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| Your Baby and their Skin Up to eight weeks of age, babies are often quite spotty. The spots are unsightly but usually harmless. They are often caused by the change of environment at birth. Tiny white 'milk spots' (nothing to do with milks!) on the face are common and of no significance - they quickly disappear. Heat rashes may appear on the face and neck, and sometimes the body if the baby gets too hot. Be aware of septic spots, which have inflamed appearance. These need treatment, so should be brought to the attention of your midwife, health visitor or doctor. If your baby has dry skin you can add baby oil to the bathwater (with care as it makes your baby slippery!) or use baby cream. Remember to wash the face first, as oil could irritate the eye. Check your baby's fingers, as occasionally the skin can be damaged and the nail bed can become sore because of finger-sucking. If this is the case, put on loose scratch mittens and change them frequently, ensuring that there are no loose cottons inside. Babies often scratch themselves on their faces, another reason to use scratch mittens. If their nails are long you can gently nibble them off, or clip them very gently and carefully with round-ended scissors.
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