The Importance of Skin to Skin Contact

There are now a multitude of studies that show that mothers and babies should be together, skin to skin (baby naked, not wrapped in a blanket) immediately after birth, as well as later. The baby is happier, the baby's temperature is more stable and more normal, the baby's heart and breathing rates are more stable and more normal, and the baby's blood sugar is more elevated. Not only that, skin to skin contact immediately after birth allows the baby to be colonized by the same bacteria as the mother. This, plus breastfeeding, are thought to be important in the prevention of allergic diseases. When a baby is put into an incubator, his skin and gut are often colonized by bacteria different from his mother's.

We now know that this is true not only for the baby born at term and in good health, but also even for the premature baby. Skin to skin contact and Kangaroo Mother Care can contribute much to the care of the premature baby. Even babies on oxygen can be cared for skin to skin, and this helps reduce their needs for oxygen, and keeps them more stable in other ways as well.

From the point of view of breastfeeding, babies who are kept skin to skin with the mother immediately after birth for at least an hour, are more likely to latch on without any help and they are more likely to latch on well, especially if the mother did not receive medication during the labour or birth. As mentioned in "Breastfeeding - Starting out Right", a baby who latches on well gets milk more easily than a baby who latches on less well. When a baby latches on well, the mother is less likely to be sore. When a mother's milk is abundant, the baby can take the breast poorly and still get lots of milk, though the feedings may then be long or frequent or both, and the mother is more prone to develop problems such as blocked ducts and mastitis. In the first few days, however, the mother does not have a lot of milk (but she has enough!), and a good latch is important to help the baby get the milk that is available (yes, the milk is there even if someone has "proved" to you with the big pump that there isn't any). If the baby does not latch on well, the mother may be sore, and if the baby does not get milk well, the baby will want to be on the breast for long periods of time worsening the soreness.

To recap, skin to skin contact immediately after birth, which lasts for at least an hour has the following positive effects on the baby:

• Are more likely to latch on
• Are more likely to latch on well
• Have more stable and normal skin temperatures
• Have more stable and normal heart rates and blood pressures
• Have higher blood sugars
• Are less likely to cry
• Are more likely to breastfeed exclusively longer

There is no reason that the vast majority of babies cannot be skin to skin with the mother immediately after birth for at least an hour. Hospital routines, such as weighing the baby, should not take precedence.

The baby should be dried off and put on the mother. Nobody should be pushing the baby to do anything; nobody should be trying to help the baby latch on during this time. The mother, of course, may make some attempts to help the baby, and this should not be discouraged. The mother and baby should just be left in peace to enjoy each other's company. (The mother and baby should not be left alone, however, especially if the mother has received medication, and it is important that not only the mother's partner, but also a nurse, midwife, doula or physician stay with them—occasionally, some babies do need medical help and someone qualified should be there "just in case"). The eyedrops and the injection of vitamin K can wait a couple of hours. By the way, immediate skin to skin contact can also be done after cæsarean section, even while the mother is getting stitched up, unless there are medical reasons which prevent it.

Studies have shown that even premature babies, as small as 1200 g (2 lb 10 oz) are more stable metabolically (including the level of their blood sugars) and breathe better if they are skin to skin immediately after birth. The need for an intravenous infusion, oxygen therapy or a nasogastric tube, for example, or all the preceding, does not preclude skin to skin contact. Skin to skin contact is quite compatible with other measures taken to keep the baby healthy. Of course, if the baby is quite sick, the baby's health must not be compromised, but any premature baby who is not suffering from respiratory distress syndrome can be skin to skin with the mother immediately after birth. Indeed, in the premature baby, as in the full term baby, skin to skin contact may decrease rapid breathing into the normal range.

Even if the baby does not latch on during the first hour or two, skin to skin contact is still good and important for the baby and the mother for all the other reasons mentioned.

