Newborn Skin Care

Skin serves many purposes for the human body, including regulation of body temperature and protection from the elements. During the months prior to birth, the mother's womb is performing these tasks for the baby. But at birth, the baby's skin is preparing to take care of these important functions on its own.

An infant is born with the skin fully developed as a barrier, or protection, from the outside world unless he is premature. However, some portions of the skin are not fully mature at birth. "The sweat glands may not function as they do in adults; thus, they may become blocked," says Dr. Nanette Silverberg, a pediatric dermatologist at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital in Manhattan, N.Y. "Also, the pigment of the skin is not always complete until 6 months of age. Finally, when we are born, we have not been exposed in the womb to bacteria and yeasts. It is normal for the skin to colonize with non-harmful bacteria and yeast in the first six months of life, and this can affect the appearance of the skin."

According to studies conducted by the Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas, babies – particularly those born during winter months – are prone to dry skin because their sweat glands may not have fully developed. Forms of infantile rashes may be associated with redness, flaking, itching, rashes and other discoloration.

According to Dr. Denise W. Metry, an assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas, two of the major determining factors of what the condition is and how best to treat it are location and appearance. Dr. Metry explains some of the most common skin conditions as well as the best remedies and/or treatments:

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