Baby Health

I remember the day my first child got his first rash. I went to change his diaper and was frightened to find his whole body covered in odd little red dots. When the dots didn’t go away, I ended up taking him to the doctor. Once I did, I got a good case of man-do-I-feel-like-an-overly-paranoid new mom. His doctor said that baby rashes are common, and sometimes it’s hard even as a doctor to say why, but in most cases baby rashes are harmless and require no medical attention. She also said I was far from the first mom to worry over a baby rash. Now with four babies grown into kids, I’ve seen a decent amount of rashes, especially with that first baby having some super sensitive skin. I can say with all honesty I wish I had a baby rash decoder five years ago. So, I decided to make one.

Please be aware that this article is not meant to substitute medical advice. If your baby has a rash accompanied by other signs of sickness, is showing signs of pain, or the rash has been present for an extended amount of time, please ignore any feelings you may have that you’ll look like a paranoid new mom and just go to the doctor.

My baby’s rash is red, itchy, scaly patches:

 

Baby Eczema on the cheeks

Baby Eczema: Eczema is a skin condition that is usually genetic. Babies with eczema have a thinner outer layer of skin that allows more allergens in, resulting in patch-like pink, itchy rashes and dry scaly skin. Eczema is most common on the ankles, wrists, and back of the knees, but it can occur anywhere. Infants often get it on the cheeks as well. Minor cases can be treated with an over-the-counter moisturizer and the use of soaps/products for sensitive skin. Severe cases may require prescribed topical lotions. Baby eczema often clears up around age 5, though it can extend into adulthood.

Rare Infant Psoriasis

Psoriasis: Psoriasis is caused by skin cells maturing too quickly, causing a build-up in red, scaly, raised patches. This rash is commonly seen on the lower back, elbows, knees and scalp, but is not common in infants. Psoriasis requires medical treatment.

Ring worm

Ring worm: Ring worm is not actually caused by a worm under the skin, but by a fungus. Ring worm is highly contagious and most babies that have one spot will get more. This is why they can be mistaken for a rash. Ring worm will appear in red patches with a scaly outer ring. It can be treated with an over the counter anti-fungal. Note that jock itch and athlete’s feet are also both forms of ring worm.

My baby’s rash is just scaly skin:

Dry skin: if the area is not red, simply scaly, it’s possible your baby just has a patch of very dry skin. Try a sensitive skin moisturizer.

Eczema: Minor cases may appear as scaly patches of hardened skin. See above for more information.

Cradle Cap

 

Cradle cap: Cradle cap is most common on the scalp, but may extend onto the face into eyebrows. It will appear as dry, scaly patches which may also have a yellow to gold crusting. Cradle cap can usually be resolved by rubbing moisturizing oil into the patches during baths and then rinsing the scales away.

My baby’s rash is red with pimple-like blisters:

 

Heat Rash

Heat rash: Heat rash, sometimes called prickly heat rash, will present as numerous small red bumps which may or may not been filled with fluid. The area, or your baby’s body as a whole, may also be slightly red. This rash is caused heat as the name implies. Undress your baby and wipe him/her with a cool, wet cloth and the rash should fade over the next hour or so.

Diaper Rash

Diaper rash: If the rash is in the diaper area and also involves raised and/or raw patches of skin, it’s possible your baby has diaper rash. Be sure to keep your baby’s diaper dry and apply a topical baby rash cream. If the rash persists, it may be yeast-based or from a food intolerance.

White patches in the mouth or on the tongue can be a good indication of a yeast-based rash.

Oral Thrush

These white patches are called thrush. Most infants that get yeast-based diaper rashes also get thrush and vice versa, because of this it’s recommended you see your pediatrician, especially if breast feeding. Thrush can be spread to the glands of the nipple. However, if you know it is just the rash, an over-the-counter yeast infection cream (such as Monistat) will also work.

Folliculitis: This is simply infected or clogged hair follicles. The rash would appear in pimple-like boils around the hair follicle itself. It is common in areas where clothing may rub with your baby’s skin such as the underarms and groin.

