What Is The Cause Of The Scales On The Newborn’s Skin?
A newborn’s skin is extremely fragile and will continue to change its appearance during the first weeks of life. This could include a small amount of scales that should not alarm parents as they are normal. If you are wondering why the scales on the newborn’s skin are due, don’t miss this article.
Certainly, the appearance of scales on the skin of the newborn can occur anywhere on the body, although it occurs especially on the hands, soles of the feet and ankles. It is because all babies lose the outer layer of their skin in the first two to three weeks after birth.
Also, the amount of scales on the skin can vary. Often times, this depends on whether the delivery was premature, the delivery occurred on time, or was late. In other cases, the scales may appear as a result of conditions that require treatment.
However, some degree of dryness after birth is completely normal and usually goes away on its own. Generally, this does not require any special care on your part.
Causes of scales on newborn skin
If your baby’s skin appears to be dry or begins to peel in the weeks after birth, knowing what causes them may ease your concerns. We tell you what the causes may be:
1. Ichthyosis
First, flaking and dryness can be caused by a genetic condition called ichthyosis. This skin condition causes peeling, itching, and shedding of the skin.
The doctor can diagnose that the baby has this condition based on the family’s medical history and after performing a physical exam. During this test, you can also take a blood or skin sample.
There is no cure for ichthyosis, but applying creams regularly will alleviate dryness and improve the condition of your baby’s skin.
2. Eczema
In some cases, flaking and dry skin are caused by a skin condition called eczema or atopic dermatitis. Eczema can cause dry, red, itchy patches on a baby’s dermis.
This condition does not usually appear immediately in the period after birth, but can develop later in childhood. Its exact cause is unknown, but it is believed that several factors can trigger an outbreak, including exposure to irritants such as shampoos and detergents.
Tips to reduce scales on newborn skin
If the little one seems uncomfortable due to the peeling of his skin, the most important thing is to relieve his discomfort. In addition to these cares, the love and special attention of the parents is what will help you the most. These are some tips that will allow you to reduce the scales on the child’s skin:
1. Baths with lukewarm water
Hot water dries the skin for people of all ages, including newborns. If your little one has scales on his skin, you shouldn’t use too hot water. Baths with warm water are ideal for the sensitive skin of a newborn, always paying attention to the special recommendations for the hygiene of these babies.
2. Use baby shampoo
To help treat and prevent peeling skin, just wash your newborn with a specially formulated baby shampoo. The soap you use for yourself is likely too harsh for her delicate skin.
3. Use a humidifier
Using a humidifier at home can make a difference in treating your baby’s skin. Humidifiers add moisture to the air, which helps treat and prevent peeling of the skin.
This is extremely simple: place the humidifier in the room where your baby spends the most time and let it run for a few hours whenever the air feels a little dry.
4. Limit time in the bathtub.
Baths can have an adverse effect on the baby’s skin. Long periods in bath water can wash away natural oils and leave your baby more susceptible to flaking. Therefore, reduce the bath time and you will quickly see the difference in the baby’s skin.
5. Hydrate the baby frequently
Maintaining constant water levels in the body is absolutely necessary. The established routine for breastfeeding or formula-based bottle feeding should be strictly followed and omissions should be avoided. Nutrition and hydration help rebuild moisture back into the skin.
Finally, remember that the appearance of scales on the newborn’s skin is normal and you should not worry excessively. In any case, with this list of possible causes and the advice presented here, you will be able to know what is the origin of its formation and how to remedy it.
