Uncommon Infant and Newborn Problems—Skin Conditions

Also called: Cutaneous disorders, Dermatologic disorders

Your skin is your body’s largest organ. It covers and protects your body. Your skin

Holds body fluids in, preventing dehydration
Keeps harmful microbes out, preventing infections
Helps you feel things like heat, cold, and pain
Keeps your body temperature even
Makes vitamin D when the sun shines on it

Anything that irritates, clogs, or inflames your skin can cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, burning, and itching. Allergies, irritants, your genetic makeup, and certain diseases and immune system problems can cause rashes, hives, and other skin conditions. Many skin problems, such as acne, also affect your appearance.

NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Acrodermatitis (Medical Encyclopedia)
Cryotherapy (Medical Encyclopedia)
Cutaneous skin tags (Medical Encyclopedia)
Dry skin — self-care (Medical Encyclopedia)
Erythema multiforme (Medical Encyclopedia)
Granuloma annulare (Medical Encyclopedia)
Keratosis pilaris (Medical Encyclopedia)
Lichen planus (Medical Encyclopedia)
Milia (Medical Encyclopedia)
Sebaceous cyst (Medical Encyclopedia)
Seborrheic keratosis (Medical Encyclopedia)
Skin lesion removal (Medical Encyclopedia)
Skin lesion removal-aftercare (Medical Encyclopedia)
Stasis dermatitis and ulcers (Medical Encyclopedia)

It can be scary when your baby is sick, especially when it is not an everyday problem like a cold or a fever. You may not know whether the problem is serious or how to treat it. If you have concerns about your baby’s health, call your health care provider right away.

Learning information about your baby’s condition can help ease your worry. Do not be afraid to ask questions about your baby’s care. By working together with your health care provider, you make sure that your baby gets the best care possible.