Schedule An Appointment

Symptom Checker

Newborn Rashes and Birthmarks

Newborn rashes and birthmarks are skin changes that appear at birth or during the first weeks of life. They can include spots, bumps, blotches, peeling or areas of different color.

Immature skin, blocked glands, normal blood vessels, birth-related pressure and common newborn skin conditions cause many of these findings. Infection and other medical conditions can also cause rashes.

Call a nurse All symptoms

AAP Guide to Newborn Rashes and Birthmarks

The AAP guide below explains common newborn skin findings and which changes need an exam.

AAP Symptom CheckerNewborn rashes

If the Symptom Checker does not appear here

It is the American Academy of Pediatrics’ own tool and it loads from their site, so a lost connection or a content blocker leaves this space empty. Open it on HealthyChildren.org with the button below, or call your office and a nurse will answer.

Open on HealthyChildren.org

Symptom CheckerNewborn rashes New tab

When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • The rash blisters, drains pus or becomes increasingly red and swollen.
  • Your newborn has fever or feeds poorly.
  • A birthmark or skin lesion changes rapidly.
  • Your newborn appears ill or you are unsure what the rash is.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Your newborn has severe trouble breathing or is very difficult to wake.
  • Purple or blood-colored spots appear with serious illness.
  • You think your newborn has a life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on babies and newborns

See all 164 symptoms