• Scrapes or pimples that look infected (warm, swollen, and tender)
• Scalp wounds that look infected (fetal monitors may cause scrapes)
• Swelling or redness around the umbilical cord, especially if tender

Seven of the most common newborn rashes and birthmarks are described below. Your baby may have none, or one or more of these. Most of these rashes and birthmarks are harmless and will disappear on their own in time.

Over 30% of newborn babies develop facial acne; it’s usually mostly small red bumps. It usually begins at about 3 or 4 weeks of age, and may last until about 4-6 months of age. Acne is probably related to transfer of hormones from the mother. No treatment is needed for this temporary acne.

Rash on the cheeks or chin is often from contact with food and stomach acid that has been spit up. This rash comes and goes. Rinsing the face with water after feedings and spit-ups is helpful.

Rash comes on 2^nd or 3^rd day of life; over 50% of babies get this rash. Red blotches (1/2 to 1 inch in size) appear with a small (white) center lump (look like insect bites). They can be anywhere on the body, keep occurring, and the cause is unknown. This rash is harmless, and usually goes away on its’ own by 2-4 weeks of age.

Sometimes forceps are used to help deliver the baby. Red marks and superficial scrapes on the head and face can occur from the pressure of the forceps on the skin. Monitors can also leave scrapes on the scalp. These marks will be seen on day 1 or 2 and usually disappear in 1 or 2 weeks. Call right away if any become tender, warm, blistered, swollen and infected looking

Milia are tiny white bumps, usually on the nose, cheeks or chin; they are blocked-off skin pores. They usually disappear by 1-2 months of age. No treatment is needed.

These are flat, bluish gray birthmarks. They are very common in dark-skinned babies (American Indian, Hispanic, Oriental, and African American). They are often on the back and buttocks, but may be anywhere. Size and shape are variable, and most fade by 2 or 3 years of age. They are harmless.

These flat, pink marks usually occur on the bridge of the nose, the back of the neck, or on the eyelids. Most clear by 2 years of age, but about ¼ of the ones on the nape of the neck do not disappear.