How to manage baby’s skin irritations?
Updated on October 2, 2024
Created on November 30, 2021
Nappy rash, chicken pox, insect bites and scratches, baby’s life is full of itches and ouches… These inevitable skin adventures often lead to irritated or sore skin.
Why is baby’s skin easily irritated?
Although a baby's lifetime skin cell capital is at its peak at birth, their skin is still particularly sensitive in the early months since it is immature compared to that of adults:
• A baby's skin is thinner and more fragile than an adult's;
• A baby's skin does not have a full barrier function until 2 years old;
• At birth, a baby's skin is dehydrated and lacks a protective hydrolipidic film; (made of sebum and sweat).
This has various consequences:
• It dries out more quickly.
• It is more sensitive to external stresses such as cold, wind, sun, friction, nappy, saliva, and so on.
• It has a stronger reaction to potentially irritating chemicals (sensitising ingredients that could cause allergy)
In brief, until the age of 2, a baby's skin goes through significant changes and must be protected.
Discover our E.V.E.I.L.S (Evaluation of the Early Infant Life: the Skin) research program to learn more about the physiology of baby skin.
How to soothe minor sores and irritations?
Cicastela Moisture recovery cream
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Reddish skin on the body or on the face
Wool, synthetic or scratchy materials that come into close contact with a baby's skin can cause itching. Even rubbing clothes together can irritate the skin. Irritation around the lips and other parts of the face can be caused by cold, dry air or even drooling.
What to do:
- Apply a recovery cream to the affected area
- Choose 100% cotton fabrics that are soft and comfortable
Vitamin barrier cream 1 2 3
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Nappy Rash
It's most likely nappy rash if you see a rash on your baby's bottom that soon develops into red patches. It can be caused by irritation from wet nappies and rubbing, as well as diarrhoea, teething and other factors.
- Clean the area with soap and water or a no-rinse cleansing water and wipes
- Dry thoroughly and apply a nappy cream as soon as redness appears
- Seek medical advice if the rash does not improve
No-rinse baby cleansing water with avocado
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Insect bites, stings, scratches and minor injuries
A few hungry mosquitoes... and baby's skin is covered in bites... A wobbly stand... and there comes a fall and a bump!
What to do:
- Clean carefully with water or a product like Mustela's No Rinse Cleansing Water and wipes and/or disinfect.
- Leave to dry
- Apply a recovery cream
Cicastela Moisture recovery cream
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Minor Burns
Ouch! Baby has just burned himself by running his hand under hot water! Or spilled hot coffee? If his skin is only reddened, it is a first-degree burn.
What to do:
- Run baby’s hand under cold water for a few minutes
- Then apply a soothing/recovery cream
- If the burn area is wide and looks more than just reddened skin, get your child to hospital.
- In case of sunburn, check our sun-related articles for specific advice
Cradle cap cream
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Cradle Cap
Small, rough, yellowish-brown patches on your baby's scalp that feel a little greasy? It could be cradle cap. Don't worry, it's quite common in the first few weeks of life and it's not painful!
Best ways to prevent and treat cradle cap:
- Bathe your baby on more than once per day as overbathing can lead to dry skin which is a potential factor in the development of cradle cap
- Use a gentle and mild shampoo, such as our fragrance-free Newborn Foam Shampoo designed to gently cleanse and remove the flakes, and prevent their reappearance
- Apply our Cradle Cap Cream to help eliminate cradle cap
Find out more about treating cradle cap in our dedicated article.
Stelatopia+ Lipid-Replenishing Cream
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Eczema
Itchy red, puffy, dry patches on baby’s skin? It could be eczema or atopic dermatitis.
Read our dedicated articles to learn how to identify and treat this skin condition.
How to prevent irritated skin?
A few simple tips to avoid the most common skin irritations every day:
Select adapted products
- Choose products that are specifically designed for babies and children and adapted to their skin type: normal, dry, very sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
- Avoid products with alcohol and essential oils as they can be irritating.
- Use a hypoallergenic detergent suitable for baby's skin
Good bathing habits
- Make sure the water is lukewarm: if it’s too hot, it can damage baby’s skin
- If baby has dry skin, a bath every other day may be enough
- Dry baby’s skin with a clean, dry towel, and don’t forget the skin folds!
Pay attention to nappy change
- Change baby’s nappy often
- Gently clean baby's nappy area with soap and water or, if you're out and about, with cleansing water or baby wipes
Avoid extreme temperatures
- Do not overheat your home
- Keep baby's face moisturised in cold weather
- Protect baby’s skin from the sun.
