What's This Rash on My Baby's Face?

Finding a new spot, patch or rash on your baby’s face can be unsettling, especially when their skin looked completely different the day before. Newborn rashes on the face are common and many clear without treatment.

This guide explains what some of the most common rashes in babies and newborns look like, what you can do to keep your baby comfortable, and when to seek medical advice.

Erythema toxicum

Erythema toxicum is a blotchy newborn rash that can appear during the first few weeks. Its exact cause is unknown; it may be part of the way your baby’s skin adjusts after birth.

The rash looks like small, raised red, yellow or white spots and may develop on your baby’s face, body, upper arms or thighs. The spots can disappear and return elsewhere before clearing completely, usually within a few weeks.

How you can help your baby: Erythema toxicum is a normal newborn rash that does not need treatment. Wash your baby’s skin gently with warm water, pat it dry and avoid squeezing the spots or applying medicated creams.

Milk spots vs baby acne

Baby acne and milk spots are often confused, but they require different treatments.

Milk spots, also known as milia, are tiny white or yellow bumps that often appear across a newborn’s nose and cheeks. They are caused by a build-up of keratin beneath the skin, not by milk or feeding, and usually clear within the first few weeks.

Baby acne, or neonatal acne, is a common skin condition that tends to appear within the first six weeks. It may look like small pink or red spots across your baby’s cheeks, forehead or chin and can take several weeks or months to settle.

How you can help your baby: Gently wash the area with warm water and leave the spots alone. Do not squeeze or pick them, and do not use acne medicines intended for older children or adults.

Dribble rashes and irritation around the mouth

During feeding and teething, saliva can remain on your baby’s face and neck, causing a sore or bumpy rash around their mouth, chin, and skin folds. The affected skin may look red on white skin or darker, purple or grey on brown and black skin.

Dribble rash and baby eczema around the mouth can look similar. Dribble rash usually follows the wettest areas, while eczema is more likely to feel dry, scaly, and itchy and may also appear on the cheeks and elsewhere on your baby’s body.

How you can help your baby: Pat away saliva rather than rubbing, and change damp bibs or clothing promptly. A thin layer of a fragrance-free barrier cream suitable for babies can help protect the skin from further moisture and irritation.

Rashes around your baby’s face, scalp and neck

Some skin changes become easier to recognise when you look beyond your baby’s cheeks.

Heat rash

Heat rash, also called prickly heat, develops when sweat becomes trapped beneath the skin. It causes small, raised spots that may feel itchy or prickly and can appear on your baby’s face, neck, chest or back.

The rash may look red on white skin. On brown and black skin, the redness can be harder to see, and the spots may appear grey or white.

How you can help your baby: Remove extra layers, dress your baby in loose cotton clothing and keep their room comfortably cool. A cool or lukewarm bath may soothe itchy skin. Continue offering their usual milk feeds to help keep them hydrated.

Cradle cap

Cradle cap causes greasy, yellow or white scaly patches, most commonly on a baby’s scalp. It can also spread to the forehead, eyebrows, and behind the ears. Its exact cause is unclear, although it may be linked to the natural oils produced by your baby’s skin.

Cradle cap is not caused by poor hygiene and cannot spread to other people. The patches are not usually itchy or painful.

How you can help your baby: Apply a small amount of emollient or coconut oil to soften the scales, then loosen them carefully with a soft brush before washing your baby’s hair with an unperfumed baby shampoo. Avoid picking the crusts or using household oils as an alternative.

Eczema on baby’s cheeks and face

Atopic eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, can cause dry, itchy, scaly or cracked skin. It often affects the cheeks, although itchy patches can develop elsewhere on the body.

Baby eczema on the face may look red or pink on white skin. On brown and black skin, the affected area may look purple, grey, lighter or darker than the surrounding skin.

How you can help your baby: Apply an unperfumed emollient regularly and use an emollient wash instead of soap or bubble bath. Keep your baby’s nails short to reduce skin damage from scratching. If the eczema isn’t improving with regular emollient use, or you’re concerned, speak to your health visitor or GP. You can find more guidance in our article on treating your baby’s eczema day to day.

Rashes that spread easily to others

Some infections can cause itchy spots or sores on a baby’s face. They may spread through close skin-to-skin contact or by sharing items such as towels and bedding.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial infection that often develops when bacteria enter damaged skin, such as a small cut, scratch, insect bite or patch of eczema. It usually begins with sores or blisters that burst and leave golden-brown crusty patches, often around the nose and mouth.

How you can help your baby: Wash your hands before and after touching the affected skin, use separate towels and bedding, and try to prevent your baby from scratching impetigo sores. If your baby is under 12 months and you think they have impetigo, contact your GP so they can determine how to treat your baby’s rash on their face or body.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection that can spread through contact with an infected person or animal, or through shared items such as towels and bedding. It usually causes a dry, scaly or itchy ring-shaped rash and can appear on the face or scalp, although the shape may be less distinct in these areas.

