A teething rash typically forms in an infant because their skin becomes exposed to frequent saliva. Between the enzymes in the saliva and parents frequently wiping the area, the affected skin becomes inflamed and irritated [1].
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Signs And Symptoms Of Teething Rash
Your infant will be predisposed to drooling during their first two years. It typically begins during their fourth to the sixth month when their baby teeth are preparing themselves to erupt from their gums. They may develop rashes before their first tooth appears because of their constant drooling. The saliva gathers at their chin, cheeks, neck, and chest. If you are giving your child a pacifier, the rashes can appear on areas of the skin that touches the pacifier.
If your little one is suffering from baby teething rash, their skin may have flat or slightly raised, red patches of skin with tiny red bumps. The skin can also appear chapped as well. This type of rash tends to come and go. Your child may be teething if they exhibit the following symptoms: excessive drooling, a rash, increased desire to chew on toys and clothes, or increased fussiness and crying due to gum pain. Take note that teething doesn’t trigger a fever, so if your little one is warm to the touch, call your doctor to have your child checked.
How To Treat Baby Teething Rash Naturally
Seeing symptoms of teething in your child should put you on alert to look for rashes. Fortunately, there are several ways to treat these skin rashes that may appear on your little one’s cheeks, chin, neck, and chest [2].
Wash with warm water
Make it a point to wash the affected areas with warm water then pat the skin to dry. This should be done twice daily and whenever you see drooling. Make sure that you pat and not rub your baby’s sensitive skin so that there is no excess moisture.
Choose a gentle baby wash
During bath time, stick with a mild and organic baby wash to avoid irritating their skin. Any baby wash that is synthetically scented or is formulated using harsh ingredients can make their rash worse. Plus, your baby is at further risk for absorbing any potentially harmful chemicals that may be present. Always know what you are putting on your baby’s skin.
Apply healing ointment
Once you pat your baby’s skin dry after washing or bathing, you should apply soothing ointment to create a barrier between the drool and the skin. Make sure you use only organic ointments that are made for babies. These creams do not contain any harsh chemicals that can make the teething rash worse.
Cold teether
A baby’s sensitive gums can experience pain when there is a tooth starting to breakthrough. One way to try to alleviate this problem is by offering a cold teether to your little one. The cold temperature can help numb their gums for a while and help soothe them.
Baby gum massage
Another way to alleviate the pain that your baby is experiencing because of a growing tooth is to give their gums a massage. Stimulating the gums can help the blood flow, which can speed up the healing process. Make sure that you have cut your nails and washed your hands well before massaging the gums gently.
Protect their hands
Your baby may scratch or rub their rash, which can make the rash worse. Cover their hands with light mittens so that when they reach for their face, they will not irritate their skin further. During wake time, keep your baby distracted with sensory toys that are ideal for their age. Use toys that squeak, rattle, or glow to capture their attention.
Change clothing
If your baby’s clothing gets wet because of their excessive drooling, make sure that you remove their shirt and pat their skin dry. Keep in mind that a damp shirt can cause chafing and irritation around the neck and chest, which can trigger rashes.
Place a bib
To prevent their saliva from getting onto their shirt, put a bib around their neck so you can easily wipe off the excess drool. Replace the bib whenever wet to prevent chaffing on their skin. Change their top if necessary.
Aloe vera gel
If you are looking for another remedy that you can use on your little one’s teething rash, try aloe vera gel. Use only organic gel to ensure your baby is not absorbing anything harmful and getting the full effect of the aloe vera on your baby’s skin. Aloe vera is also used as a part of some teething gels. However, before using any of these on your child, check to make sure that they contain only organic ingredients that are safe for your child.
Give cold vegetables and fruits
Another possible treatment that can be given to your little one to alleviate and treat teething rash is to provide them with some cold fruits and vegetables which they can chew comfortably. Not only will this help them stay hydrated, but they will also alleviate the pain radiating from their gums. There are plenty of baby foods that you can offer them such as frozen pineapple or banana, cold cucumber, carrots, and yogurt. One of the best fruits to give your little one is a cold banana because it can be stored in the fridge, and has enough flesh for your child to hold on to while eating it. Always use caution when giving your child whole foods that they can choke on.
Organic coconut oil
You can also use organic coconut oil to soothe the skin irritation that your baby has because of teething. This oil contains antimicrobial as well as antifungal properties that prevent bacteria from entering their skin. This is a natural remedy for treating a teeth rash as it creates this protective barrier on their skin.
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How To Prevent Teething Rash
Just like diaper rash or cradle cap, there are ways to deal with a teething rash. Most prevention methods deal with keeping the area dry and protected. In the case of a nappy rash, you need to make sure that the skin is dry by removing soiled diaper as soon as possible, and giving their bottom some time to air-out. This will help to get rid of moisture before applying a barrier to their skin like ointments and creams to prevent diaper rash. With cradle cap, you can wash your baby’s head daily with gentle organic baby shampoo, then brush with a soft-bristled brush. As with most of these rashes, young children eventually grow out of a teething rash.
In the case of teething rashes, the best way to prevent it is to ensure that their skin is always dry. Since one of the symptoms of teething is excessive drooling, your child may be bathing in their own drool, which can cause rashes to appear. As mentioned earlier, drying your baby as soon as you see the drool coming from their mouth can help keep symptoms of a teething rash at bay. Use a soft cloth when patting the skin, as rough ones can make the problem worse. A baby’s sensitive skin may break, allowing an infection to set in. Apply ointment that has non-nano zinc oxide to create a barrier from the drool.
The Last Word: Baby Teething Rash
It is understandable that baby teething rash will appear throughout your little one’s childhood. However, with the treatments mentioned above, you should be able to reduce any discomfort that your baby is experiencing.
However, for baby teething rashes that don’t disappear, or if the skin becomes chapped or breaks open, talk to your pediatrician. They may be able to suggest treatments to reduce the irritation. Always consult your pediatrician before applying any medicated ointment.
Baby Teething Rash Resources:
[1] New Parent Support; Teething Rash: How to help your baby, September 2018.[2] U.S Natural Library of Medicine; Teething, July 10, 2019.