If the baby does not take the breast right away, do not panic. There is almost never any rush, especially in the full term healthy baby. One of the most harmful approaches to feeding the newborn has been the bizarre notion that babies must feed every three hours. Babies should feed when they show signs of being ready, and keeping a baby next to his mother will make it obvious to her when the baby is ready. There is actually not a stitch of proof that babies must feed every three hours or by any schedule, but based on such a notion, many babies are being pushed into the breast because three hours have passed. The baby not interested yet in feeding may object strenuously, and thus is pushed even more, resulting, in many cases, in babies refusing the breast because we want to make sure they take the breast. And it gets worse. If the baby keeps objecting to being pushed into the breast and gets more and more upset, then the "obvious next step" is to give a supplement. And it is obvious where we are headed

Baby Skin Care Is More Than Preventing Diaper Rash

Besides diaper and heat rash, babies can develop a condition called 'cradle cap'. Baby skin dries easily and it can even sunburn because melanin production is low. Sun protection is a most for baby skin. And because of the surge in hormones at the time of birth, babies can break out in acne, although baby skin is far less oily than an adult's.

General guidelines and tips on baby skin care and protection

Start life off right by protecting your baby from ultraviolet radiation exposure. Keep infants out of direct sunlight during the first few months. If you do go outside, be sure to cover the baby's skin with certified sun protection clothing (UPF50+ sun clothing is the highest sun protection you can get), a sun hat and baby sunglasses. Turn that into a habit and teach your child the importance of doing so as he or she grows older. Sunscreen products shouldn't be applied until the baby is 6 months old, but after that, they're absolutely necessary. Take care when riding in cars and when out for a stroll.

As for baby skin care, it won't be hard to find products formulated especially for babies. Purchase these and use as directed. Adult skin care products are not recommended for babies. They're far too harsh. You may have to switch laundry detergents if you find the one you're using is irritating your baby's skin.

Always change diapers as soon as possible. Urine and feces contain bacteria and must be washed away with warm water or baby wipes, otherwise infections can develop. Make sure wipes don't contain alcohol which can dry out a baby's skin. Remember to clean in the folds and also to dry this area gently but thoroughly. Diaper rash is very uncomfortable so apply an ointment or cream formulated especially for this common baby skin problem.

Moisturizing regularly with lotions and creams formulated for infants helps retain moisture. 

Excessive bathing isn't necessary and in fact can sap a baby's skin of moisture. Never use hot water for bathing. Like adults, babies prefer warm water. If your baby has cradle cap which resembles scaly dirty-looking skin, gently scrub top of head with a soft brush. If cradle cap doesn't go away, have the baby's physician take a look. Wind and cold can also cause dry skin so protect your baby when outside. If the air in your home is dry, consider getting a humidifier to add moisture.

Because a baby's skin doesn't yet perspire properly, babies aren't efficient at controlling their body temperatures. Sometimes, heat rashes can develop. Be sure to dress babies in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that's appropriate for the temperature to avoid these rashes that resemble red patches or pinkish-red bumps.

Good habits begin early and it's never too soon to develop a proper baby skin care routine!

Remember to protect your baby skin from UV radiation, use UPF50+ certified sun protection clothing when outdoor, proper sun protection hat, and sunglasses. UV radiation can affect skin even on cloudy day.

Author,

J Edmond Souaid

How to Get Rid of Rash On Baby's Face

Has your baby been suffering from facial rashes? Find out how to get rid of rash on baby's face in simple and safe steps...

Baby skin is very delicate and extra sensitive. It needs special treatment and more care. We cannot tend to their skin like the way we do with ours. Since the skin is thinner and lacks enough protective epidermal layering, it is more susceptible to infection and injury. The most common causes for baby rashes on the face are eczema, milia, dribble rash and roseola. These usually need medical treatment and can be easily cured. When the baby's skin develops and becomes more resilient, it keeps most skin infections at bay. Eczema for instance, is also an inherited skin condition, which could have been transmitted, from either of the parents and their respective genealogy. There are but a few measures which can be taken by parents to keep these itchy and uncomfortable conditions away.

Causes for Rash

A rash, may be an indicator of allergies. Your baby may be allergic to the foods you eat, which may be getting transferred through breast milk.

