Health Tip: Conditions That May Affect a Newborn's Skin

Most should resolve themselves in a few weeks

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(HealthDay News) -- A newborn may have noticeable skin conditions that shouldn't affect them much later in life.

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The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers this list of skin changes that may occur as the young infant matures:

• Babies -- especially if premature -- are often born with a soft, fine hair called lanugo covering the skin. But it should disappear within a few weeks.
• It's normal for a newborn's skin to be splotchy, peeling or cracking. This also should improve over time.
• Acne in infants is common, but doesn't usually last more than a few months.
• Small white spots called milia that occur on baby's cheeks and nose should fade within a few weeks.
• Small red spots on baby's forehead, eyelids, lips, and neck are caused by stretched blood vessels, and should disappear within about 18 months.

-- Diana Kohnle