Fact Checked
Skin rashes are common in young babies. They are white bumps that look similar to a pimple or a rash that looks like hives or yellowish skin caused by jaundice. This condition is normal and eventually improves without treatment.
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAYBiCFyPx0″]Causes of neck rashes
- The skin folds are susceptible to rashes since the baby is not capable of holding the head up and can result to skin rubbing against itself. This will cause irritation on the skin and ensuing formation of rashes.
- Sometimes, a fungal infection can also develop in the folds of the skin. This type of fungus is called candida or yeast. This fungus also causes diaper rash because they are usually found in warm and moist places and the folds in the neck of babies are prone to this fungus infection.
- Prickly heat which is also known as heat rash appear as small red bumps. It usually develops in places that are usually warm and damp due to sweat such as the armpits, diaper area and the neck.
Treatment
- Make the baby comfortable by dressing him/her with breathable clothing made of cotton. Dress the child with a cotton shirt and diaper during hot days. Cotton is good in absorbing moisture and allows fast healing of the condition.
- Give the baby a bath regularly to maintain good hygiene and prevent the development of rashes.
- Avoid using strong detergents and bleach when washing the clothes of babies to prevent the development of rashes.
- Apply calamine lotion on the rashes of the baby. Take the prescribed hydrocortisone cream to lessen the rashes and prevent itching.
- Apply a cold compress on the rashes to lessen the inflammation and irritation of the affected area. Soak a clean face cloth in very cold water and wring out excess water and apply it on affected area for at least 5-10 minutes. Pat the area dry and repeat the process several times every day as needed.
- Apply cornstarch on the neck of the baby after taking a bath or before playing outside the house. Cornstarch absorbs moisture from the skin and relaxes the skin and lessens the itchiness caused by rashes.
- Oatmeal contains anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferatory properties that are good for rashes. Wrap a cup of oatmeal in a clean cloth and seal both ends of the cloth and soak the cloth in warm water until the cloth and oats inside are totally wet. Gradually squeeze the water content of the cloth to the rashes of the baby. Pat the area dry.
- If the baby is only a few weeks old, give him/her a bath using distilled water or boiled water to make sure it does not contain microorganism that could irritate the rashes. A teaspoon of baking soda can be added to the bath to relieve the rashes.
Seek medical help immediately if the rashes still persist despite these treatment measures.