These allergies could be due to the foods being given to the baby, perhaps certain ingredients in the baby food is not suiting him.

Allergies could be triggered through the chemicals being used for keeping the baby clean. Detergents and perfumes present in baby soaps and creams, too can cause a lot of trouble for the kid.

It could be due to extreme climatic conditions. Too much of heat or cold can dehydrate the baby's skin even though we may think that the weather is suitable for the baby.

People will usually not care to wash their hands before attempting to touch the baby's face or trying to kiss their cheeks. What eventually happens is that the germs will affect the baby's skin.

If a rash has come and gone, contact with germs will cause a new outbreak.

Try to keep the floor disinfected at all times, or a safer option would be to keep the baby away from the floor or dirty surfaces. As dust and germs can aggravate the rash or lead to a fresh breakout.

Allergies can come from pets as well. Try to keep your pet cat or dog from coming in contact with the baby for some years. Pet hair and saliva can lead to skin infections in human babies.

Ways to Get Rid of Rash

Do not use any soaps to clean your baby's face and neck. Simple water is sufficient for your baby's skin.

Wipe the skin using a soft paper towel and never use cloth on their skin. Cloth being tougher and germ infested will only make the rash persist for longer periods.

You need not use a paper towel either, and could simply let the area air dry. This will soothe the skin and alleviate the itchiness.

Use ice cubes to rub the affected spots on the skin in case it's itching too much and the baby is crying with excess discomfort.

Keep the baby's finger nails short, so that he/she can't scratch the rash and make it worse. A seemingly impossible task to accomplish, knowing that baby's can't take instructions, and we can't keep them from scratching themselves! Nonetheless, trying will help heal the rash to a large extent.

As far as possible, try to not let people touch the baby at all. Let the child grow to about 2-3 years or so, because until then their skin will be less sensitive.

In case the rash has turned red and flaky, or is oozing, the rash has already been growing for a while. Consult a pediatric dermatologist specifically, because they are specialists, and have dealt with baby rashes many times over.

Ask for a cream with hydrocortisone in it. Ask for something mild and effective for baby's. Remember to mention your baby's age and the time since the onset of the rash as well as the number of times it has appeared in the past.

You will need to get your baby tested for food allergies and accordingly eat only the things which your baby can safely consume either directly or through your milk.

When dealing with baby rashes, the safest advice would be to consult a specialist in pediatric dermatology. One can never be too sure that the products in the market may suit your baby specifically or not. While it may suit most, it need not necessarily suit your own. It's better to be cautious and seek medical advice before using any chemicals and creams on your baby's body. 

 

Author,

 

Rohini Mohan

 

Rashes in Toddlers

Skin irritations can give toddlers a hard time, and make them highly uncomfortable and cranky. As a parent it is imperative that you are aware of the causes behind this problem, so that you can get your child the right treatment.

A rash is an inflammation of the skin, accompanied with red spots, and change in texture or color of the skin. Rashes can appear either on a localized part or all over the body. Depending on the type of rash, it can either be itchy rash or non-itchy rash, scaly or non-scaly rash. In medical terms a rash is termed as exanthem. Though most rashes go away on their own, they should not be taken lightly. It is important to have your child examined by a physician.

Types of Rashes in Toddlers

These rashes can be caused due to a number of reasons, like reaction to a particular drug, insect bites, allergic reaction, exposure to some chemicals, or it can also be an infection. Symptoms vary according to the type of rash.

• Chickenpox

It is also known as varicella and is caused by a virus called varicella-zoster. This rash is not harmful, but it is contagious and lasts up to two weeks. The symptoms of chickenpox occur 12 to 21 days after the infection. However, it is important to note that a child can be exposed to it and yet not get infected by it. The most common symptoms of this rash include:

Fever

Sore throat

Fatigue

Appearance of an itchy rash

The rash initially targets body parts like the armpits, groin, or scalp. Usually a blister is formed, which ruptures into a lesion which forms a crust.

