Are you feeling overwhelmed and worried about the scratches on your babys face? Dont worry, you are not alone. Babies tend to scratch their faces during the first few months. This is absolutely normal and common. Mostly, you dont have to worry about it.
A babys skin is very delicate and sensitive. They also do not have fully developed motor skills, hence the uncoordinated hand movements can leave scratch marks on their face. This usually ends once they grow out of this phase.
There may be other reasons for babies scratching their faces, which might require medical attention and other palliative care measures. The most common of which are baby eczema and heat rash.
This article will help you understand the underlying root causes of baby scratching their face. It will also include preventive measures and management tips for facial scratches. So, read till the end to know what baby skincare products you should pick from the aisle.
Why Do Babies Scratch Their Faces?
It is common for newborns to scratch their faces. To effectively manage and prevent scratching, it is important to understand the underlying cause. Mostly, babies scratch their faces because of uncontrolled motor movements and underdeveloped, delicate skin reacting to minor irritants.
Dry Skin
As described earlier, a babys skin is not fully developed at birth, and it typically takes 3 to 4 months to mature. Due to a lack of a strong skin barrier, their skin loses moisture quickly and becomes dry. This excessive dryness can lead to dry skin patches, itchiness, baby acne, and peeling.
Dry skin can be managed by moisturising the skin with a light, hydrating, and pH-balancing moisturiser packed with ceramides and other non-comedogenic ingredients. Such baby creams keep their skin nourished and hydrated, preventing irritation and itchiness.
Baby Eczema
Baby eczema also causes scratching on the face of babies. It is primarily genetic and is characterised by a weak skin barrier, which cannot protect against aggressors and transepidermal water loss. Various factors, including dry, cold weather, harsh soaps and detergents, and other environmental allergens, can trigger eczema flare-ups.
During eczema flare-ups, the skin becomes red, inflamed, dry, rough, patchy, and itchy. These signs and symptoms can be managed by using pH-balanced, mild baby eczema creams with calming ingredients such as ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, niacinamide, and shea butter.
Cradle Cap
Cradle cap, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is another reason a baby may scratch. It causes the formation of greasy, yellowish white scales. Cradle cap is neither caused by poor hygiene nor due to an allergy. It is not contagious as well. It resolves on its own after 12 12months of age.
To alleviate the symptoms, use a soft-bristled baby brush and a mild oil or cleanser to loosen the flakes and reduce irritation gently.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions are also a common reason for a babys scratching. The sensitive skin of babies can become red, patchy, irritated, and inflamed due to harsh chemicals in soaps, detergents, and some synthetic fabrics and foods (for babies older than 6 months).
Allergic reactions can be ameliorated by stopping the allergen. It is advised to use fragrance-free and mild baby products.
Heat Rash
Heat rash causes tiny red bumps, redness, and itching due to sweat trapped inside the skin. The face, neck, and chest are mostly affected. This is more common in warm weather. Heat rash is sometimes referred to as prickly heat.
To manage the symptoms, dress your baby in light, breathable clothes and apply a soothing and cooling baby cream on the affected area.
How to Gently Prevent Your Baby from Scratching Their Face
Preventive measures are the best way to keep your baby away from scratching their face. To prevent scratching, you must first identify the cause. They might itch due to dryness, irritation, inflammation, allergies, or weather conditions. Scratching can cause a few minor cuts, which might overwhelm the parents.
However, you can easily prevent your babys face scratching by moisturising with a pH-balancing baby cream, trimming their nails, and dressing them in soft fabrics.
Soft Mittens
Soft, comfortable, lightweight, and breathable cotton mittens are another effective way to prevent baby from scratching their face at night.
Trim Your Babys Nails
One of the most effective ways to prevent your babys face scratching is to trim your babys nails. The little sharp nails can cause cuts on their sensitive skin. If you are not comfortable trimming those little fingers and toes, then you can also file them. You should cut the babys nails when they are sleeping or distracted to minimize unnecessary crying or fussiness.
Use Gentle Creams
Skin dryness and a weak barrier are the most common causes of face scratching in babies. Parents must moisturize their babys face with a fragrance-free and mild baby cream with soothing ingredients. It is highly recommended to look for a pH-balanced cream specifically designed for babies.
Switch to Mild Cleansers
Cleansers and soaps can cause skin irritation and dryness due to the presence of certain surfactants. Use a mild, pH-balanced cleanser to avoid disrupting the babys skin mantle and skin barrier, which can cause dryness and itching.
Dress in Light, Breathable Fabrics
Dressing your baby in light, breathable fabrics is essential. Synthetic fabrics and wool can irritate the delicate babys skin. If you must dress them in such fabrics, then use a soft, light layer of cloth beneath them to avoid skin contact. Breathable fabrics also help regulate body temperature and prevent heat rash.
Baby Scratches: Is It Normal or a Cause for Concern?
