Common Baby Rashes: A Visual Guide to Identification and Treatment

Baby skin is remarkably delicate—thinner, more sensitive, and more prone to irritation than adult skin. Rashes are among the most common concerns parents bring to pediatricians, and while most baby rashes are completely harmless and resolve on their own, seeing red, bumpy, or scaly skin on your baby can be alarming. Understanding the most common baby rashes—what they look like, what causes them, and how to treat them—helps you respond appropriately and know when medical attention is needed.

Why Baby Skin Is So Prone to Rashes AAP

Baby skin is still developing protective barriers during the first year of life. It loses moisture more easily, is more reactive to irritants, and has less of the natural oil layer that protects adult skin. The skin's microbiome (the healthy bacteria that live on skin) is also still establishing itself, which can contribute to certain rashes.

Additionally, babies can't tell you when something is bothering them. They can't say "this diaper is too wet" or "I'm overheating in this outfit." Rashes are often the skin's way of communicating that something needs to change.

Diaper Rash: The Most Common Baby Rash AAP

Almost every baby experiences diaper rash at some point. It appears as red, irritated skin in the diaper area—on the buttocks, thighs, and genitals. The severity ranges from mild pinkness to raw, bleeding skin in severe cases.

Diaper rash develops when moisture (from urine and stool) breaks down the skin's protective barrier, friction from the diaper causes irritation, and waste products irritate the skin. It's more common during diarrhea, when babies start solids (which changes stool composition), and when babies are teething (which can increase stooling). AAP

Prevention is the best approach. Change diapers frequently, as soon as possible after soiling. Apply a thick barrier cream (containing zinc oxide or petroleum jelly) with every diaper change to protect the skin. Let baby have diaper-free time when possible to air out the area. Ensure diapers fit properly—too tight causes friction, too loose causes rubbing.

Treatment involves the same strategies, applied more intensively. Change diapers even more frequently. Apply a thick layer of barrier cream—don't worry about removing all the cream at each change; just layer more on top. If the rash is severe or doesn't improve within a few days, see your pediatrician. They may prescribe an antifungal cream if yeast is involved (yeast diaper rash appears as bright red with satellite spots and doesn't respond to regular diaper cream). Mayo

Baby Acne: Alarming but Harmless AAP

Baby acne appears as small red or white bumps on the face, typically on the cheeks, forehead, and chin. It usually develops around 2-4 weeks of age and can persist for several weeks to a few months. It can look quite severe, making parents worry, but it's completely harmless.

Baby acne is thought to be caused by maternal hormones that crossed the placenta and stimulate the baby's oil glands. It's more common in boys and may worsen when baby is warm or crying.

No treatment is needed. Don't apply acne products designed for teens or adults—these are too harsh for baby skin. Gently wash the face with water and, if desired, a mild baby soap. Don't pick at or scrub the bumps. Baby acne resolves on its own and doesn't cause scarring. AAP

Cradle Cap: Scaly Scalp AAP

Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis) appears as yellowish, greasy, scaly patches on the scalp. It can also appear on the eyebrows, behind the ears, and in skin folds. Despite its appearance, it's not itchy or uncomfortable and doesn't bother the baby.

Cradle cap is caused by overactive oil glands, possibly stimulated by remaining maternal hormones. It typically appears in the first few weeks of life and resolves by 6-12 months, though it can persist longer.

Treatment is optional since cradle cap doesn't bother the baby. If you want to reduce scales, massage a small amount of mineral oil, coconut oil, or petroleum jelly into the scalp, leave for 15-20 minutes to soften scales, then gently brush with a soft brush and wash with baby shampoo. You can repeat this process every few days. If cradle cap spreads, becomes red and inflamed, or seems infected, contact your pediatrician. AAP

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): Dry, Itchy Patches AAP

Eczema appears as dry, red, itchy patches, often on the cheeks, arms, and legs in babies. It may ooze or crust when scratched. Unlike many baby rashes, eczema is itchy and uncomfortable.