Impetigo

Impetigo: Of all the possible causes of pimple-like blisters, impetigo is usually the most severe. It may appear as a patch of bumps which form into a boil and then burst and crust over. Impetigo is highly contagious, and so spreads quickly as sores begin to ooze, but it usually begins near the mouth. In mild cases, impetigo resolves itself if the area is kept clean. In severe cases, antibiotics will be required.

Keep in mind that the common cold sore somewhat resembles impetigo and also forms blisters which burst and then form a crust. Cold sores do not require antibiotics and in cases can even come in patches, but they are highly contagious. The two are difficult to tell apart. When dealing with either issue it’s best to wash your hands thoroughly after contact and seek a medical opinion if symptoms continue for more than a week.

My baby’s rash is just white bumps:

 

Large Patch of Milia

Milia: Milia is very common in babies. It appears most commonly on the face as small white bumps. These bumps are dead skin trapped within pores. They will eventually go away on their own. Milia may be just a random bump or two, or has pictured more of a patch-like area.

Infant Acne

Baby acne: If those same bumps are red, show signs of irritation, or have a bit of fluid, your baby may have acne. Acne also resolves itself. Simply keep your baby’s skin clean and leave the bumps alone.

Newborn Rash: Shortly after birth, your baby may have yellow to clear patches of bumps anywhere on the body. There also may be redness around the patches. This is called newborn rash, and its cause is unknown. It does resolve itself without care.

My baby’s rash is small red dots:

Chicken pox: The beginning stages of chicken pox present with tiny red dots. These dots then fill with fluid and burst. Chicken pox are very itchy and contagious. They are caused by a virus. In most cases, all you need to do is take steps to relieve the itching, such as oatmeal baths or calamine lotion. You should, however, make your doctor aware your child has chicken pox. Chicken pox can be quiet dangerous to adults who have not contracted the virus.

Scabies

Scabies: Scabies are a microscopic mite which can live in the skin. The rash will appear as small red bumps in patches that will itch, a lot. Scabies is usually found between the fingers or on the wrists. Scabies requires a prescription and are very contagious. A good way to check for scabies is to use a felt-tipped marker and dab the rash. If the ink bleeds into tunnel-like trails, it is likely scabies. If the ink stays in one solid dot, it’s less likely to be scabies.

Viral Rash

 

Viral rash: Some viruses come with a rash. These bumps usually aren’t raised and are just, little red dots. They will go away with the virus.

 

My baby’s rash has raised patches:

 

Hives

Hives: Hives are caused by an allergic reaction. They will be skin-colored to red raised patches which may itch. While a bath may help, hives usually resolve as the body stops reacting to the allergen. If your baby exhibits breathing difficulties or excessive swelling, immediately seek medical attention.

Hives may be alone or accompanied by small red itchy bumps, this is usually a sign of an allergic reaction. The small bumps may also be found without hives, this is more common in contact rashes from touching something that irritated the skin due to allergy or otherwise. Hives are often a sign of a more severe allergic reaction with swelling being more indicative of a possible medical emergency.

Baby drool rash: Baby drool rash is caused by irritation from moisture on the skin. It will appear as raised, red patches. Drool rash can evolve into impetigo. Keep your babies face dry to avoid drool rash.

Little is worse than a stuffy-nosed, congested baby, except maybe a snot-dripping, gooey, rash-faced baby. Okay, so maybe they’re about equal as far as childhood annoyances go. Whether your baby is two days old or two years old and well into the toddler phase, he or she is bound to have boogers, snot, and mucus, and all the above are bound to be different colors. This leaves many parents to ponder one more odd thought, what do different  baby booger colors mean?

Well, first, for trivia’s sake, what is a booger, exactly?

Inside every nose, a substance called mucus is formed from water, inorganic salts, enzymes, antibodies, and proteins. This slimy stuff is a vital component of the immune system and exists to catch germs and contaminants as we breathe in air, preventing them from reaching the lungs. Usually, tiny hairs within the nose move mucus down the throat, where it’s swallowed to lubricate the esophagus and protect the lining of the stomach. Boogers form when mucus dries up or mixes with contaminants and then becomes stuck in the nose.

Mucus starts clear but can change color depending on what it has trapped. When we become ill or encounter air contaminants, the body increases mucus production to help boot out whatever is making us sick, resulting in a snotty nose. Mucus production also goes into overdrive in the cold in an effort to keep the nasal passage warm, moist, and healthy. That’s why some babies get stuffy or runny noses even if they aren’t sick in the winter months.

