Contents:
- Medical Video: Warning Infection Signs in Infant
- The most common skin disorders for premature babies
- 1. Red skin
- 2. Yellow skin
- 3. Skin rash
- 4. Wounds on the skin
- 5. Itching and irritation
Medical Video: Warning Infection Signs in Infant
Babies are said to be premature if born less than 37 weeks. Babies born prematurely generally experience respiratory problems and low birth weight. However, skin problems can also be one of the disorders in premature babies. Because the skin is an organ that needs to develop perfectly, birth too early can increase the risk of skin problems. Here are some of the most common skin disorders for premature babies.
The most common skin disorders for premature babies
1. Red skin
Premature baby skin is usually very red, especially those born before 34 weeks. This reddish skin is caused by perfectly undeveloped skin tissue, so it is very sensitive.
Red skin in premature babies is normal. This is not considered a problem unless your baby's skin is accompanied by a wound or rash.
2. Yellow skin
Yellow skin is a characteristic of jaundice, which is common in premature babies. Symptoms of jaundice are transient conditions caused by accumulation of bilirubin in the blood.
Bilirubin should be released through the liver, but the baby's liver has not fully developed because it was born too fast. This causes bilirubin to accumulate in the blood and the skin of premature babies becomes yellowish.
Jaundice was diagnosed with a blood test. The treatment also depends on the severity. Your doctor may let the condition heal on its own or recommend phototherapy.
Untreated jaundice can cause permanent physical and developmental disabilities.
3. Skin rash
Newborn skin is known to be sensitive, but the skin of premature babies may be more prone to developing diaper rash. There will be more rashes when coming into contact with irritating ingredients, such as from synthetic fibers.
Rashes in infants can also be caused by eczema, or called atopic dermatitis. Eczema is a skin condition characterized by inflammation, redness and severe itching. In infants, this rash most often appears on the cheeks, chin, neck, wrists, and knees.
For many babies, eczema is a short-term skin problem. Infants with allergies may have longer eczema throughout childhood. Introducing solid foods too early for premature babies can increase this risk.
4. Wounds on the skin
In addition to rashes, wounds are also common in the skin of babies born prematurely due to scratching or very sensitive skin rubbing. All you need to be aware of are signs of infection in the wound.
Premature babies are more susceptible to infection because they have a weaker immune system. Signs of skin infection in premature babies can include:
- There is a lump
- Red open wound
- Wounds get bigger and worse
- There is pus
If these signs begin to appear on the skin of babies born prematurely, immediately treat before developing into a more serious disease. Because, premature babies are also more susceptible to sepsis. This is a complication of life-threatening infections, in which bacteria spread through the bloodstream and eat away vital organs.
Depending on the cause of the infection your baby has, the doctor may prescribe several drugs to treat infections, such as antibiotics, antifungal drugs, topical medications, or ointments.
5. Itching and irritation
Itchy skin is a common skin problem for premature babies. Usually this condition will not last long, over time the itchy skin will disappear.
While you can make your baby more comfortable with:
- Bathe your baby in warm water and soap that doesn't contain perfume.
- Apply an ointment to remove the rash if present.
- Wash clothes separately from other family members and use gentle laundry soap.
- Do not use clothes softener for your baby's clothes.
- Often use moisturizers that do not contain perfume to protect the skin from dryness.