» Treatment: Calamine lotion or cooling gels help in treating the rash. There are various vaccines that help in preventing the rash.

• German Measles

German Measles is also called Rubella or Three-Day Measles. The rash is usually caused by Rubivirus. The face is the first body part which is affected by this virus. Pink rashes appear on the face, which later spread to the entire body. Often German Measles cause lymph nodes swelling behind the ear in children. Toddlers take approximately three days to recover from the rash.

» Treatment: The baby should be taken to the doctor immediately, if his fever exceeds 100ºF. The doctor might prescribe an ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

• Measles

This type of measles is also called regular or hard measles, so that it can easily be differentiated from German measles. A virus called Paramyxovirus causes measles. A vaccine to prevent measles is available in the market, which is safe and effective. After the toddler has been exposed to the virus, the symptoms are visible after 10 to 12 days. The symptoms of measles include:

Cough

Fever

Nasal congestion

Redness of the eyes

Decreased appetite

On the third or fourth day of the symptoms, a brown rash is seen on the face, which then spreads to the entire body. The rash usually lasts three to four days.

» Treatment: Monitoring the child's temperature can provide relief from the rash. Liquid infant paracetamol can be used, after consulting a doctor.

• Roseola Infantum

It is caused by human herpes virus 6. Roseola infantum affects children below the age of 2. The most common symptom is a high fever that stays for 2 to 5 days. As the fever starts to go away the rash appears. The rash is pink in color and has lesions, which first appears on the stomach, and spreads to the extremities of the body.

» Treatment: The fever can be treated with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Prevent your child from getting dehydrated by giving him plenty of fluids. The rash disappears when the body temperature comes back to normal.

• Eczema

There are two reasons, which can cause eczema. First is the genetic structure, and the other is allergy to different irritants or food. Usually toddlers with dry skin are affected with eczema, also called atopic dermatitis. The most common characteristic is itching. Children develop itchy red rashes on their cheeks as the first symptom of eczema. The rash then spreads to inner elbows, behind the knees, neck, and then all over the body, specially the groin. It is itching that makes the child restless and irritated, usually at night.

» Treatment: Bathe the child in lukewarm water. Only mild soaps should be used for bathing. Moisturize the child's skin with a moisturizer or emollient. Use cotton clothing for the kid, avoid synthetic materials.

• Diaper Rash

This is a form of dermatitis, which affects the buttocks, genitals, thigh folds, and the lower abdomen of the toddler. Diaper rash is caused when the toddler's diaper is not changed frequently and the feces remain in contact with the skin. Usually this rash is flat and red in appearance.

» Treatment: This rash is usually caused due to allergy to the diaper material. Make sure that you change the diapers regularly when they are soiled to prevent this rash. Using ointments like zinc oxide or A&D ointment can help in treating the rash. It is recommended that one use cotton diapers at least till the rash has disappeared. If the rash persists for a prolonged period, seek medical advice.

• Scarlet Fever

Streptococcal bacteria causes fever, redness, and swelling of the throat and tonsils. It is also known as strep throat. Scarlet fever is strep throat accompanied by rashes. The symptoms of this condition are sore throat and fever. After one or two days of the symptoms, a red rash similar to the coarseness of sandpaper appears all over the child's body. The rash in some cases can also be seen around the vagina and/or anus.

» Treatment: Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids. Use a cool mist humidifier, or wrap a moist towel around the child's neck to soothe his throat. This rash is very contagious, but can be prevented, if the child's hands are washed at regular intervals all through the day.

• Hives

This is an allergic rash, which is caused due to allergy to certain foods, medications, soaps, clothing, grass, etc. The characteristic of this kind of rashes is that they appear on a particular body part to disappear in some time, but recur on other body part. The shape of this rash is often irregular and can either be separate or clustered together. In some cases, hives can make an appearance, if children have fever. The condition can be serious if you observe symptoms like wheezing, difficulty in breathing, vomiting, etc., along with the hives.

