Rash is extremely common and perfectly normal in babies. A newborn infant’s skin may go through a number of changes during the first four weeks of life and this is just a consequence of their sensitive skin adapting to a new and very different environment.
Most of these changes are benign and self-limiting and will resolve without any need for treatment (Connor & McGaughlin 2008).
Atopic dermatitis is a common rash also experienced by infants (Link Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema), however atopic dermatitis usually occurs after being exposed to one or more allergens (Nutten S 2015).
The most common rashes in newborn infants are transient vesiculopustular rashes that can be diagnosed clinically based on their distinctive appearances (Connor & McGaughlin 2008). These include:
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Erythema toxicum neonatorum: the most common rash in newborn babies with an incidence of up to 70% (Liu et al 2005)
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Acne neonatorum: typically affects up to 20% of newborn babies (Connor & McGaughlin 2008)
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Transient neonatal pustular melanosis: an idiopathic pustular eruption that is more common in black newborn babies (Gosh S . 2015).
Other common rashes include:
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Milia - it occurs in up to 50% of newborn babies and usually disappears within the first month of life (Paller et al 2006)
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Miliaria (heat rash) - affects up to 40% of newborn babies and usually appears during the first month of life (Feng et al 1995)
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Seborrheic dermatitis - extremely common and should not be confused with atopic dermatitis. It is characterized by erythema and greasy scales and commonly appears on the scalp, also commonly known as “cradle cap”, but may also appear on the face, ears, and neck (Janniger 1993)
