DHAKA: A baby’s skin is so delicate that even a slight scratch or rash is known to make them very irritable.

Remember that newborns are quite prone to rashes and most are harmless and disappear on their own within a few days.

Some common skin problems in babies and remedies from that are revealed by The Times of India.

Diaper rash: This inevitable rash can keep your baby (and you) up all night long.

Keep checking your baby's diaper area often. If you spot redness and soreness, apply a diaper rash cream immediately and keep the area open and dry as much as possible.

Ensure that the diaper isn't too tight or left too long on your baby. Change it as often as you think necessary and use a diaper rash cream whenever required.

Baby acne: Tiny pimples on your baby's face may be a common phenomenon and usually clear up on their own in a few days time. Avoid applying anything on it.

Birth marks: Birthmarks are common in babies. They can be there when the baby is born or even appear after a few weeks or months.

Eczema: This red rash can be itchy and is more common in babies who have a family history of asthma or allergies.

It usually appears on the face but is also known to appear on the elbows, chest or arms and gradually becomes dry and scaly.

This type of rash is usually triggered as an allergic reaction to soaps, lotions or even a detergent you're using to wash your baby's clothes.

Dry skin: Most newborns are born with extremely dry skin, which starts peeling in the days after they are born.

This usually stops soon but if it worries you, ask your pediatrician to suggest some medicine.

Prickly heat rash: These small pink-red spots are caused due to sweating and mostly appear on neck, diaper area and armpits.

Keep your baby as cool and dry as possible and make him/ her wear loose, flowy cotton clothes.

Avoid using too much powder on your baby's skin — the tiny grains of baby powder can be inhaled by babies causing them discomfort.

Avoid powdering till your baby is at least four to six months old.

White bumps: Also known as milia, these small white spots are seen on the nose and caused by skin flakes that block oil glands.

As the glands open, these spots usually disappear on their own after a few days.

Yeast infections: Even babies suffer from yeast infections, which make an appearance after a baby has been given antibiotics.

Thrush, appears white and on the tongue and mouth, while a yeast diaper rash is tomato red accompanied by small red pimples at the edges.

Ask your doctor to prescribe medicine.

What to keep in mind

- Use a very mild detergent to clean all your baby's laundry. Ensure that even pillow

covers, bed sheets, blankets and towels are washed separately.

- Purchase baby skin care products that don't contain dyes, fragrances, phthalates and parabens — all which could cause irritation to a baby's delicate skin.

- Baby skin is extremely sensitive. Use warm water during bath times. Apply baby lotion after the bath when his skin is still damp and gently pat dry.

- It is necessary to change the diaper several times during the day to prevent the rash. Also change the diaper once or twice during the night to prevent rashes.

- According to a recent study, body massage is recommended for most newborns.

Gently stroke and massage your baby's skin with oil. This not only helps boost relaxation and keeps skin healthy, but is also said to lead to better sleep.

BDST: 2002 HRS, AUG 24, 2014