» Treatment: Use cooling gel or calamine lotion on the rash to soothe itching. Trim and clean the baby's nail to avoid damage if the rash is scratched. Dress the baby in loose cotton clothing. Use mild soap or cleansers while bathing the baby.

One should seek immediate medical advice if the rashes persist for more than 3 days, or if unexplained symptoms occur. Never give the child any medicine without consulting a doctor.

Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.

 

Author,

Bhakti Satalkar

12 Must-haves for a Baby Medicine Cabinet

Whether it is a rash, common cold, or fever, being prepared and stocking up on baby medicines can help you deal with the baby ailment in time. In this Buzzle article, we list the baby medicine cabinet essentials that can save you a late-night dash to the drugstore.

Must-haves for a baby medicine cabinet

Quick Tip

It is a good idea to clean out your medicine cabinet at least once a year. This will help you dispose outdated and old products.

Keep the baby safe and be prepared. This is the motto that every parent should follow. After all, babies and toddlers are bound to suffer from the occasional bouts of cold with a runny nose or a bad case of diaper rash. Even when you think that you have survived the cold and flu season, one fine day, you come home to find a feverish kid with a bad hacking cough.

Keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet ensures that you do not have to run out to the drugstore in the middle of the night. Moreover, this arsenal of products allows you to quickly deal with common baby ailments, such as rashes and fevers, with ease. In this Buzzle article, we provide a list of things to keep in a baby medicine cabinet that are sure to provide relief during colds and make bumps and bruises feel better.

Digital Thermometer

If you are concerned that your child is running a fever, then you would definitely want to check their body temperature with a thermometer. Gone are the days when you had to use the riskier glass-and-mercury thermometer. Today's digital thermometers are less intrusive and provide the most accurate results. They use electronic heat sensors to record body temperature and can be used in the mouth, armpit, and rectum. Some people use digital ear thermometers that measure the temperature inside the ear canal using infrared rays. Although they seem easier to use, they are not very accurate as a smaller ear canal or presence of earwax can interfere with the accuracy of an ear thermometer.

Pain and Fever Relief Medication

Fever and pain are common in babies, especially ones who are teething. Use infant-formula acetaminophen and ibuprofen (for children aged six months and above) to reduce pain and fever.

 

 Ensure that the medication are infant-strength for babies under 35 pounds. For example: You need to buy infant acetaminophen containing 160 milligrams of acetaminophen per 5 milliliters as opposed to more concentrated formulas containing 80 milligrams in 0.8 or 1 milliliter. Even a small overdose can have some serious repercussions, so buy the correct concentration, and consult your doctor for appropriate dosage instructions.

Anti-itch Cream

Insect bites, eczema, and allergies can cause itchy rashes in babies. The persistent itching can leave your child restless and miserable all day. Oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl (Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride), and topical steroids, such as 1% hydrocortizone cream, can help control the itching.

 

 The AVEENO 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-itch Cream with ACTIVE NATURALS Triple Oat Complex provides relief from itching caused by eczema rashes or skin inflammation. Calamine lotion also provides relief from itching caused by certain rashes and insect bites.

Gas Drops

Excessive gas in babies can lead to discomfort and a lot of sleepless nights for you. To calm a fussy baby and provide relief from the painful symptoms of excess gas caused by swallowing excess air while bottle feeding or eating certain foods, you can try gas drops. Orally administered, Simethicone gas drops helps break up gas bubbles in the gut, and provides safe, gentle relief from gas discomfort in minutes. MYLICON Infant Gas Drops and Little Remedies For Tummys Gas Relief Drops are two popular OTC gas relief drops available in the market.

Humidifier

Since over-the-counter medication for cough and cold are considered unsafe for babies under the age of four years, you can use a humidifier or a cold-mist vaporizer to relieve symptoms of cold. The humidifier adds moisture to the air and relieves congestion from common cold, flu, and sinus infections. Although both warm mist as well as cold mist humidifiers are available in the market, it is best to use the cold mist variant that humidifies your home, and prevents risk of burns or injuries.

