Let’s be honest, we are all obsessed with our mini’s skin—who doesn’t love to give their little one kisses and snuggles?! Lately, we’ve been getting tons of questions from our Is This Normal Digital Community about rashes. Although many baby rashes are incredibly common and nothing to worry about, it can be hard to see red splotches on your babe’s bod for the first (or 400th) time and not panic. Of course, it is always best to contact your pediatrician for guidance when it comes to treatment for any rash or other ailment, particularly if you notice that your babe is experiencing discomfort. But, just for your knowledge (and sanity), we put together a list of the most common baby rashes and tapped our community of mamas to share what’s worked best for them. 

Dry Skin

Severe dry skin is pretty common for babies! People tend to think the flakes and scales are not normal but, sigh, they are. We love the Frida 3-in-1 Scrub Brush and, unsurprisingly, Aquaphor heals all. 

If the skin is particularly itchy, red, dry, or cracked, it may be eczema. Eczema is most common behind the knees, elbows and neck, but can appear anywhere. It is best to speak to your pediatrician if you think your babe is developing eczema. 

Diaper Rash

Ah yes, all too familiar. Diaper rash feels almost inevitable for our little ones. This common rash can affect your babe at any time, but is particularly rampant in the summer. Typically, it causes their bum, or the area around it, to become red and irritated. People often rely on Aquaphor, Tinactin, or athletes foot cream when trying to cure diaper rash. If you can, allowing your mini to hang naked for a few hours also makes a world of difference. 

Baby Acne

We all know acne as one of the many not so glamorous side effects of hormones, but it’s also so common in babies, particularly newborns. Applying a warm, damp washcloth gently to the affected area can help these bumps. But not to worry, these zits are likely to go away on their own and typically do not cause any discomfort to your babe.

Drool Rash 

Anyone else have a chronic drooler on their hands? The constant presence of saliva on your baby’s chin, neck, and even chest can turn into a red irritation known as a drool rash. Many breast-feeding mamas swear by applying breast-milk to the affected area. If not breast-feeding, gently applying a damp, warm washcloth helps lessen irritation. Of course, it’s always best to consult your pediatrician if the rash persists.  

Hand Foot and Mouth Disease

Hand foot and mouth disease is very contagious, and often makes its way around daycares and preschools. This common illness causes blisters on the hands and feet as well as ulcers on the tongue. If more severe, it can also cause fever. There is no specific treatment for this particular disease, although it typically clears up in about a week. If you notice these types of sores on your little one, it is probably best to keep them away from daycare and play dates until it looks under control and consult your pediatrician right away.

Heat Rash 

In the midst of the summer, heat rash is incredibly common in babes and can cause them to be itchy and uncomfortable. These clusters of red bumps usually appear on the face and in the skin folds of the neck, arms, legs, upper chest, and diaper area. It’s best to keep the affected skin cool and dry and allow your babe some time in their birthday suit while at home. 

Keratosis Pilaris

This common skin condition is caused by the buildup of keratin in hair follicles. It appears as bumps on the arms, thighs, cheeks, and buttocks. They’re white, sometimes red, and typically don’t hurt or itch. It can be cleared up with over-the-counter lotion (hallelujah!). A great option is CeraVe SA Skin Renewing Body Lotion.

Molloscum Contagiosum

This viral skin condition is incredibly contagious. It shows up as round, firm, painless (although sometimes itchy) bumps. While there’s no cure, kids do outgrow it—typically within 18 months or so. Some derms will use an acid solution to burn the bumps off, but it can be painful and create little wounds. One mama swears that tea tree oil helps heal the bumps. Another mama uses Liquid Bandage as it’s waterproof and prevents her babe from itching at the bumps until they go away. 

If you see little red bumps on your babe, remember that there is an array of very common and easily-treatable rashes that may arise during babyhood and there is no need to panic. Of course, this is way (I mean waayyyyyy) easier said than done. So, if you ever need to vent or just want another parent’s two cents, feel free to join our Is This Normal digital community. Trust us, we’ve been there.