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Babying Your Baby's Face A mother's love goes much more than skin deep Gary Dela Cruz, M.D. Thank goodness, because most children's skin is far from perfect. Little ones, even newborns, are prone to a host of problems — from rashes and bumps to scaly skin. Pediatrician Gary Dela Cruz, M.D., reassures new parents that these are common skin problems that resolve with minimal effort. Cradle Cap If your baby has scaly patches on the scalp, most likely she has cradle cap. Cradle cap is very common. Experts think it is the natural result of hormones during pregnancy. Although it usually disappears within the first year, Dr. Dela Cruz offers these steps that may help to speed the process: Frequently wash your baby's hair with a mild soap. Brush her hair gently after washing to loosen scales. If scales don't come off, massage baby oil into the scalp before washing. Call your pediatrician if the condition worsens or spreads to other areas. Baby Acne Hormones can also cause baby acne. This condition usually appears in the first month as little white dots on your newborn's nose. To treat it, bathe her no more than two to three times per week with plain water or mild baby soap. Dr. Dela Cruz cautions parents never to use adult acne medications. Bumps should clear up on their own by age 12 to 18 months. Eczema Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a hereditary condition that affects up to 20 percent of all children younger than age 4. It usually develops in infants whose parents have had allergies, asthma, hay fever, and eczema as well. Symptoms generally appear before age 5 but may occur as late as adulthood. Eczema may first appear on the face as a red, bumpy rash and can spread to elbows, knees, or other areas. It may look dry, cracked, or scaly. But most of all, it itches. Call your child's doctor if you notice these symptoms. She may prescribe medicated creams and check for food allergies. Although eczema can't be prevented, some studies suggest breastfeeding during the baby's first four months might help. To avoid flare-ups, Dr. Dela Cruz offers these tips: Avoid using bath or face towels while bathing, or excessive towel drying. Apply petroleum jelly after bathing. Avoid irritants such as drying soaps, tight-fitting clothing, scratchy material, or excessive heat. Keep bathwater lukewarm. Hot water may dry out the skin. There's a lot to learn when you're a new parent. An infant care class at Kapi'olani can help you learn the basics — from breastfeeding and bathing to car seat safety and CPR. Visit www.kapiolani.org/women-and-children/maternity-classsign-up.aspx to sign up today. Health Brief Bedtime for Baby: Safe and Sound According to Hawai'i's Keiki Injury Prevention Coalition, keeping your baby safe in bed is as simple as A-B-C: A is for Air Quality. Smoking in the house puts your baby at risk for sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS. Do not allow smoking around your baby and if you smoke, go outside. B is for Back to Sleep. To reduce the risk for SIDS, always place your baby on his or her back to sleep. C is for Crib. Place your baby on a firm sleep surface, such as a safety-approved crib mattress, covered by a fitted sheet. Don't use pillows, blankets, quilts, stuffed toys, or other soft materials in the crib and keep them away from your baby's face. Dress your baby in light sleep clothing, and keep the room at a temperature that is comfortable for an adult. Get more tips for keeping your baby safe at www.kipchawaii.org.