Rough Patches on the Body: What to do about rough baby skin? (2024)

FAQs

Rough Patches on the Body: What to do about rough baby skin? ›

“I use Aquaphor ointment on the patches for the flare-ups. Once that clears, we use regular Eucerin lotion after every bath, and his flare-ups have been really minimal.” Apply it all over baby's body to soothe rough spots and also to improve the skin barrier function.

Infants' and older children's skin should be kept well moisturized, and washed with fragrance-free non-soap cleansers. We also recommend a fragrance-free ointment-based moisturizer, with petrolatum as either the only or the first ingredient.

Rough patches on the baby's skin can be caused by external environmental influences. However, they may also be an early symptom of a later skin disease. In the first few months of life, many babies have a rough scalp. Oily yellowish or brownish scales form on it.

Children who have atopic dermatitis can have a sandpaper feel, but the skin itches, and they feel well otherwise. The skin of children who have scarlatina can look and feel like sandpaper, but the skin is often sensitive to touch, there is no itching, and the children are ill.

Apply moisturizer regularly

One way to help visibly smooth and soften dry, rough patches is with skincare products that provide hydration. We recommend applying moisturizers daily onto clean, slightly damp skin (after bathing) to help lock in moisture.

It is nothing to worry about. Baby acne is caused by exposure to the mother's hormones. Red bumps, sometimes with white dots in the center, may be seen on a newborn's face. Acne most often occurs between 2 and 4 weeks of age, but may appear up to 4 months after birth and can last for 12 to 18 months.

Dry skin patches can have many causes, including cold weather and the chemicals in some soaps and lotions. It can also result from a medical condition, such as allergies, dermatitis, and psoriasis.

Because of its triple-purified formula, Vaseline® Jelly can be applied as often as you like to help relieve dry skin patches on the face and body – even under the eyes.

Create a Protective Barrier – Apply a thin layer of Vaseline® Jelly Baby, which is appropriate for use on sensitive baby skin, to your child's bottom after wiping it clean. This creates a protective barrier that can help stop irritants from making sore skin any worse.

Gentle on Sensitive, Dry Skin and Many Baby Skin Conditions

Approved by paediatricians and clinically proven to be safe for baby eczema, just a little bit of our 100% virgin, organic coconut oil is all it takes to protect and hydrate your baby's sensitive skin.

How do you get rid of irritated skin on babies? ›

Eczema doesn't look the same on every baby. In babies with light skin, it usually shows up as patches of red skin. In darker-skinned babies, the rash might look purplish, brownish, or grayish. Eczema can be harder to see on babies with dark skin.

Babies have extra-sensitive skin, so they're more prone to rashes than older kids or adults. So the next time you spot some suspicious dry patches on your little one's body, don't be alarmed—there's a good chance it might be baby eczema.

Keratosis pilaris (sometimes called "chicken skin") is a common skin condition. It happens when a protein called keratin plugs the hair follicles, causing white or reddish bumps on the skin. The tiny bumps can feel dry and rough like sandpaper.

Vitamin or mineral deficiency: Skin requires nutrients to keep it healthy. If you're not getting enough vitamin D, vitamin A, niacin, zinc, or iron, you can develop excessively dry skin.

Rash: Pink, small, flat spots on the chest and stomach. Rash is the same on both sides of the body. Then may spread to the face and arms. Classic feature: 3 to 5 days of high fever without a rash or other symptoms.

Keratosis pilaris (ker uh TOH siss pill AIR iss) is a dry skin type. It looks like dry, rough, small bumps that are flesh-colored or pink and can feel like sandpaper or chicken skin. It is usually not itchy. The most common areas for these bumps are on the back of the arms, front of the thighs and face (cheeks).

What does a baby allergy rash look like? ›

So what does an allergy rash look like on a baby? A baby allergy rash can manifest in different ways, but the two most common signs are hives and eczema. As mentioned above, hives usually show up as pink blotchy welts, while eczema appears as red, dry, flaky patches. Both rashes are itchy.

Moisturizing is Key: Regular use of a good moisturizer, especially one containing hyaluronic acid, can be a game-changer for dry, flaky skin. Natural Oils: Products with natural oils can provide deep hydration for dehydrated skin, making them excellent for tackling dryness.

Most cases of dry skin respond well to lifestyle changes and home remedies. You may need help from your primary care doctor or a doctor who specializes in skin conditions (dermatologist) if: You've tried self-care steps but your signs and symptoms persist.

Choose a moisturizer that's made especially for babies, and apply it soon after your baby's bath. Their skin will absorb the moisturizer more easily when it's still a bit damp. You could also moisturize your baby's skin in between baths.

Using Vasoline or Aquaphor as a barrier over your child's moisturizer will help to prevent irritation from contact dermatitis and help lock moisture in. Medications: When your child has an exacerbation and the previous measures don't work, your pediatrician may recommend using a steroid cream, ointment, or oil.

If baby's skin is dry or cracked, do not use creams or lotions. They may cause more harm than good. The top layer of the skin will peel off over a few days leaving perfect skin underneath. Please seek advice from your midwife or health visitor.

Common Rashes in the First Few Months of a Baby's Life

Eczema is red, itchy patches on the skin, often seen on the baby's chest, arms, legs, face, elbows, and behind the knees. It is caused by dry, sensitive skin, and sometimes allergies (although it can be difficult at this age to know what the trigger might be).