Newborn babies tend to scratch their faces during the first few months of their lives, and it is pretty standard. They have very delicate skin and uncontrolled hand movements due to the development of motor skills, hence the scratches on their face are not alarming.
With the proper care and preventive measures, such as trimming nails, using mittens, moisturising their face, and keeping the skin calm and hydrated, the chances of the babys face scratching can be drastically reduced.
If your baby is scratching their face frequently and scratching is accompanied by inflammation, red patches, bumps, swelling, or bleeding, then it may be a sign of eczema, an allergy, or an infection. These signs should not be ignored.
When to Seek Medical Help
As stated earlier, face scratching is common among newborn babies; however, sometimes persistent itching can indicate a more concerning issue. The signs that you should not ignore are listed below. If your baby experiences any of them, it's time to see your doctor.
Redness or Swelling
A scratch on the face of a baby can allow bacteria to enter the body and cause infection. If the scratch becomes red, inflamed, swollen, painful, and oozing, then you must see a pediatrician immediately.
Pus or Discharge
Pus is the yellowish liquid that oozes out of the site of infection. If the scratch oozes pus, then you must see your doctor to treat the infection on time.
Fever
Fever is the primary sign of infection. If your baby has a fever along with an inflamed patch on the skin, you should call your pediatrician.
Severe Rash
If your baby has a rash that is red, inflamed, itchy, and worsening, it might indicate eczema, an allergy, or a reaction to medication. A doctor can differentiate between these, so seek medical attention immediately.
Behavioral Signs
Persistent itching and scratching in the same spot, and being continuously fussy, may be a sign of pain and discomfort. Consistent sleep disruption, usual crying, and disruption of the feeding routine need medical attention.
How to Naturally and Safely Soothe Your Babys Scratched Face
Scratches or marks on the babys face are usually normal and do not require any medical attention. These scratches can be managed at home with the use of mild skincare products and other preventive measures. However, sometimes an unattended scratch may exhibit alleviated signs and symptoms, which could indicate eczema, an allergy, or an infection.
Below we have discussed a few simple, natural, and safe skincare steps to care for a babys scratch.
1. Clean the Area Gently
The scratched area should be washed with a gentle cleanser. Baby cleansers should be mild and prefer those with a balanced pH. Avoid soaps as they dry out the skin.
2. Pat Drying
Always use a soft, clean, and fresh towel or cloth to gently pat the washed skin dry.
3. Apply a Gentle, Hydrating Ointment
After washing and drying, moisturize the skin using a light, baby-safe cream that absorbs easily without clogging pores. It is recommended to use creams specifically designed for sensitive skin and eczema-prone babies, such as Bébé Skin Baby Eczema Cream.
4. Keep Up a Moisturising Routine
As we have discussed earlier, the skin barrier of babies skin is not fully developed; hence, moisture is not locked in the skin. Thats why it is important to hydrate the skin multiple times.
5. Dress Your Baby in Breathable Fabrics
Synthetic fabrics can irritate the skin; therefore, always dress your baby in light, loose, and breathable fabrics.
6. Use a Cool Compress for Soothing
A cool compress can soothe the inflamed skin. Using these compresses can help calm irritated skin and reduce discomfort.
When Will My Baby Stop Scratching Their Face?
Babies stop scratching their faces after 6months because of better motor skills and a more developed skin barrier. Till this age, scratching can be managed through preventive measures.
It is essential to note that if the cause of scratching is a skin condition or infection, it should be managed with a doctor's consultation.
Final Thoughts
If your baby is scratching their face, it is usually not a cause for alarm. Most babies do so due to the development of motor control and a skin barrier. It can be managed and prevented by trimming the babys nails, putting on soft mittens, and avoiding irritants.
Skincare products play a crucial role in managing scratching. A good skincare regimen comprises a mild and gentle cleanser along with a hydrating and pH-balancing baby cream with ceramides. Parents should avoid using heavy, petroleum-based products on their baby, as they may clog pores.
In conclusion, scratching of the babys face is a manageable and preventable harmless condition; however, due diligence is required in case of persistent itching, irritation, and signs of infection.
FAQs
Why does my baby scratch his face?
There are various reasons a baby can have a scratched face. These may include unintentional movements, skin dryness, or conditions such as baby eczema or heat rash. The other reasons can be motor skills development, exploration, comfort, and nails growing too long.
Why do babies rub their faces?
Continual face rubbing is an indicator of some form of skin discomfort. This could stem from dry patches, skin irritants like eczema, or even teething problems. Keeping the skin moisturized while using gentle soap and mild skin products can reduce irritation.
At what age do babies stop scratching their faces?
Most babies scratch their faces by around 4 to 6 months of age. Usually, babies stop scratching their faces after six months of birth. However, if face scratching stems from medical skin problems like eczema, babies can continue scratching their face until the condition has been treated.
