Newborn skin peeling is common and not always a cause for concern. The extremely sensitive skin of newborns goes through several changes in appearance and texture in the first few weeks after birth. In addition, many babies have dry patches of skin, which may lead to skin peeling. However, it is normal in most cases and does not require special care. Nevertheless, if skin peeling is severe or persistent, medical treatment may be needed to resolve the issue. Read this post to learn about the causes and treatment for skin peeling in newborns.
Is It Normal For A Newborn To Have Peeling Skin?
In most cases, skin peeling in newborns is normal. Newborns’ delicate skin is susceptible to dryness, causing the top-most layer to flake off in the first few weeks post-birth. However, several external factors can cause irritability and rashes due to their skin’s delicate nature. Further, most of the time, the issue resolves on its own (1).
What Are The Causes Of Newborn Skin Peeling?
The following are some factors that cause skin peeling in newborns:
When Does Newborn Skin Stop Peeling?
There is no defined time frame by when a newborn’s skin may stop peeling. However, if your baby’s skin shows no signs of improvement in two weeks, you could contact your pediatrician (7).
What Are The Treatments And Remedies For Skin Peeling In Newborns?
The following are some ways to treat skin peeling in newborns (7) (8):
Moisturizer: A hypoallergenic moisturizer, selected depending on the severity of dryness, can help restore the skin’s moisture. Apply it right after bath time for maximum effectiveness.
Short bathing time: Keep the baby’s bath time to under ten minutes and avoid daily baths if possible. Newborn babies only need to be bathed once or twice a week as sponge baths are sufficient. Since hot baths can cause further dryness, use room temperature or slightly warm water (9).
Avoid using soap: Do not use soap too often as it strips the skin’s natural oils, causing excessive dryness. Baby soaps and body washes are milder but shouldn’t be used daily.
Keep the room humid: Dry air may further aggravate irritation and cause heat rashes. Maintain the humidity in the baby’s room by running a cool-mist humidifier.
Cotton clothing: Dress the baby in clothes made from cotton or natural fabrics. Cotton is preferred as it is soft and allows the skin to breathe, keeping it healthy and comfortably covered.
