Your Newborn's skin

By Alvaro Castillo

At birth most infants are covered by a thick white material know as vernix caseosa. This covering is generally washed off within the 1st day, but often some of the material is missed. Do not be disturbed to find white sticky material in such places as behind your child's ears and in the ear folds

The baby's skin will frequently peel in the first week or two of life. This is another normal occurrence during the newborn period. Also, about 50% of American babies are born with a birthmark. The most common type is called a salmon patch.

This patch, when located in the center of the forehead is also known as "angel's kiss", if located on the back of the neck is called the "stork bite." Virtually all salmon patches will disappear in the first few months, although occasionally a stork bite will remain.

Many babies have a dark discoloration around their buttocks. This is found in 95% of African American babies, 80% of Asian American babies, 70% of Hispanic babies and 10% of white babies. This will also disappear.

Strawberry marks are often barely visible at birth. If they can be seen, they are red and white. They will gradually grow, achieving their biggest size at about six months of age. Occasionally, they are quite large. But they always get smaller eventually and should never be treated with surgery or X rays.

In extremely rare cases these strawberry marks trap some of the blood cells (platelets) that assist in preventing bleeding problems. In such cases doctors will administer medicines (steroids). Virtually all strawberry marks will disappear if left alone. Large persistent ones can be surgically removed after the child is older than 6 years.

Port wine stains are large purple marks that occur in about 3 in 1,000 babies. They are a cosmetic problem if they appear on the face. There are currently no good methods for removing these stains. X rays are harmful and must be avoided. Cosmetics may be used to cover these spots.

If a port wine stain covers an entire eyelid, there may be an associated problem with seizures, which will require medical help.

Finally, infants may have brown or black hairy or non hairy moles. More than 2% of white babies and 20% of African American babies have these moles. They do not disappear. Because there is a risk of large moles developing into cancer, many doctors recommend their removal as soon after birth. You should discuss the problem with your doctor.

Alvaro Castillo has been writing health articles for five years. One of his specializations has been on parenting and pregnancy. If you would like to learn more, then visit his website at http://www.myhomeparent.com or visit his blog at http://myhomeparent.blogspot.com to share your opinion.

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