Teething Rash: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies

Causes

Saliva leaking out of your baby’s mouth is the only cause of teething rashes in infants. In most cases, the saliva sticks to the clothes, neck, and chest of the babies. The skin of infants is very delicate, and it reacts immediately to this sticky, enzyme-filled saliva, thus forming foul-smelling red rashes on your baby’s skin.

Symptoms

• Red bumps that resemble blisters

• Foul-smelling rashes

• Pus-filled rashes, if not treated for a long time

• Fever

• Irritability

• Itching

• Tiredness

The treatment of teething rashes can be done through natural remedies, which are explained in the following section.

Management of Teething rash in infants

These teething rash remedies can provide relief and also prevent the rashes from reappearing on your baby’s skin.

• Using natural baby products

When choosing baby products, always opt for those containing natural ingredients. Stay away from scented products, as these can cause rashes easily. Never use perfumes for your babies.

• Keeping the skin moisturised through natural products

One of the best teething rash tips is to apply a natural moisturiser like coconut oil or petroleum jelly on the skin multiple times a day. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of these agents help quickly heal rashes.

• Aloe Vera gel

When using Aloe Vera gel for your baby’s teething rashes, always mix it with coconut oil, petroleum jelly, shea butter, or baby cream. Apply this gel on the rashes 3 to 4 times a day to notice a visible improvement in your baby’s skin.

• Cleaning the extra saliva regularly

Watch out for drooling in your baby. If you notice extra saliva leaking from his/her mouth, immediately clean it with a soft towel. If your baby produces a lot of saliva, you can tie a bib around his/her neck. This will keep your baby’s skin and clothes free from dampness.

• Proper hygiene

Wash your baby’s face, neck, and hands regularly whenever you notice drooling. Use a natural cleanser for bathing your baby. Use clean towels for dabbing the extra saliva leaking out of his/her mouth. Ensure you follow cleanliness in all your baby’s activities.

• Change clothes

Clean your baby at least twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Apply some baby talc to keep his/her skin fresh, and change your baby’s clothes 2 to 3 times a day so that he/she doesn’t wear damp clothes for a long time.

• Wash your baby’s clothes separately

Your baby may quickly develop rashes because his/her skin is very delicate. So, you have to use a mild detergent to wash your baby’s clothes separately. Dry the clothes well in sunlight before you make him/her wear them.

• Using good quality teethers, preferably natural ones

When your baby enters the teething phase, he/she may produce more saliva. Give him/her teethers or teething toys kept in the refrigerator to relieve gum pain and discomfort. Always opt for natural teethers like thin slices of cucumbers, apples, and avocados to not only soothe the gums but keep your baby well-nourished as well.

• Burping is mandatory

Burp your baby well after every feed, especially if he/she is bottle-fed. Always have burping clothes ready so your baby doesn't spit milk on his/her clothes. Clean and sterilise the bottles properly to avoid germ infections in babies.

When none of these remedies work, and the rashes remain red and big, you should consult a doctor immediately. More often than not, teething rashes don't pose any severe health risks and can be controlled with the help of a cream or a pill to suppress the pain. However, ensure your baby doesn't rub these rashes, as it can cause the pus to leak out and make the condition painful.