Conditions & Treatments

Common Neonatal Rashes - Treatments

SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS

Scalp:

Wash your baby’s hair daily with a mild, tear-free baby shampoo.
If there are thick scales, application of olive oil 30 minutes to 1 hour before rinsing off with shampoo can be helpful in softening the scales.
If the scales do not loosen easily, you can use a soft brush or towel to gently remove the scales after softening.
Do not pick the scales as this may increase the risk of infection.
For more severe involvement, your doctor may recommend an anti-fungal shampoo, mild steroid lotion and a moisturiser.

Rest of body:

Cleanse with a gentle soap or moisturising bath oil daily.
Anti-inflammatory creams such as a mild topical steroid lotion, anti-fungal creams and moisturisers may be prescribed.
Frequent diaper changes if nappy area is affected.
If the rashes do not improve after a few weeks, do make an early follow-up appointment with the KKH Paediatric Dermatology Clinic to re-assess.

NEONATAL ACNE:

Neonatal acne is usually self-limiting, and will resolve after three to six months of age, without scarring.

Treatment is not usually necessary except in patients with extensive lesions.

In rare cases where the condition persists beyond 6 months of age, further investigations may be necessary to exclude other medical causes. This will be reviewed and decided by your physician.

DIAPER DERMATITIS:

Frequent diaper changes or leaving the child out of diapers for short periods of time would be helpful.

Gentle cleansing with tepid or warm water, and a soft cloth is usually sufficient. If soap is desired, a mild, fragrance-free soap substitute or bath oil is recommended.

Apply a moisturiser or a barrier cream to the skin before each diaper change.

Ensure the diaper area is air dried completely before putting on the diaper.

If the skin is very inflamed or red, a mild topical steroid will be prescribed.

If candida yeast is suspected, a topical anti-fungal cream may be prescribed.

If secondary bacterial infection is suspected, topical antibiotics or sometimes a course of oral antibiotics for five to seven days is prescribed.