Understanding newborn issues part 2 | Health | jhnewsandguide.com - Jackson Hole News&Guide

Today we're continuing our series on common newborn conditions. In my last column we talked about the sneezes, hiccups, gurgles, grunts and snorts these little creatures often make. Now we'll focus on newborn babies' appearance, including common skin ailments. At first glance some of these conditions may be alarming to new parents, but most are non-worrisome and par for the course in these little newbies.

Skin is the largest organ in the human body, and as such it's one of the first things parents notice after baby is born or when their blanket is unwrapped. Immediately after birth, newborns' skin often appears pale or bluish, but quickly becomes pink in the first few minutes of life as their breathing becomes more regular and fluid is cleared from the lungs. Blue or purple discoloration of the hands and feet (termed "acrocyanosis") can persist for hours to days after birth, as patterns of blood circulation are changing. Babies typically have more sensitive and delicate skin than older children or adults. Even direct contact with blankets or mother's clothing while nursing can cause skin irritation. Additionally, babies spend nine months in a warm bath of amniotic fluid before they're abruptly thrust into our dry and harsh environment. As a result of this, most babies — regardless of whether they were born early or at-term — will develop dry and peeling skin. In most cases, no specific treatment is needed. The white, cheesy "vernix" that coats their skin at birth is a natural emollient that helps to protect and moisturize it. Most newborns, especially premies, are also covered with fine hair on their back and shoulders. This "lanugo" is typically shed within the first couple weeks after birth.