Diaper Rash Cream

No matter how careful you are or how many times you change diapers, most babies are bound to get diaper rashes once in a while. Thankfully, there are products that soothe a baby's sore skin or form a protective barrier. Diaper rash creams or ointments contain zinc oxide or petrolatum to provide an effective barrier. Some have ingredients such as cocoa butter and castor seed oil that soothe and heal the diaper rash. Some excellent diaper rash creams include DESITIN Rapid Relief Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Cream and Boudreaux's Butt Paste.

Oral Rehydration Salts

When a baby has diarrhea or is vomiting continuously, dehydration can pose a problem. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are used to prevent the dehydration. Commercially-available oral rehydration salts have to be mixed with water to make this solution. This solution is then fed in small amounts at regular intervals to prevent dehydration.

Nasal Aspirator and Saline Spray

Is your child having trouble breathing due to the cold? Unlike adults, babies cannot clear their nasal passages that are blocked due to the excess mucus produced during cold. The mucus buildup can make it difficult for the baby to breathe, and can even cause gagging. To prevent this, you need to use a nasal aspirator. The device creates suction to clear the nasal passages and makes it easier for the child to breathe. Additionally, a saline spray works to loosen up the mucus, making it easier to dislodge the mucus. Some excellent nasal aspirators in the market are NoseFrida the Snotsucker Nasal Aspirator and Graco NasalClear Battery Operated Nasal Aspirator.

Antibiotic Ointment

Small scrapes, burns, and cuts should be cleaned and then treated with an antibiotic ointment. This prevents the wound getting infected. A dab of triple-antibiotic ointment, such as NEOSPORIN, can also speed the healing of the wound.

Medicine Syringe

Medicine syringes and dispensers provide an accurate measurement for liquid medication. Our household utensils cannot provide standard measurements. This is why you need calibrated medication syringes and calibrated droppers to ensure that you provide the proper dosage to your child.

Bandages and Sterilized Cotton Balls

For bleeding and small open wounds, you need to keep adhesive bandages and gauze pads in various sizes. A standard fare in any well-stocked baby medicine cabinet, these bandages protect the cuts from dirt, bacteria, and friction. Some of them have antiseptic properties that hasten the healing process. Along with bandages, you will also need sterilized cotton balls to clean the wound.

Alcohol Wipes
Keep a box of alcohol wipes to clean and disinfect thermometers and the skin around the wounds. These are much safer than rubbing alcohol, which can be accidentally swallowed by a child.

Other Items You May Need

★ Tweezers, to remove splinters or stingers

★ Scissors and safety pins

★ Small flashlight for checking the baby's nose and ears

★ Baby-safe insect repellent

★ A pair of baby nail clippers

★ Cold packs

★ Cotton swabs to clean the ears

Also keep a list of emergency contact numbers, such as the closest hospital, family doctor, poison control, etc., in the medicine cabinet. Keep the medicine cabinet out of the child's reach.

Caring For Your Baby’s Skin

According to Professor Michael Cork, Head of Academic Dermatology at University of Sheffield Medical School and world renowned expert on paediatric eczema and skin care, children’s skin allergies have increased dramatically since the 1950s and now one in five children suffer from eczema.

This has coincided with the rapid rise in baby skincare products.
So how can you protect your child from developing skin irritations or eczema? It all starts with your daily skin care routine – the right routine.

Walk down the aisle of any supermarket, chemist or baby boutique and the choice in skincare is overwhelming. You are inundated with soap, shampoo, moisturising lotions, creams, ointments, bubble bath, bath oil, powders and the list goes on. How do you choose?

For many parents the two most important factors behind their choices in skincare are performance and value for money. But there are points parents need to consider when choosing a product is their baby’s skin.

Check list

How much do you want to spend? Spending more doesn’t necessarily mean a better product.

Do you want to use synthetic or a natural, organic product? All products are potential irritants regardless of whether they are synthetic, natural or organic.

