenty for most newborns. Daily isn’t needed and can dry out skin. Use water only or fragrance-free baby cleanser; lukewarm water; 5-10 minutes; pat dry; emollient on damp skin.
• "Stork bite or angel kiss — will it stay?" Salmon patches on the face (angel kisses on forehead/eyelids) usually fade by 18 months. Back-of-neck stork bites often persist (hidden under hair).
• "My baby has a Mongolian spot — should the doctor know?" Yes — important to document at birth so it’s not later mistaken for a bruise (relevant in non-accidental injury assessments). Common and harmless. Fades by school age.
• "What about that strawberry mark?" Infantile haemangiomas grow over 3-6 months then plateau and fade. Most need no treatment. Refer to paediatric dermatology if: airway/eye/nappy area, > 5% body surface, multiple, ulcerated. Propranolol is first-line treatment when needed.
• "Cradle cap on body — is that normal?" Seborrheic dermatitis can extend to creases (neck, armpits, nappy area). Same gentle approach. Persistent severe rash in creases + thrush in mouth — see GP (think candida or rare immunodeficiency).
• "Should I use baby creams from the supermarket?" Plain water or fragrance-free emollient is best for newborn skin. Avoid scented products, talcum powder (inhalation risk), and adult products. For nappy area, simple barrier creams (zinc oxide).
• "My baby’s skin is peeling all over." Newborn skin commonly peels in the first 1-2 weeks, especially in babies born late or post-term. Resolves on its own. Severe widespread blistering / peeling = emergency (think staphylococcal scalded skin or epidermolysis bullosa).
• "Yellow skin / jaundice — is it serious?" Mild jaundice in the first week is very common (50% of newborns). See /calculators/newborn-bilirubin. Jaundice in the first 24 hours, jaundice + unwell baby, or prolonged jaundice past 2 weeks (term) or 3 weeks (preterm) = same-day review.
• "Heat rash in summer?" Tiny pink-red bumps where baby gets sweaty (neck folds, back, chest). Cool baby, loose breathable cotton, avoid overheating, no heavy creams. Settles in days.