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Any skin changes on your baby will seem frightening, and it becomes even more frightening when you see some patterns or colours that you did not anticipate. Mottled skin in newborns could be one of these surprises. Mottling can be patchy and lace-like, which is why new parents often find themselves in a whirlpool of Internet research and pediatrician phone calls.
What is Baby Mottling?
Mottled skin in newborns describes a pattern of reddish, purplish or bluish colouration, which frequently takes on a net-like or lace-like appearance on the skin of your baby. This is a medically documented condition referred to as livedo reticularis.
This skin disorder is rather typical of newborns and young infants because of their unfixed circulatory systems and delicate skin. The lumpy look is usually seen when the baby is cold or when they are subjected to sudden changes in temperature.
In the majority of cases, mottling disappears by itself when a baby becomes older, and their organism learns to control the temperature better.
What it looks like
The pattern of mottled skin is quite clear and recognisable:
- Colour: Red, purple or bluish spots or patches.
- Pattern: Lace-like or web-like under the skin.
- Location: Legs, arms, and trunk most often, but maybe anywhere.
- Duration: Temporary and can disappear once the baby is warmed up.
Parents usually observe mottling when changing diapers during bathing, or when the baby has been exposed to cooler air by the removal of clothes.
Why Does Mottling Happen in Newborns?
Mottling in newborns has a number of causes, and the vast majority of them are entirely normal:
1. Undeveloped circulatory system
The blood vessels are developing in the case of newborns. Their immature circulation cannot establish a steady circulation of blood in the body or to the extremities. Consequently, this mottled look may be seen on patches of skin, particularly in cold conditions.
2. Temperature sensitivity
Newborn babies are especially vulnerable to temperature changes. When they become cold, the small blood vessels in them narrow irregularly, producing the typical blotchy effect of mottling.
3. Thin skin
The skin of babies is thinner and translucent. Mottling is intensified by the appearance of blood vessels beneath the skin.
4. Prematurity
Premature infants may have an even more severe mottling since their systems are less developed at birth.
5. Other causes
Other causes can sometimes induce mottling, usually crying, feeding, or even emotional stress (uncommon in infants of a very young age).
When is Mottling Considered Normal?
Mottling is normal and does not require treatment in most instances, provided:
- It happens periodically, particularly as a reaction to cold.
- When the baby is warmed up, it goes away.
- The infant is nursing properly, is gaining weight, and is in good health otherwise.
- To a greater extent, temporary mottling that disappears by itself is not something to worry about.
- Mottling that goes away by itself is usually not something to worry about.
When to Worry About Mottled Skin?
Most of the instances of mottled skin are harmless, but there are some instances where it may be a sign of a problem. Your baby has symptoms, such as:
- Mottled skin doesn’t go away.
- Poor feeding
- Lethargy
- Irritability
- Breathing difficulties
- Bluish lips or tongue
- Puffiness or swelling
- If higher or lower than the normal temperature range.
- Mottling occurs with manifestations of shock or infection.
Severe disorders in which mottling could be one of the symptoms:
- Sepsis (blood infection)
- Congenital cardiac illness
- Hypothyroidism
- Circulatory or nervous system disease
Instinct is always to be trusted. When the changes in the skin of your baby concern you or appear to be abnormal, it is always advisable to seek medical advice.
How to Manage Mottling
When mottled skin is the result of temperature sensitivity or undeveloped circulation, some easy measures may be taken to control its manifestations and make it less noticeable:
1. Wrap your baby warm
Mottling can be reduced by keeping a constant warm environment. Put your baby in breathable layered clothing. Additional warmth can be achieved with the help of swaddles or sleep sacks. Keep the room temperature constant (68 72 72°F / 20 22 22°C). Invest in good sleep clothes, such as the Momcozy Boy Girl Baby Pajamas - Newborn Sleepers, which are intended to be very comfortable and warm. Episodes of mottling can be reduced by ensuring that your baby is dressed comfortably. Momcozy Boy Girl Baby Pajamas - Newborn Sleepers are a good option. Designed of breathable soft fabrics, they allow controlling the body temperature and minimise the chances of skin irritation or mottling.
2. Sudden temperature changes
Before handling your baby, warm your hands. Keep away from drafty places and aim for air currents from air conditioning or fans.
3. Skin-to-skin contact
Skin-to-skin contact does more than just reinforce the bonding; it also assists in regulating your baby's body temperature and circulation.
4. Hydration nutrition
Keeping your baby well-fed will mean proper circulation and general growth.
How to Prevent Mottling
Although it is impossible to avoid newborn mottling completely (because it is a part of the development of your baby), there is a way to make it less frequent and less intense:
- Put clothing on your baby according to the weather.
- Do not overdress or underdress.
- Cover the head of your baby during colder seasons.
- In case you are not sure about layering your baby according to various temperatures, use this rule of thumb: put on one more layer of clothing for the baby, as compared to what you would wear in similar temperatures.
When to Seek a Doctor
You must call your pediatrician at once in case:
- The mottling fails to improve on warming.
- The infant exhibits indications of distress or illness.
It has some accompanying symptoms, such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Warm core and cold hands and feet.
- Alterations of consciousness.
- Blue or greyish nails, beds, tongue, or lips.
- In more severe cases, early assessment and intervention can achieve a lot.
Are There Other Skin Changes in Babies that I Should Be Aware Of?
Yes, the skin of your newborn will undergo numerous changes in the first weeks and months of life. The vast majority of these changes are perfectly normal and asymptomatic as your baby gets used to life on the outside. But knowing what is normal - and what might need medical care - can make you relax as a parent. Some of the most common changes that you can observe on your skin are the following:
1. Why Is My Newborn So Red?
It is quite normal that immediately after birth, the babies tend to be much red or flushed. This redness is, in most cases, a result of a combination of factors:
Increased Blood Flow Post-Delivery: Immediately after birth, your baby's circulatory system is trying its level best to adapt to the non-uterine life, which makes your baby temporarily red.
Unbalanced Circulatory system: When the circulatory system is immature, the blood circulation will not be balanced initially, resulting in some parts being red.
Thin, Delicate Skin: The skin of a newborn is thin compared to the skin of an adult, so blood vessels are more prominent.
2. Newborn Acne (Neonatal Acne)
Several babies, after birth, get small red or white spots on their faces, especially on the cheeks, forehead and nose. It is also called newborn acne and tends to occur at the age of 2-4 weeks and can persist for several weeks or a few months.
Cause: Newborn acne is said to be caused by the maternal hormones that are still present in the circulation of the baby even after birth.
3. Milia
Milia are small, white or yellowish, grainy-like bumps that usually develop on the nose, chin, cheeks, or forehead of the newborn. They resemble small pimples but are harmless.
4. Erythema Toxicum
Familiar newborn rash consisting of red spots and occasionally white or yellow centres. It commonly sorts itself out.
5. Jaundice
A yellow colouration of the skin or eyes is usually caused by an immature liver functioning. Mild jaundice is normal. However, severe jaundice should be medically examined.
6. Peeling Skin
As infants adapt to the external environment, they might lose the external layers of skin.
However, although the majority of changes in skin structure are normal processes of development, you should always contact your pediatrician in case you observe something unusual, persistent, and alarming.
Conclusion
Mottled skin on a baby was once surprising, but in most cases, it is a normal process during growth. These changes on the skin are likely to become less common and then clear as the circulation of your baby matures. Most importantly, follow your gut feelings. When in doubt, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider, as there is no issue in wanting to make sure that everything is alright. There is no such thing as a dumb question or a minor concern when it comes to the health of your newborn, after all.