Does your baby have any allergies to peanuts, soy, wheat or milk products? Some products contain these ingredients eg: Sweet Almond Oil, Soybean Oil, Cassein, Peanut Oil, Wheatgerm oil.

Do you have a family history of eczema, asthma or hay fever? The chances of your child having eczema will increase by 30% if you do and 50% to 80% if both parents do.

When you have answered these questions you should have narrowed the field considerably.

Where to now?

Causes of skin irritations

Fragrances - One of the biggest causes of skin irritations in babies is fragrance, they can be either synthetic or natural.
Essential oils – Natural, highly fragrant oils extracted from plants mainly used for its therapeutic properties but these oils are highly potent and can be irritating to a baby’s skin.
Colours – Again natural or synthetic they are both potential irritants. Does baby really need bright pink bubble bath?
Soap and surfactants – are high foaming like bubble bath the higher the foam the more drying they can be to the skin. One common culprit is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. It receives a great deal of bad press but did you know it is actually derived from coconuts (remember what I said about natural and organic products being potential irritants)? Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is commonly used in bath wash and shampoo products for its cleansing action. As it is high foaming it has been associated with skin dryness and skin irritation.
Preservatives – products that combine water and oil need a preservative, without it various bacteria and fungus can pollute the product within months, but again preservatives can be potential skin irritants.

So armed with the correct information, shopping for your baby’s skincare will no longer be a hassle.

LOVE THE SKIN YOU’RE IN

Skin Make –up

Broadly speaking skin is made up of 3 layers, the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous fatty layer. The epidermis is the top layer of skin which holds the stratum corneum and is the barrier to the outside world, the dermis is the middle layer that provides strength and structure and the subcutaneous fatty layer is the bottom layer which insulates the organs from heat and cold.

Differences between Adult and Baby Skin

A baby’s epidermis and stratum corneum isn’t fully developed which makes their skin 5 times thinner than an adults, it has some advantages but mostly disadvantages.

Advantages – a baby’s skin can absorb and hold more water than an adult’s skin

Disadvantages – baby’s skin loses water faster than an adult’s skin. Because their skin can absorb more water it also means they can absorb more potential irritants. When this occurs it can result in dryness, itching, burning, rashes and eczema.

Nadine Hall is an Aromatherapist, Creator of Nature Within, Organic Skincare and Sleepwear for babies and mother of two.

Visit her website: http://www.naturewithin.com.au 

By: Nadine Hall

Are Strawberry Hemangiomas Dangerous To My Baby?

A strawberry hemangioma is the medical term for a red birthmark common on infants and young children. They rarely pose any threat to the baby's health unless it's due to their location or size.  Surgery, no matter how routine, is always dangerous and careful consideration should be given before electing to have a harmless birthmark removed. Rarely will a doctor recommend any surgery or treatment for a strawberry hemangioma strictly for cosmetic reasons.

The best place to go for questions regarding hemangiomas is your baby's pediatrician. He will probably have already noticed it and explained to you what it is and is not; but he will welcome any further questions you have as your child grows.  Strawberry hemangiomas are more common in girls than boys, may show up after birth, and can be located anywhere on the body. One study concluded that 4 – 5 % of all light skinned births will have or develop a strawberry hemangioma.

There is no real cause, or risk factors, for strawberry hemangiomas. Most of these birthmarks are painless and cause the infant or child no problems.  Generally they will shrink and fade over time, with most be gone completely before the age of ten. If a hemangioma is located in a place that impairs vision or hinders some other activity, laser surgery may be used to remove it. Laser surgery is not recommended for cosmetic reasons, as the surgery can have side effects. Another possible treatment for strawberry hemangiomas that impair some function is steroids; but they are never used for cosmetic reasons as they too can have serious side effects when used in infants. Other treatments being developed involved beta blockers and embolization. But neither are these to be used for cosmetic reasons.

If your baby has a red birthmark, do not be alarmed. It is likely harmless and will go away over time. Even if the mark is easily noticed, do not be embarrassed or anxious. Your baby is perfectly healthy.

Author,

By Tiffany Windhurst