How you can help your baby: Avoid sharing towels, bedding, hats, brushes or combs, and discourage scratching. A pharmacist can advise how to treat your baby’s rash on their face at home with an antifungal cream or another treatment suitable for your baby’s age. Contact your GP if the ringworm rash is on your baby’s scalp, as prescription treatment is usually needed.

Molluscum contagiosum

A molluscum contagiosum rash is a common viral skin infection in children that spreads through direct contact with the affected skin. It causes clusters of small, firm, raised spots, often with a shiny surface and a tiny dip in the centre. The spots are usually harmless but can become itchy or sore.

How you can help your baby: Try to prevent scratching or squeezing the spots, as this can spread them to other areas of your baby’s skin. If they are itchy, a cool bath and an unperfumed moisturiser may help keep your baby comfortable.

Facial rashes with a high temperature

A rash accompanied by a temperature or other symptoms needs closer attention. Check how your baby is feeding, breathing, and responding to you, as well as how the rash looks.

Slapped cheek syndrome

Slapped cheek syndrome is a viral infection caused by parvovirus B19. It spreads through coughs and sneezes, often before anyone knows the infection is present. A bright red rash may then appear on one or both cheeks, usually following symptoms such as a high temperature, runny nose or sore throat. The rash may be less noticeable on brown and black skin.

How you can help your baby: Let them rest, dress them in light layers and continue offering their usual milk feeds. Check their temperature and contact your GP if they have a fever or seem unwell. By the time the rash appears, your baby is no longer infectious.

Measles

Measles is a contagious infection that spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. It usually begins with a high temperature, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. Small white spots may appear inside the mouth before a blotchy rash develops on the face or behind the ears and spreads across the body.

A person with measles can pass on the infection from the time their first symptoms appear until four days after the rash begins.

How you can help your baby: If you think your baby may have measles, call your GP or 111 before attending in person, as the infection spreads easily. Keep your baby at home and away from other babies, pregnant women, and anyone with a weakened immune system while you wait for advice. Continue offering their usual feeds.

When a facial rash needs urgent attention

Your GP is usually the right first contact for an urgent but non-emergency rash. 111 can help when the surgery is closed, or you are unsure where to seek care.

Contact your GP or 111 urgently if:

• Your baby is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C or above
• Your baby is 3 months or older and has a temperature of 39°C or above
• They are feeding much less than usual or having fewer wet nappies
• The rash is spreading or becoming worse and you are concerned
• You think they may have measles

Call before attending if measles is possible so the healthcare team can avoid exposing other patients.

Call 111 or go to A&E now if your baby:

• Is struggling to breathe, grunting or sucking their tummy in beneath the ribs
• Develops sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue
• Has a stiff neck, is unusually sensitive to light or is difficult to wake
• Looks pale, blue, grey or blotchy
• Seems seriously unwell and has a rash that does not fade when you press a clear glass firmly against it

Colour changes can be harder to spot on brown and black skin. It may be easier to see the rash or colour changes on your baby’s palms, soles, lips, tongue, and the inside of their eyelids.

Frequently asked questions

What causes newborn baby rashes on the face?

Common causes of rashes in newborns include milia, erythema toxicum, and baby acne. As babies grow, dribble, heat, cradle cap, and eczema can also affect the face. Some facial rashes are caused by infections, including impetigo, ringworm, and measles.

Is it normal for a newborn to have a rash on their face?

Many newborns develop harmless facial rashes such as milia, erythema toxicum or baby acne. These usually settle without treatment. Seek urgent advice if your baby also has a high temperature, is feeding less than usual or seems unwell.

How long does a baby rash on the face last?

The time it takes to clear depends on the cause. Milia and erythema toxicum often disappear within a few weeks, while baby acne may last for several weeks or months. Heat rash may improve within a few days once you’ve cooled your baby down, while cradle cap can take several weeks or months to clear. Infections and longer-term conditions such as eczema may need treatment or ongoing care.

How can I treat my baby’s rash at home?

The right care depends on the cause. You can wash harmless spots gently with warm water; avoid squeezing or picking them. Keeping your baby cool may help with heat rash. Gently patting away saliva and applying a fragrance-free barrier cream may soothe dribble rash.

Avoid applying medicated creams unless a pharmacist or GP has recommended them. Seek advice if you are unsure what is causing the rash, it is becoming worse or your baby seems uncomfortable.

When should I worry about a rash on my baby’s face?

If your baby has a rash and develops a high temperature, is feeding less, seems unwell or has a rash that is getting worse, contact your GP or 111. If they have difficulty breathing, are difficult to wake or have a rash that does not fade under pressure, call 111 or go to A&E.

For more guidance on caring for your baby’s delicate skin, feeding and development, explore the Capricare® Parent Support Hub.