What color can baby boogers be, and what do those colors mean?

Normal Mucus Colors

 Clear Mucus

As mentioned, clear is the normal color of mucus. An excess amount of clear snot simply means something has triggered the body to make more mucus, such as allergies, a virus, bacteria, air contamination, or cold air. If your child frequently struggles with excessive clear snot or eye boogers, allergies are a likely culprit. Consider speaking with your pediatrician. While antihistamines and decongestants are not recommended for children under the age of 2, there may be steps you can take to help reduce your child’s symptoms, such as installing an air purifier or identifying and eliminating triggers where possible.

Cloudy Off-White or Dim Yellow Mucus

Mucus takes on a cloudy white appearance or yellow tint as it loses moisture content. This isn’t usually a sign of anything out of the ordinary and is pretty common. You may try a humidifier to help keep your child’s nose moist if you’re seeing frequent especially crusty, dry yellow boogers.

Snot Colors Common With Air Contamination

Dry Dark Green Mucus

Dried or clumpy green boogers are usually seen after a long day outside or someplace with some level of air contamination like a dusty room. Your child’s mucus is simply doing its job and catching all those bad things before they get to the lungs. Dried green boogers can be considered normal.

Black or Grey Mucus

Black or grey boogers are also caused by heavier air pollution and tend to be dry. In this case, ash, dust, and smoke are common culprits. For example, try checking your snot color after being around a campfire all day or in a room where people are smoking cigarettes. Playing in the dirt or even small flying bug particles can also cause black to grey mucus in kids.

Booger Colors That Suggest Viral or Bacterial Infection

Dark Yellow Mucus

If you’re seeing thick, dark yellow mucus (most common with nasal congestion), your child is likely fighting off a virus or bacteria. The darker yellow shade is often caused by discarded white blood cells and minor dehydration.

Neon Yellow

Bright yellow, especially a shade that could be described as “neon,” is almost always a sign of infection, most notably viral sinus infections, which may be accompanied by sinus pressure and headaches. This color booger means your child is sick or soon to be sick, but doesn’t always indicate a serious condition. Watch for signs of illness, such as coughing, fever, or difficulty breathing.

Bright Green Mucus

Runny green boogers or those of a neon green shade are usually a sign of a bacterial infection of some sort. Sometimes the tail end of sinus infection snot will turn a green color as well. Bright green boogers are another mucus color that usually indicates current or near-future sickness.

Note that neon, dark yellow, or green snot can also sometimes be a sign of nasal obstruction.

Nasal Passage Bleeding

Red, Orange, Pink, or Brown Mucus

If you’re finding red, orange, pink, or brown snot, this is a sign of nasal passage bleeding or irritation. Closer to brown indicates an older bleed and is caused by dried blood mixed with mucus. Closer to red means the bleed is more recent. Pink or orange snot is more common if the bleed is light and the snot is runny. Nose bleeds are not usually a cause for concern. All kids get them. However, if your child has very frequent brown, red, or bloody boogers, speak with your pediatrician. If brown to red mucus is being coughed up, this could be draining from the nose, or there may be a small bleed in the throat.

Diet-Related Mucus Colors

Thick White Mucus

Probably the rarest booger color in adults, sticky white snot is a more common color seen in babies over the age of 1. Thick white boogers are caused by excessive dairy intake, such as milk, while congested. Babies just over a year old generally still drink quite a bit of milk but often are no longer nursing or drinking formula. In kids or adults who drink less milk, white, thick, sticky boogers can be a sign of dehydration.

Other baby booger colors

Keep in mind that anything that is inhaled or eaten can affect booger color. For example, once my toddler sucked on one of those non-toxic washable markers and had purple snot. Foods heavy in food dye may also result in weird booger colors, like Kool-Aid.

There you have it, a what’s-that-color mean guide to baby booger colors. I would have loved to provide pictures of each for reference, but it seems nobody photos the gross, not-so-cute infection-like boogers. If you enjoyed this color-coded booger guide, check out this version on poop colors. If you have a toddler, you might also have need of some info on booger picking.