MANILA, Philippines — While changing your baby’s clothes one day, you suddenly notice ugly red rashes on your child’s body.  What do you do?

a) Bring your child to the doctor

b)  Adopt a wait and see attitude (Wait for a day or two and see if the rashes will get worse, improve or disappear) or

c) Ignore the problem

The safest and most sensible move of course would be to have your baby seen and treated by a doctor. The reason? Your child may already be suffering from a skin problem that might worsen if left untreated.  “It is best to consult your pediatrician or dermatologist once you notice redness or rashes on your child’s skin,” says dermatologist Dr. Anna Palabyab-Rufino of the Palabyab Skin Clinic in Pasig City.

According to Dr. Palabyab-Rufino, the most common skin problems that babies and very young children experience and that doctors like her encounter are atopic dermatitis or skin asthma, seborrheic dermatitis or cradle cap dermatitis, and diaper dermatitis or diaper rash.  Atopic dermatitis is an itchy inflammation of the skin and can occur anywhere.  In infants, it often involves an oozing, crusting rash typically on the face or the scalp.  Seborrheic dermatitis or cradle cap begets scaly patches on a baby’s scalp, but usually gets better and heals on its own within a few months. Inflamed or reddened skin on your baby’s bottom is a sign of diaper rash or diaper dermatitis.

Some of these ailments, warns Dr. Palabyab-Rufino, may become complicated and may lead to bacterial or fungal infections – something that we, parents, obviously do not want to happen.  Proper education on these conditions is thus important so that they may be prevented.

To protect and preserve your baby’s delicate skin, Dr. Palabyab-Rufino advocates the following:

1. Observe proper hygiene.  This includes regular bathing and frequent diaper changes for the baby.  Yayas and other caregivers should practice proper hygiene too (take a bath daily, wear clean clothes and wash their hands always after working in the kitchen, eating, using the bathroom, or staying outdoors) since they stay close to and often touch their wards.

2. Keep baby’s skin moisturized to prevent the itch-scratch cycle in atopic dermatitis.

3. Use soap-free, alcohol-free, and fragrance-free products for babies to avoid dryness and irritation on their sensitive skin.

4. Apply protective barrier creams such as Zinc Oxide to the groin area to prevent diaper dermatitis.

Dressing an infant in comfortable clothes made of light, breathable fabrics also helps, as well as minimizing the goop that you rub or apply on your child’s body.  If unsure about using powder, cologne, sunscreen and other products on your baby, keep in mind this advice from a dermatologist.

On powder and cologne

Dr. Palabyab-Rufino:  “Honestly, babies do not need cologne or powder.  These products offer no clinical benefit.  Talcum or cornstarch powder is not recommended due to aspiration and irritation risks.  The fragrances in colognes may also cause irritation.”

On insect repellent and sunblock

Dr. Palabyab-Rufino:  “Insect repellents are not recommended for children less than two months of age because some of its chemical components may cause neurotoxicity.  Mosquito repellents containing less than 10% DEET (N, N-Diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) or picardin can be applied on children by an adult.  Always read the product’s label and follow instructions carefully.  Repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus are not recommended for children under the age of three.

Sunblocks should not be used in children younger than six months.  If sun exposure cannot be avoided, other means of sun protection such as clothing and hats can be used.  It is best to use a physical sunblock containing zinc oxide or titanium oxide on children because these sunblocks are chemical-free and do not cause irritation or allergies.  Avoid applying these products on the child’s hand or around the mouth.”

On lotion, cream and ointment

Dr. Palabyab-Rufino:  “It is best to read the label of all the products you intend to buy for your babies.  Like I mentioned earlier, chemical-, soap-, and fragrance-free products are your most excellent picks.  If your child has skin problems, it is best to ask your dermatologist or pediatrician what she would recommend.”

The Palabyab Skin Clinic is located at Medical Plaza Ortigas, Pasig City. Call 633.6737 or email at palabyabskinclinic@gmail. You can also log on to http://palabyabskinclinic.com.