More than half of all newborn babies get so-called toxic rashes. It is harmless small, red, often bumpy rashes that disappear by themselves.
It is common for newborn babies to have dots, rashes or dry scaly skin. Usually, there is nothing you need to do about it. A toxic rash is very common and comes shortly after birth. It is a reaction to the new environment that the child encounters outside the sterile fetal life of the stomach.
The rash is also called hormone dots or hormone splitting. In Latin, the rash is called erythema toxicum neonatorum.
Symptoms of toxic rashes in newborn
The rash usually occurs when the child is one to four days old. The rashes are red and irregular. They can be different sizes, between two and ten millimeters. They can be a little yellow on top.
They look like small pimples or like small blisters, but are not infected. When you stroke your hand over them, it feels messy.
The skin may look reddish and the red may come and go during the day. It can be seen for periods and move. The red does not appear as clearly on dark skin.
The rash is mainly found on the chest and abdomen, and sometimes also on the arms, thighs and face.
They disappear by themselves within a few days to weeks. No treatment is needed. They don’t infect.
Seek care
The toxic rash usually goes by itself, usually, you do not need to seek care.
But if you feel insecure or worried, you can get help figuring out what the child has. During the child’s first week of life, you can contact bb. After the first week, you can contact the childcare center, BVC.
Immediately contact a health center or a jouröppen reception if the child also has a fever or feel sick in other ways, for example, are not as alert as usual. Then the rash may be due to other causes. For example, it can be an infection.