Maraaz 
Skin care products used in the neonatal period covering the first four weeks after birth. Should not contain perfumes, dyes and chemicals with known harmful effects.
“The skin of babies and children is different from adults, both structurally and functionally. Until adolescence, skin and skin appendages are not yet fully mature. Babies and children are more sensitive because some layers of the skin are thinner.
The absorption and loss of water from the skin is faster, the natural moisturizing factors in the skin are at a lower level, the various cells cannot fully fulfill their functions and the skin surface area is more than the body weight. Thus, it is more prone to the deterioration of the natural barrier function of the skin, the harmful effects of sunlight, the development of irritation and allergies due to contact, or the emergence of toxic effects due to the absorption of the products and drugs from the skin. In other words, families should pay extra attention to the care of their babies.
Problems in the adaptation process are temporary
The neonatal period, which covers the first four weeks after birth. Is the period in which these differences are observed most clearly. Most of the different rashes seen on the skin during this period are harmless and spontaneously regressing pictures related to adaptation to the outside world. For example, small, blistering bubbles due to sucking can be observed on the lips. Short-term and temporary color changes in different parts of the body, small red bubbles on the face and body, yellow oil spots, small pimples may occur.
These are mostly considered normal. However, the presence of a rash that does not regress and covers a large part of the body or if these findings are accompanied by fever or general condition disorder, a doctor should be consulted. It is normal to have a thin peeling on the skin in the first few weeks of life, but in case of excessive dryness, continuous and intense peeling, ichthyosis group diseases and various syndromes should be evaluated.
Pay attention to the content of care products!
Our body’s largest organ, the skin, has many different functions. Skin care should be done carefully, especially in the neonatal period. Neonatal skin is highly permeable, has a high pH, weak connections between skin layers, and its thickness is five times thinner than adults. For this reason, the skin care products used should not contain perfumes, dyes and chemicals with known harmful effects.
Umbilical cord cleaning
The baby’s first bath is usually done after the umbilical cord falls off. The umbilical cord usually falls off within 5-10 days. To protect this area from germs, an antiseptic solution recommended by the doctor that does not contain alcohol or iodine should be used. It is appropriate to clean the area with the solution and to close it by curling down under the navel to prevent irritation due to the diaper.
Ideal water temperature
The bath water of babies should always be warm (below 37 degrees), and the ambient temperature should be kept at 21-22 degrees. Baths should not take longer than 5-10 minutes. Cleaning should be done without using abrasives such as sponge or fiber. Since the hair is thin, sparse and short, the cleanser used for the body is also suitable for the hair. However, in the presence of host formation, a tear-free shampoo that prevents host formation may be preferred after applying moisturizing oil to the scalp a few hours before bathing. In order to prevent heat loss after bathing, the baby should be quickly wrapped in a warm and dry towel, tamped and dried, and if necessary, appropriate moisturizers should be applied.
Moisturizers are more effective when applied within the first three minutes after getting out of the bath. Taking the baths in the evening before sleep provides a more peaceful sleep for the baby. In the first months, 2-3 times a week is enough. After the first months, you can take a bath or shower daily.
Care of the diaper area
The permanently closed diaper area is very sensitive to irritation and injuries and requires special care. The contact of urine and feces with the skin and the area being covered constantly facilitates the formation of rash. For this reason, it is important to change diapers frequently and to ventilate the area. For cleaning, it is necessary to wipe with warm water and soft cotton cloth from front to back, without rubbing, wiping and then drying by buffering again.
After stool, the area should be washed with a mild cleanser. When changing diapers outside the home, perfume-free wet wipes can be used for practical purposes. After cleaning and drying, if the area develops redness, zinc oxide-containing pomades or pure solid vaseline can be used.
In the presence of rash that does not heal within a few days despite proper care, it is beneficial to consult a doctor to investigate other causes of rash in the diaper area and to arrange the appropriate treatment. “
