Question
What should I do if my newborn’s face appears with red rashes?
Answer
Infant eczema can manifest in various forms, often presenting symmetrically with symptoms that can range from mild to severe. The baby’s face may develop clusters of red spots and papules, with greasy scales and yellow, shiny crusts on the scalp or eyebrows. Eczema can range from superficial red patches and slight peeling to severe redness, blisters, erosions, and oozing. If the baby excessively scratches or rubs the area, it may lead to further erosion and oozing, increasing the risk of skin infection and potentially causing systemic symptoms such as lymph node swelling, fever, loss of appetite, and dry stools. Parents should remain calm and not worry excessively, avoiding the misuse of medication to prevent exacerbating the eczema issue. The best approach is to keep the baby’s skin clean, use suitable skincare products for infants, and seek professional medical advice when necessary.