My nieces preemie is developing a red rash that is spreading to her chest and face

Janel - posted on 01/14/2010

At two days old I would think they are still in hospital if premature. My son was 7 wks early and developed a rash with in hours of being born. They need to find out why. Take baby to the doctor! It could just be that the skin is irritated since their skin is extra sensitive. But definitely get it checked out! And if it is eczema vaseline is the best thing to use!

Michelle - posted on 01/14/2010

These are rashes that nearly half of all newborn babies experience.

Erythema Toxicum



Baby's rash looks like



An uneven red rash with small, red spots or blisters over the upper body.

It’s believed to affect around half of all newborns, this harmless condition will disappear on its own within three or four days.



What you can do



As this kind of rash disappears on its own, it’s best to leave it alone. Creams and ointments may only irritate your baby’s skin, so steer clear unless you are advised to do otherwise by your doctor.



Milia rubra (heat rash)



Baby's rash looks like



Pink or red skin with tiny blisters on the upper body or in skin creases.

This is common in young babies and is most obvious where your baby’s skin gets hot, such as in skin folds in the nappy, on the face, neck and shoulders, and under the arms. It’s caused by blocked sweat glands.



What you can do



Remove a layer of your baby’s clothes or bed covers to cool her down. If she is very warm, bathe her or sponge her down in tepid water. Dress her in a loose cotton vest, and continue cooling her down by wiping her forehead with a face cloth and tepid water.



Avoid creams and lotions unless you have been given medical advice to do so. Heat rash is not usually serious, but if it is still there several hours later, contact your doctor.

Michelle - posted on 01/14/2010

At only 2 days old, your niece really needs to take the baby back to the hospital. Any rash on a baby can be from an allergic reaction or another type of illness. Any babies life is not worth risking 'trying out creams', get that baby to the ER and have them check her out. Her immune system is not strong enough to cope with illnesses right now, especially being a premature baby. If baby is still in NICU then bring up the conversation with the neonatal nurses and ask them whats the problem.

my daughter was a premie born at 35 weeks and she developed a rash within 24hrs of being born. It was a mixed rash due to her being too hot in hospital..they wrapped her up so much. when we got out of hospital the rash got better, but i noticed 'milk like spots' and she ended up having a milk allergy.



Hope baby is ok, and your niece gets some help for her.

Erin - posted on 01/14/2010

My daughter was a preemie and she has the most sensitive skin ever....she is 3 1/2 and I have to use perfume free/dye free everything....I have to spend a fortune on soap and shampoo....she is allergic to food things as well. She had baby acne as well. My guess is she is allergic to something....I think the best bet is to have a doctor look at it to make sure it's not something more serious. Then it will just be trial and error to see what it is exactly that irritates her skin.

Bobbie - posted on 01/14/2010

Are they still in the hospital? It may be something that they are giving to her. She may be having a allergic reaction to like a medicine or something.

Andrea - posted on 01/14/2010

Might be baby eczema, I would take her to the doctor and have them check it out and see if that is what it might be.. Otherwise you can go to walmart (or where ever) and buy baby eczema cream... I use one that is call Gentle Naturals by disney baby called Baby Eczema Cream.. Works awsome for my 2 year old son (born at 37 weeks) and my 9 month old daughter (born at 36 weeks) and using thing that have no fragance to them at all.. My best friends son was so bad that she couldn't wear and thing that had a fragrance to it... Hope this is helpful.. Best wishes and take care...