Red Bumps On Baby Face- When To See A Doctor

Red bumps on the babys face is a common condition. The condition is characterized by redness, inflammation, sometimes painful bumps on the cheeks, chin, and nose. In most cases, conditions go away on their own and do not require treatment.

What Are Red Bumps On Babys Face?

Red bumps can occur anywhere on the baby’s body. However, the most common areas are cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. These red bumps can occur in the baby of any age. Fortunately, such red bumps are not much of concern most of the time. However, seeing a doctor and identifying the cause seems prudent. There are various causes of red bumps on the baby’s face. Diagnosing the cause is important for optimum treatment. In some cases, no treatment is required, and the condition subsides of its own.

What Causes Red Bumps On The Babys Face?

There are various causes of red bumps on the baby’s face. Some are due to external allergy, while others may be due to systemic diseases. Following are some of the causes of red bumps;

1. Baby Acne

Baby acne may occur within 2 to 4 weeks after birth. The condition is characterized by red bumps on the cheek, neck, and forehead of the baby. It is a common condition and does not last for long. The condition usually does not require treatment and goes away on its own without scarring.

2. Baby Eczema

Eczema is another reason for red bumps on the baby’s face. Eczema usually develops between the age of 5-6 months to 5 years. If the baby suffers from eczema at an early age, the areas affected are chin, forehead, and cheeks.

3. Cradle Cap

Although the cradle cap most commonly occurs in the scalp, sometimes the nose and area surrounding the eyes are also affected by this condition. The rashes with redness and inflammation occur in the area with a high concentration of oil-producing glands.

4. Erythema Toxicum

This condition is characterized by red blotches with a yellow or white dot in the center. The cause of this condition is not known. This condition does not require any treatment and resolves within a few days.

5. Drooling or Spit-up Rash

In this condition, the rashes appear around the cheeks and mouth. These rashes are characterized by red bumps with slightly raised patches.

[Also Read: Rash at nigh gone in the morning]

6. Heat Rashes

The heat rashes may occur on the face, chest, and neck. These are generally caused due to the blocking of the sweat glands. The sweat glands are very tiny in infants, and even irritation of low severity is enough to block them.

Symptoms Of Red Bumps On Babys Face

Along with the red bumps on the baby’s face, the following symptoms may also accompany;

• Redness and inflammation
• Itching
• Flaky skin
• Greasy appearance and crusty patches as seen in cradle cap
• Irritation
• Crying more than usual
• Red spots on baby’s face

When To Worry About Red Bumps On Babys Face?

In most cases, there is nothing to worry about for red bumps on the baby’s face. You may take advice from the doctor in the case;

• The overall health of the baby is not good.
• The baby has a fever and has a reduced activity level.
• The baby is experiencing other severe symptoms, along with red bumps.

How To Treat Red Bumps On The Babys Face?

Treatment depends upon the cause of red bumps. Treatment for facial rash in a baby may include;

• Keeping the baby away from the potential trigger for rashes such as heat, sweat, dust, mites, and soaps and creams.
• Immunosuppressant drugs
• Over-the-counter anti-allergic drugs.
• Use of medicated cream such as anti-fungal cream.

It is to be noted that the skin of the baby is very delicate, and the use of harsh chemicals may further complicate the condition. Thus, take sufficient advice from a pediatrician before initiating any treatment.

Tips To Prevent Red Bumps On Babys Face

Prevention of red bumps on the face of the baby can be through the following measures;

• Maintaining facial hygiene
• Do not use creams containing harsh chemicals.
• Do not allow the baby to sweat for a prolonged period.
• Do not scrub or squeeze the acne.

When To See A Doctor?

• Take an appointment with a pediatrician if;
• Baby suffers from fever and a runny nose along with red bumps.
• The baby has tiny blisters filled with fluid.
• There is a presence of any skin infection.
• The baby has a painful rashes.
• The baby feels irritated and reduces normal activities.

Red bumps on the baby’s face, in the majority of cases, is not a serious condition. However, if there is anything that concerns you, take advice from a doctor.

Rohit Jain

Rohit Jain is an IPR Specialist and Medical Content Writing Expert. For over a decade, he has written several articles in the areas of female infertility, Erectile dysfunction, hemangioma, cervical cancer, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, mononucleosis, mitral valve disorder, shin splints, mild cognitive impairment, cellulitis, lymphoma, sepsis, cardiac rehabilitation and more.