It’s completely normal for babies to have different kinds of rashes or skin changes in their first few weeks of life. Their skin is adjusting to life outside the womb, and many of these changes are common and harmless. In most cases, these skin conditions go away on their own and don’t require treatment. However, some types of rashes could be signs of more serious health problems and should be checked by a doctor. 

Below is a guide to the most common skin conditions in newborns and what warning signs to look for. 

Erythema toxicum Neonatorum (ENT) 

This is one of the most common newborn rashes. It usually appears within the first 1 to 3 days of life in full-term babies. The rash looks like red spots with small bumps or blisters, often on the baby’s chest, back, butt, arms or legs. Even though it may look concerning, it’s completely harmless and not itchy or painful. It usually disappears on its own within 1 to 2 weeks without any treatment (1,2). 

Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis

This condition is harmless and often seen in newborns at birth or within the first 24 hours. The rash goes through three stages: first, small, fragile blisters appear on the skin, second, these blisters may break and leave behind areas of flaky skin and lastly, dark spots or patches remain, which fade over the next few weeks or months (3,4). 

Milia (Milk Spots) 

Milia are tiny white or yellowish bumps that commonly appear on a baby’s face especially around the nose, cheeks, and forehead. They form when dead skill cells get trapped under the skin. They are common and do not cause any discomfort. No treatment is needed as they usually clear up within a few weeks (5).  

Sebaceous Hyperplasia 

This condition causes small bumps on the skin and may be skin-coloured, yellow or brown. They happen because oil glands in the skin are still developing and may appear larger than usual. These bumps often show up on the baby’s face, such as the cheeks, chin, or nose. They’re harmless and will shrink or disappear over time (6). 

Cutis Marmorata 

This condition appears as a purplish, marble-like pattern on a baby’s skin, especially when they’re cold. It is caused by immature blood flow and usually goes away as the baby gets older. In most cases, it fades during the baby’s first year (7). 

Mongolian Spots 

These are flat, bluish-green or gray spots that usually appear on the lower back or butt. They are more common in babies with darker skin tones. Though they may look like bruises, they are completely harmless and fade away on their own by the time the child is 1 or 2 years old (8). 

Diaper Dermatitis (Diaper Rash) 

Diaper rash is very common and usually caused by prolonged contact with wet or dirty diapers. The skin in the diaper area becomes red, irritated, or sore. The rash can usually be treated with frequent diaper changes, barrier creams. The by Dr. Mom Soothing Beta cream is a great barrier cream and keeping the area dry. Most cases are mild and get better quickly (9). In addition to being an excellent barrier cream, by Dr Mom Beta cream contains beta-glucan, a fiber that will help heal damaged skin. 

Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cradle Cap) 

Cradle cap causes greasy, yellow or scaly patches on a baby’s scalp and might also appear behind the ears or on the eyebrows. It’s not itchy or painful for the baby. The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought to be related to excess oil production and a type of yeast on the skin. It usually clears up on its own in a few weeks or months (10). 

Miliaria (Heat Rash) 

Heat rash happens when sweat gets trapped in blocked sweat glands. It usually appears in hot or humid weather and may cause small red bumps or clear blisters. It can be itchy but is not dangerous. Keeping the baby cool and dry usually helps the rash go away in a few days (11). 

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) 

Eczema is a condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It often starts in infancy and can appear on the cheeks, arms, or legs. Babies with eczema may have sensitive skin that gets irritated easily. Moisturizing the skin regularly and avoiding known triggers (like certain soaps or fabrics) can help manage symptoms.

Infantile Acne

Baby acne appears as small red or white pimples on the face or chest, usually between 2 to 6 weeks of age. It’s different from teenage acne and is not caused by dirt or poor hygiene. It’s usually due to temporary hormonal changes and goes away on its own within a few weeks or months (12).

Warning signs and Symptoms

While most skin conditions in babies are harmless, certain signs may point to more serious problems. Talk to a health care provider if there is any of the following: 

• Fever, poor feeding, or unusual drowsiness along with a rash

• Blisters (vesicles) or pus-filled bumps (pustules) in a baby who seems unwell 

• Rashes that are spreading quickly or look like deep sores 

• Dark red or purple spots (purpura or petechia) that don’t fade 

• Peeling or shedding of the skin, especially if the baby is also sick 

• Rashes that don’t go away, look unusual, or keep coming back 

• Poor weight gain or repeated infections, which could suggest problems with the immune system (13, 14, 15). 

