Dry Skin In Newborns: What Causes It?

A newborn’s skin is extremely fragile and will continue to change in appearance during the first weeks of life. This may include small flakes that should not cause alarm to parents. This is perfectly normal. But if you are wondering how this kind of dry skin in newborns occurs, you can get the answer here.

The appearance of flakes on a newborn’s skin can occur anywhere on the body, but they occur especially on the hands, soles of the feet and ankles. It happens because babies lose the outer layer of their skin in the first two to three weeks after birth.

The amount of skin flakes can vary. This often depends on whether it was a premature birth. In other cases, the flakes occur due to a condition that requires treatment.

However, a certain amount of dry skin in newborns after birth is completely normal, and it usually goes away on its own. It is generally not something that requires special care on your part.

Causes of dry skin in newborns

If your baby’s skin seems extremely dry or starts to peel off in the weeks after birth, it can remove your worries if you know what the cause is.

The reasons can be one of these:

1. Ichthyosis

A genetic condition called ichthyosis can make the skin dry and cause it to peel. This skin condition also causes itching.

A pediatrician can diagnose your baby with this condition after examining it. During the examination, the doctor may need to perform blood or skin tests.

There is no cure for ichthyosis, but if you regularly lubricate the skin with creams, it can relieve dryness and improve the baby’s skin.

2. Eczema

In some cases, skin that peels and is dry may be caused by a skin condition called eczema or atopic eczema. Eczema can cause dry, red and itchy spots on the baby’s skin. 

This condition usually does not appear immediately after the post-natal period, but it can develop later in childhood. The actual cause is unknown, but researchers believe several factors could trigger an outbreak, including exposure to irritants such as shampoos and detergents.

Tips to reduce dry skin in newborns

If your baby seems uncomfortable with the dry skin, it is important to alleviate its discomfort. In addition, love and attention from mom and dad will also be a great help. 

Here are some tips that can reduce skin flakes on newborns:

A lukewarm bath

Hot water dries out the skin of people of all ages – even newborns. If your baby has dry skin, avoid using hot water.

Baths with lukewarm water are ideal for newborn sensitive skin. Always follow the special recommendations regarding hygiene for newborns.

Use baby shampoo to avoid dry skin in newborns

To help treat and prevent dry skin from peeling, only bathe your newborn with shampoo specifically designed for babies. The soap you use on your own skin is too harsh for babies’ delicate skin.

3. Use a humidifier

Using a humidifier at home can really make a difference to your baby’s skin. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which helps treat and prevent peeling skin.

It’s extremely simple: simply place the humidifier in the room where the baby spends the most time. Let it run for a few hours each time the air feels dry.

4. Limit bath time

A tub can adversely affect your baby’s skin. If the baby spends too much time in the water, it can remove the skin’s natural oils and make your baby more prone to dry skin. Therefore, the bath time should be reduced and then you will quickly see a difference in your baby’s skin.

5. Give your baby plenty of fluids

It is imperative to maintain a constant water level in the body. Therefore, you should adhere to an established routine for breastfeeding or bottle to the letter. Breastfeeding helps to moisturize the skin.

In conclusion, do not forget that dry skin in newborns is completely normal and it is not something you have to worry so much about. With this list of the possible causes as well as the good tips you will know what it is that is going on and how to solve the problem.