Eczema tends to run in families, along with allergies and asthma (the "atopic triad"). Flares can be triggered by irritants (fragrances, certain fabrics, harsh soaps), allergens (dust mites, pet dander, certain foods), dry air, temperature changes, and stress. AAP

Management requires consistent skincare. Bathe daily in lukewarm water for 5-10 minutes, using fragrance-free cleanser sparingly. Pat (don't rub) skin partially dry, then immediately apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer to trap in moisture—this is the most important step. Repeat moisturizer application multiple times daily.

For flares, your pediatrician may prescribe topical corticosteroid cream to reduce inflammation. Use it as directed—typically applied to red, inflamed areas before moisturizer. Avoid known triggers, keep baby's nails short to minimize scratch damage, and dress baby in soft cotton fabrics.

Eczema is a chronic condition that waxes and wanes. Many children outgrow it or see significant improvement by age 5, though some have it into adulthood. AAP

Heat Rash (Miliaria): Tiny Red Bumps AAP

Heat rash appears as tiny red bumps or clear blisters, typically in areas where sweat gets trapped: neck folds, armpits, chest, back, and diaper area. It's common in hot weather or when babies are overdressed.

Heat rash happens when sweat ducts become blocked and sweat gets trapped under the skin. Baby skin with its immature sweat glands is particularly susceptible.

Treatment is straightforward: cool the baby down. Remove layers of clothing, move to a cooler environment, and let the affected skin air out. A cool (not cold) bath can help. Dress baby in loose, breathable cotton. Heat rash typically resolves within a few hours to days once baby is cooled. AAP

Prevention means avoiding overdressing. A good rule of thumb: dress baby in one more layer than you're comfortable in. If the back of baby's neck feels sweaty, they're too warm.

Erythema Toxicum: Newborn Rash with a Scary Name AAP

Erythema toxicum neonatorum is one of the most common newborn rashes—occurring in up to 50% of full-term babies—but its medical name makes it sound alarming. It appears as red blotches with small yellow or white bumps in the center, typically appearing within the first few days of life.

Despite the word "toxicum," this rash is completely benign. Its exact cause is unknown but is thought to be related to immune system development. It comes and goes, sometimes appearing in one area then another, and typically resolves entirely within 1-2 weeks.

No treatment is needed. Don't apply any creams or medications. The rash resolves on its own without any intervention. AAP

Milia: Tiny White Bumps AAP

Milia are tiny white bumps, usually on the nose and cheeks, present in up to 50% of newborns. They're caused by small keratin cysts—trapped skin cells—and are completely harmless.

Milia are not the same as baby acne (which has red bumps around white centers). They're present at birth or appear within the first few weeks and resolve on their own within a few weeks to months.

No treatment is needed or recommended. Don't squeeze, scrub, or apply products to milia.

When to Call Your Pediatrician AAP

While most baby rashes are harmless, some warrant medical attention.

Call during business hours if the rash has been present for several days without improvement, the rash seems to be spreading, you're unsure what the rash is, the rash is accompanied by other symptoms like poor feeding or fussiness, or you've tried home treatments without success.

Call for same-day advice if there are signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever. Also call if your baby has a rash with fever (especially in babies under 3 months), if the rash is painful, or if your instincts say something is wrong.

When to Seek Emergency Care AAP

Some rashes require immediate evaluation.

Petechiae and purpura—small purple or red spots that don't fade when you press on them—can indicate serious infections. To test, press a clear glass against the rash; if it doesn't blanch (turn white), seek emergency care immediately.

A rash with difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or lips, or severe distress requires immediate attention—this could indicate a severe allergic reaction.

If your baby seems very ill, is lethargic, is inconsolable, or something feels seriously wrong, trust your instincts and seek emergency care.

The Bottom Line

Baby rashes are extremely common and usually harmless. Learning to recognize the most common types—diaper rash, baby acne, cradle cap, eczema, heat rash—helps you provide appropriate care and know when to seek help. Most rashes respond to simple measures: keeping skin clean and dry, using gentle products, and addressing the underlying trigger. When in doubt, a photo and a call to your pediatrician can provide reassurance or guidance.

Clara is here to help you identify rashes and know when to seek care!