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Newborn Skin Peeling – Causes and Treatment options
Became a new parent recently? Congratulations! Are you worried that your newborn’s skin is peeling or want to know if it is normal for the skin to peel in newborns or to have dry skin? Read on, this article is going to surely address your concern.
Why newborn’s skin can become dry and why does it peel?
All the while during pregnancy, the baby lives inside your womb surrounded by different types of fluids and coating on the skin, called vernix. After entering our regular atmosphere, many changes happen in the infant’s body such as the skin becoming dry, peeling of skin on the face and/or hands, change in complexion (skin can become darker or lighter), change in colour of hair and scalp.
Peeling of newborn’s skin is seen in many babies who are delivered at right time or a little late. While the baby is inside the womb, its skin is covered with vernix to protect from other body fluids. The thickness of vernix decides how much skin gets peeled off in the baby and the vernix gets thinner with the duration of the time spent inside the womb. Premature babies have thicker coating of vernix and the skin peeling can be lower compared to those who are born at right delivery times or a little late. After delivery, your nurse or doula may clean up the baby and the vernix coating may be lost. As you give bath to your baby, the natural oils on its skin are also lost making the skin dry and it tends to peel off. Peeling of skin in newborns is natural and nothing to worry unless you find skin rashes, redness etc in the area that doesn’t subside.
Peeling of newborn’s skin is seen in many babies who are delivered at right time or a little late. While the baby is inside the womb, its skin is covered with vernix to protect from other body fluids. The thickness of vernix decides how much skin gets peeled off in the baby and the vernix gets thinner with the duration of the time spent inside the womb. Premature babies have thicker coating of vernix and the skin peeling can be lower compared to those who are born at right delivery times or a little late. After delivery, your nurse or doula may clean up the baby and the vernix coating may be lost. As you give bath to your baby, the natural oils on its skin are also lost making the skin dry and it tends to peel off. Peeling of skin in newborns is natural and nothing to worry unless you find skin rashes, redness etc in the area that doesn’t subside.
Other causes of skin peeling and dryness
Eczema (or Atopic Dermatitis)
Eczema is a medical condition where the skin of the baby becomes dry and starts to peel leaving dry, red, itchy patches in the area. The condition is rarely seen in newborns but can occur after few months. If your baby’s skin is peeling months after he/she is born with red itchy patches, you can suspect eczema and must see a doctor.
As a part of natural treatment, you should stop using chemical based soaps, shampoos, skin creams if you are using them on your baby. You should only use soaps and shampoos specially made for babies. We recommended that you use baby detergents to wash your baby’s clothes.
You should observe the symptoms after feeding your baby to see if the food that you are giving is causing the skin to dry and peel. Milk based products, soy based products can irritate the baby’s body and can show up as rashes and dry skin. Your doctor will be the best person to check and confirm the same and he/she can suggest you alternatives for your baby.
Ichthyosis
Ichthyosis is a genetic condition that can cause scales on the skin, make it itchy and peel off. There is no cure for the condition except some medicines and creams that can help in controlling the symptoms of itch and dryness.
Treating your newborn’s dry and peeling skin
Here are some home remedies or natural ways you can follow along with your doctor’s advice to arrest or reduce dry skin and skin peeling in your newborn.
- Reduce frequency of bath and bathing time.
If you are frequently giving bath to your baby for whatever reason, you need to cut down. Also, you need to be mindful of the time you are giving bath. Keep it under 10 minutes along with usage of chemical free soaps and shampoos.
- Use chemical free, water based moisturizers
As soon as you wipe off your baby after bath, apply baby moisturizers that are chemical free. Moisturizers will help in locking in the moisturizer on the skin there by reducing the dryness.You can use natural oils such as coconut oil or olive oil on your baby skin to keep it soft and supple.
- Keep your baby hydrated.
If your baby is less than 6 months old, it is not recommended to feed anything other than milk unless your gynecologist says so. If you are feeding with a bottle, you may consider mixing little water with the milk.
- Use a humidifier
If you are living in a cold and dry area, you must consider using a humidifier to fill the room with moisture content.
Conclusion
Peeling of skin in newborns is a very normal thing and you need not be panicked about it. You can often see this happening on face and hands. If the peeling and dry skin doesn’t go away in few days and if you notice rashes or redness in the area, you must see a doctor as soon as you can.