Red spots on baby's skin, what causes it?

Red spots on a baby's skin usually appear in many diaper areas and are called rashes. Diaper rash is a form of inflammation of baby's sensitive skin.

This is usually caused by the habit of diapers that are rarely changed, using layers that are too tight or incompatible with certain ingredients, causing rashes and red spots on the baby's skin.

Although not dangerous, red spots on the baby's skin due to diaper rash can cause discomfort in the baby and make parents also nervous.

So what are the causes of red spots on the skin?

5 Causes of red spots on baby's skin

Red spots on the baby's skin can trigger parental anxiety. There are various causes of redness on baby's skin due to diaper rash, including:

1. sensitive skin

Infants with sensitive skin conditions usually suffer from atopic dermatitis (eczema) or seborrheic dermatitis (areas that are allergic to oily skin that cause itching and flaking of the skin) which can cause red spots on the baby's skin. However, atopic and seborrheic dermatitis usually causes irritation to other parts of the body.

2. Bacterial or fungal infections

If, for three days, the diaper rash does not heal, there is a possibility the baby has a fungal infection. Rashes due to fungal infections are usually bright red.

Although bacterial infections are rare, babies can experience them. When exposed to bacterial infections, red spots develop into wounds, yellowish crust, pimples or pus.

A warm and moist layer increases the multiplication of bacteria and fungi.

In addition, bacterial and fungal infections can spread to the thighs and genitals. As a general rule, red spots on the skin can be found in baby's skin folds.

3. allergic
Allergies to certain objects can cause red spots on the baby's skin. Diaper rash can be caused by allergies due to tissue, soap, detergent, ointment or even diapers.

4. Irritation
Irritation can cause red spots on the baby's skin. Skin that is exposed to urine and feces for a long time can become irritated, especially if the baby has diarrhea or frequent bowel movements.

Dirt due to diarrhea contains digestive enzymes that can irritate skin food. In addition, the combination of feces and urine can produce ammonia which can irritate the baby's skin.

Urine can change the pH of the skin and cause the growth of fungi and bacteria. Of course, this can increase the risk of fungal and bacterial infections in babies, which can cause red spots on the baby's skin.

Consumption of antibiotics kills not only bad bacteria, but also good bacteria that can help prevent fungal infections. In addition, the consumption of antibiotics in infants can also trigger diarrhea in infants.

Fungal infections and diarrhea can cause rashes in infants that are characterized by red spots on the baby's skin.

5. Providing new types of food
At the age of MPASI, babies begin to eat solid food and taste new foods. Provision of new types of food can increase the frequency of feces which can cause red spots.
Diaper rash management

Red spots on baby's skin due to diaper rash can be removed by maintaining diaper hygiene and applying the following methods:

Always wash the bottom of the baby with warm water before wearing a new diaper. You can also use a wet cloth, cotton or baby wet wipes to clean the bottom of the baby.
After washing the baby's bottom, gently dry the buttocks using a clean towel or let the baby's bottom dry on its own. Don't rub your buttocks because rubbing can irritate the skin.
Always change baby's diaper properly
Wash your hands after changing baby diapers to prevent the spread of bacteria or fungus to other parts of the baby's body.Don't wear diapers too tight because they can block the flow of air in the baby's diapers and increase the risk of red spots on the baby's skin and can hurt the thighs and waist.
Remember to use oil or ointment to prevent baby's skin irritation.
More often, leave the baby without a diaper so that the skin can dry naturally, place a large towel under the baby's bottom

Consult a doctor
If there are red spots on the baby's skin with other symptoms, immediately visit a doctor for examination and treatment.