A neck rash is common in infants and babies as they have soft and delicate skin. Their skin is sensitive because of which it is more prone to rashes and skin irritation. Their neck has skin folds and they can’t support their neck, which makes them vulnerable to skin rashes.
Neck rash can be identified when the skin around the neck turn red and itchy. The skin appears a bit bumpy than normal. Babies between the age group of four to six months commonly suffer from neck rash mostly because they are unable to support their neck by themselves.
Causes:
Neck rashes can be caused due to various reasons:
Skin irritation:
The folds of the baby’s skin or the creases might rub with each other constantly resulting in rashes and skin irritation. They are unable to support their neck by themselves and his clothing might irritate his skin-fold as well.
Prickly heat:
Scorching and prickly heat causes rashes and makes the skin red and itchy. Especially during summers when the temperatures are high and babies tend to sweat a lot which gets trapped underneath the skin.
Red bumps can be seen on the surface of the baby’s skin, which makes it itchy. It is also called heat rash.
Fungal infection:
When there is sweat trapped or a lot of moisture and oil near the neck region, it becomes a breeding ground for many fungi leading to a fungal infection. Yeast infection is one of the common causes.
Stork bite:
Sometimes the blood vessels beneath the skin get stretched or dilated causing a red/pink patch to appear on the baby’s skin. They are like birthmarks and tend to be more visible when there is a temperature change or when your baby cries. But they are temporary in nature and vanish with time.
Hygiene:
Babies are not bathed often during the first 6 months hence there might be milk stains, drool etc. If they are not properly cleaned, it may cause rashes due to the moisture present.
Symptoms:
The skin near the neck region appears to be red and blotchy as well as bumpy. It causes a lot of pain to your baby and he might cry often. Some times babies develop a fever as well and lose their appetite because of it.
Prevention:
Certain preventive measures can be taken to avoid getting a neck rash.
• You must clean your baby’s neck region thoroughly leaving no drools or milk stains behind.
• Keep their skin as dry as possible. Accumulation of moisture causes rashes.
• Avoid over-bathing them instead of giving them a sponge bath and ensure that they are clean at all times.
• Leave the region as open and dry as possible. Don’t clothe them fully.
• During summers make sure that are in a cool and dry place to avoid sweat bubbling in their neck region.
• Clothe them in comfortable, light and preferably cotton clothing.
Home Remedies:
• Light and comfortable clothing:
Dress your child in light and comfortable clothing. Prefer using cotton-clothing material than synthetic ones as it causes skin irritation. Don’t over clothe them or wrap them in blankets if there’s no need. Too many layers can trap sweat.
• Detergents:
It’s known that the type of detergent you use to wash your baby’s clothes or your clothes, might also cause a rash. It’s advisable to use mild detergents with fewer chemicals to wash any type of clothing that your baby comes in contact with.
• Oil:
Coconut oil has known to give the best results in cases of rashes. It reduces itchiness and inflammation of the skin and gives relief to your baby. You can also massage your baby regularly with coconut oil to prevent it.
• Cold compress:
Take a bowl filled with water and ice. Soak a clean washcloth in it and dab it in the affected region of the rash. It reduces skin irritation and the inflammation of the skin. Once done wipe the region and pat it dry. Ensure that no moisture is left behind.
• Good hygiene:
Babies who are less than six years old shouldn’t be bathed often instead you can give them a sponge bath. Make sure that you regularly clean them thoroughly especially after feeding and changing their diapers. You must maintain good hygiene as most of the infections are caused due to unhygienic conditions.
• Cornstarch:
You can use cornstarch while taking your baby outdoors or just after bathing. Sprinkle it gently on their neck; it keeps the region dry and moisture-free.
• Baby products:
Use mild and baby-friendly products such as talcum powder and lotions. Minimize the use of chemicals, as they are the main cause of skin irritation and rash.
• Oatmeal and baking soda:
You can try adding oats and baking soda in your baby’s bath. It has proven to be effective in treating neck rashes.
• Boiled water:
Instead of using regular water to bathe your baby, make sure that you use boiled water to kill the harmful bacteria and microbes. Use lukewarm water to bathe your baby.
Neck rashes are quite common among babies and tend to occur in the early months just after birth. It goes away quickly too. But in case the rash is not disappearing or has spread to the other parts of the body you must immediately contact your paediatrician.
Summary:
• A neck rash is common in infants and babies as they have soft and delicate skin. Their skin is sensitive because of which it is more prone to rashes and skin irritation.
• Babies between the age group of four to six months commonly suffer from neck rash mostly because they are unable to support their neck by themselves.
• The folds of the baby’s skin or the creases might rub with each other constantly resulting in rashes and skin irritation.
• The skin near the neck region appears to be red and blotchy as well as bumpy. It causes a lot of pain to your baby and he might cry often.