In babies under 2 months, any blisters or sores on the skin, especially if they’re grouped together or look raw should be checked right away. This could be a sign of herpes simplex virus (HSV), which needs urgent medical care (14). 

Premature babies (born before 37 weeks) are at higher risk for serious infections including rare fungal infections. Any blisters or pustules in a preterm baby should be taken seriously and evaluated promptly (15). 

Newborn rashes and skin conditions can look scary, but most of the time they’re completely normal and will go away on their own. Still, it is important to be aware of warning signs that may point to more serious issues. If your baby seems unwell, has a rash that looks unusual or spreads quickly, or shows other concerning symptoms don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare provider (16). 

Early attention can help make sure your baby stays safe and healthy.

References

1. Reginatto FP, Muller FM, Peruzzo J, Cestari TF. Epidemiology and predisposing Factors for Erythema Toxcium Neonatorum and Transient Neonatal Pustular: A multicenter Study. Pediatri Dermatol. 2017 Jul; 34(4): 422-426

2. Monteaguod B, Labandeira J, Cabanillas M, Acevedo A, Toribio J. Prospective study of erythema toxicum neonatorum: epidemiology and predisposing factors. Pediatr Dermatol. 2012 Mar-Apr; 29(2): 166-8

3. Ramamurthy RS, Reveri M, Esterly NB, Fretzin DF, Pildes RS. Transient neonatal pustular melanosis. J Pediatr. 1976 May; 88(5): 83105

4. Van Praag MC, Van Rooji RW, Folkers E, Spritzer R, Menke HE, Oranje AP. Diagnosis and treatment of pustular disorders in the neonate. Pediatr Dermatol. 1997 Mar-Apr; 14 (2): 131-43

5. Cleveland Clinic. Milia. 2025. Accessed through  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17868-milia 

6. Cleveland Clinic. Sebaceous Hyperplasia. 2025. Accessed through https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22670-sebaceous-hyperplasia 

7. Bostons Children’s Hospital. Cutis Marmorata Telangiectatica Congeita (CMTC). 2025. https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/cutis-marmorata-telangiectatica-congeita-cmtc 

8. Gupta D, Thappa DM. Mongolian spots: How important are they? World J Clin Cases. 2013 Nov 16; 1(8): 230-232

9. Klunk C, Domingues E, Wiss K. An update on diaper dermatitis. Clin Dermatol. 2014 July-Aug; 32 (4): 477-87 

10. Sasseville D. Cradle cap and Seborrheic dermatitis in infants. 2023. Accessed through https://www.uptodate.com/contents/cradle-cap-and-seborrheic-dermatitis-in-infants#H608072793 

11. Cleveland Clinic. Heat Rash. 2025. Accessed through https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22440-heat-rashprickly-heat 

12. Cleveland Clinic. Baby Acne. 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17822-baby-acne 

13. Yun S, Cotton C, Faith EF, Jacobs L, Kittler N, Monir RL, Ravi M, Richmond A, Schoch J, Workman E, Zucker J, Hunt R, Lauren CT. Management of Pustules and Vesicles in Afebrile Infants ≤60 Days Evaluated by Dermatology. Pediatrics. 2024 Jul 1;154(1)

14. Stadler PC, Renner ED, Milner J, Wollenberg A. Inborn Error of Immunity or Atopic Dermatitis: When to be Concerned and How to Investigate. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021 Apr;9(4):1501-1507

15. Ferahbas A, Utas S, Akcakus M, Gunes T, Mistik S. Prevalence of cutaneous findings in hospitalized neonates: a prospective observational study. Pediatr Dermatol. 2009 Mar-Apr;26(2):139-42

16. Snyder KAM, Voelckers AD. Newborn Skin: Part I. Common Rashes and Skin Changes. Am Fam Physician. 2024 Mar;109(3):212-216