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Common Rashes Among Infants

As a new parent, discovering a rash on your baby's skin can be quite frightening. After all, most new parents simply aren't familiar with the infant rashdifferent types of rashes that infants commonly get or how to treat them.

Thankfully, the majority of rashes really aren't serious at all. Here are four common infant rashes you may find on your baby.

Diaper Rash

Caused by prolonged exposure to urine or feces or to extra acidic feces, diaper rash can range from slightly pink to fiery red. It is not serious, though it can be quite painful for baby, and it usually goes away quickly with treatment. For a slight case of diaper rash, diaper rash cream is extremely effective. For a more advanced and painful case of diaper rash, a bath, some diaper- free time, a quality diaper rash cream and more frequent diaper changes will usually do the trick.

Heat Rash

Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, is a small prickly rash that occurs when baby gets overheated. Again, it is not dangerous and treatment is easy. Simply remove a layer of baby's clothes if baby is overdressed or move baby to a cooler area, such as inside in the air conditioning, in the basement or in front of a fan, if it's a hot day. A bath can help too.

Eczema

Commonly appearing on baby's legs, arms, chest and face, eczema presents as red, itchy patches of dry skin. Eczema is most commonly found in the winter, when the air is dry. It can also appear as the result of allergies too. Treatments include lotion, switching to fragrance and dye free soaps and detergents, and avoiding long, hot baths. It is common for eczema to come and go.

Thrush

Thrush is a fungal infection that can occur inside baby's mouth. It looks like dried milk, but it can't be wiped off. Thrush isn't usually serious, and in many cases, no treatment is necessary. If baby seems especially bothered by it or if it doesn't go away on its own within a couple of weeks, your baby's pediatrician can prescribe medication.

If your baby begins to develop a rash, don't panic. It's probably not serious. If you can identify the rash, simply treat at home as directed. Otherwise, feel free to call your baby's doctor for an official diagnosis and treatment plan.