As a new mother, you have to recognize the impact that the climate and changes in seasons can have on your baby’s health. Seasonal allergies plague infants as well as adults, but the skin conditions that can crop up at certain times of the year and under various conditions can cause even greater problems. Here are some of the biggest weather related skin problems you need to keep an eye out for. They can develop on any infant, regardless of race or current health.
Heat Rash
Many parents wrongly assume that a baby must be in extreme heat to develop heat rash. While extreme heat does enhance the risk, the only requirement is that the infant becomes overheated. According to “16 Common Infant Skin Disorders,” heat rash can be extremely uncomfortable for babies, making them cry, which heats them up even more. It often appears as tiny, red bumps. It develops when the sweat glands clog across the skin. Your infant will feel hot and itchy as well as very irritable. The simplest cure is to place your baby in a cool to tepid bath, wash him off with a gentle soap, and then keep him dressed in as little as possible. In more severe cases, he may need an antihistamine. If a fever or swelling starts to develop though, make sure that you contact your child’s doctor. Heat rash can sometimes develop because of fever, and sometimes the fever is caused by an infection, which the heat rash can worsen.
Sunburn
Sunburns can cause big problems for adults, but they can be even more problematic for infants. The problem with sunburns is not just that the baby has become overheated and burned, but also the fact that he is likely dehydrated as well. “Mommy Wisdom for Common Skin Problems” recommends filling baby bottles with cool water and giving the baby regular drinks while also using the cool bottles as compresses for 15 minutes at a time throughout the day. If blistering has occurred, apply pure aloe vera gel on the affected areas. Keep the baby out of the sun as much as possible until the sunburn has healed. Also be sure to use sunscreen for babies on any exposed skin.
Frostbite
One of the scarier problems that your infant may face is frostbite, and in those scenarios, your first telltale sign may be your baby’s skin. Infants, unlike older children, can’t tell you how they feel, and frostbite develops on infants far quicker than on older children. Your first sign will be if the skin along the extremities, nose, cheeks, and mouth starts to turn white, yellow-gray, or blue. Immediately apply warm compresses. Do not use hot water. It will feel excruciatingly painful to your infant. But while you are doing this, make sure that you call your baby’s doctor right away. The side effects from frostbite can be quite severe, and you need to have your infant seen by a medical professional as quickly as possible.
