What Should I Do If My Baby’s Cheeks Are Red?

By Sls Lifestyle 6 Min Read
baby

Red or pink cheeks look cute. It could indicate an underlying condition that needs a proper diagnosis. If you show negligence and do not do anything about it, it could harm your baby.

So, what to do then? Do red cheeks always indicate the presence of skin issues and how to identify and treat it?

These are some intriguing questions that every mom thinks about after spotting redness on her baby’s cheeks. So, let’s get started investigating the issue.

Possible causes for redness

Certain conditions can lead to redness on the face. Even an allergic reaction could cause redness on the cheeks. In that case, there is no home remedy or diagnosis. You have to go to a doctor to identify allergic substances and get treatment and instructions from your doctor.

However, redness does not always indicate the presence of a skin disease. Sometimes, it could be normal. Still, it is better to diagnose the condition to identify if your baby has any skin-related issues. If your baby’s cheeks are red, the most likely causes are:

  • Eczema: If there are some bumps and whiteheads on the face, this condition is probably the main cause of redness. Dry and discolored skin further proves this. It often happens in babies and children under 5.
  • Seborrheic Dermatitis: This is one of the most common skin conditions in babies that causes flakes on the body. The mild redness could be due to it. In general, you should not panic about it. It often goes away on its own.
  • Dryness: This can lead to redness. Dry skin is more prone to itching and scratching can make it red. This is not a big issue and needs proper moisturizing.
  • Fifth Disease: Some other names are also used to refer to this condition like Slapped Cheek Syndrome and Parvovirus B19 (Well, this virus leads to the symptoms). This mostly includes fever-like symptoms but can also lead to redness on the cheeks. There is no need to worry about it; and no need to get treatment. It is rarely serious.
  • Teething Rash: Also known as drool rash, happens when the baby starts teething and drool stays on the skin. During teeth growth, the baby drools a lot. This drool is not bacteria-free. So, when it stays on the skin, the bacteria will trigger allergic reactions in the body and result in a teething rash.
  • Allergic Reactions: Babies have sensitive skin. Thus, they are more allergic to certain items. These could be different items, from natural to artificial products. If your baby’s cheeks get red occasionally, get professional help for diagnosis of allergic reactions.

What to do?

If you have read the possible causes of redness on baby’s cheeks, you might have an idea of what you should do now. At least, you should avoid those factors that can trigger or worsen those conditions.

So, here are some things you must consider to treat redness on your baby’s cheeks.

Keep the skin clean

If redness is accompanied by skin diseases, you must keep it clean to avoid flare-ups and increase the effectiveness of the treatment. Take the example of drool rash which is preventable which just cleaning the skin enough. Use a clean cloth to wipe the drool regularly. Wash your baby’s face as much as necessary.

Use a moisturizer if the skin is getting dry. More or this later. Regular cleaning will remove bacteria and reduce the risk of infection.

Moisturize regularly

Now, take the example of dry or eczema-affected skin, what to do in that scenario? Use a moisturizing cream for eczema to soothe dry skin. Redness and inflammation associated with those will go away automatically.

Regular use of this cream will help soften the skin, keep it hydrated, lock in moisture, and reduce redness. Also, the bumps and flaky skin will recover.

Diagnosis and treatment

There could be other skin conditions that need a proper diagnosis. Handling them misappropriatly could have negative outcomes. In those scenarios, you need a professional who can look after your child, diagnose the condition, and provide the right treatment. If redness is due to an allergic reaction, then cleaning or moisturizing will not do the work.

So, professional help is required if you are unable to solve the issue.

Signs that you need to visit a doctor

Here are some signs to look after to identify if there is a need to consult a doctor for help:

  • If there are oozing bumps on the cheeks
  • If redness is severe
  • If there is a fever
  • If your baby is vomiting
  • If your baby is uncomfortable or fussy

These are some of the signs that deserve the attention of doctors. In scenarios where the cheeks are red and there are no signs of discomfort or bumps or rash, just keep the skin clean and moisturize enough. Wait for a few days and see if the color improves.

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