After a baby is born, the skin of the newborn often peels. As a result of losing their protective coating in the womb, one to two layers of skin will shed during this time. However, skin conditions such as eczema can also contribute to this condition.

A newborn's normal skin peeling should disappear on its own without any special treatment. You should contact your child's healthcare provider if it persists for more than a few weeks.

There are several reasons why your baby's skin is peeling, as well as when you should seek medical attention.

Skin peeling in newborns is a normal occurrence

A pregnant woman's womb is filled with amniotic fluid during her pregnancy. It is likely that the skin would dry and wrinkle if it was in direct contact with the fluid, similar to how your skin would react after you soak in a bathtub for an extended period of time.

To shield their skin from that fluid, babies develop vernix caseosa, a thick, cheese-like substance. Nurses primarily wipe babies down after birth with clean towels using a soft cloth. Vernix goes along with fluids like the blood or amniotic fluid of a pregnant woman.

Your baby's skin may start flaking once that happens. Babies born after 40 weeks are more likely to experience this.

Generally speaking, the more vernix a baby is born with, the less likely their skin will peel later on. As a result, premature babies are less likely to peel than those born after 40 weeks since they have more vernix. 

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A baby's peeling skin can be caused by a variety of skin conditions

Almost all babies will experience some degree of peeling skin, so see your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you notice any peeling. There is, however, a possibility that peeling is a sign of a skin condition that should be evaluated.

Consult your child's healthcare provider if your child seems uncomfortable, itching, or in pain.

Cap for cradles

You may notice flaking on your infant's scalp if cradle cap, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is present.

A baby's first three months are prone to cradle cap. It usually resolves itself without treatment, as it does with normal peeling skin.

Talk to your pediatrician if it gets worse or lasts for more than a few months2. 

The eczema

A skin condition called eczema can cause skin peeling and red, dry patches. Frequently occurring before the age of 6 months, atopic dermatitis is also known as atopy.

Babies usually develop baby eczema on their faces or scalps. Usually, it does not affect the diaper area, but can spread to other areas of the body. 

Eczema in infants is not always understood by healthcare providers. When a child is ready for school, the condition often clears up.

The best way to manage eczema is to avoid triggers (like detergents) and keep bath time to a minimum. Phototherapy, over-the-counter creams, or prescription medications may be recommended in some cases.

Infection with ichthyosis

An extra layer of skin covers the body of an infant with ichthyosis. It is made up of skin cells that have been shed before the baby is born and is called the collodion membrane.

Your baby may find it difficult to move around because of this membrane that sometimes resembles plastic wrap. Several weeks can pass before the membrane cracks and peels.

It is usually necessary to place newborns with ichthyosis in a high-humidity chamber in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). As a result of this sloughing process, babies generally require extra calories. Extra feedings may be recommended by their medical team.

Until stable, these infants will be monitored in the NICU due to the risk of infection associated with this rare condition. 

Newborn Skin Peeling Treatment at Home

Usually, newborns' peeling skin resolves on its own within a few weeks. You can prevent dry skin on your baby with some at-home treatments, such as using a hypoallergenic moisturizer. 

Peeling skin on your baby can be treated and protected in the following ways:

• Your baby should only spend five to ten minutes in the bath. It is best to take a short bath to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils. Bathe them only twice a week or less.

• Your baby's skin should be moisturized gently. To prevent dry skin, use a hypoallergenic lotion after bathing.

• Use as few other products as possible. It's best to keep your baby's skin as simple as possible.

• Chemicals and fragrances should be avoided whenever possible. You should use unscented laundry detergent, fabric softener, and soap for babies who have sensitive skin.

• Make sure your baby stays hydrated by giving him or her breastmilk or formula. Until at least six months of age, babies should not drink water or other liquids. Whenever you have concerns about dehydration, talk to your pediatrician. 

• You can add moisture to the air in your baby's room overnight by using a humidifier. 

• When the weather is cold, bundle them up. Dry, cold air can pull moisture from the skin, resulting in dryness and flaking. When temperatures drop, always cover your baby's hands and feet.

• Sun protection is essential. On bright days, protect your baby's skin with light garments and a hat. Stay in the shade for short outings.

Here's a word from Verywell

Skin peeling and flaking are common after birth in newborns. Treatment or other intervention is usually not required for peeling to clear up.

When your baby's skin becomes red and inflamed, talk to your healthcare provider. You can prevent dry skin by limiting bath time and using a gentle moisturizer at home.

THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS

• The skin of a baby will stop peeling after how long?

  In the first few days following a baby's birth, the newborn's skin may peel. It's most likely that you'll notice the peeling on the palms of your newborn's hands, their ankles, or their soles. You should be able to get rid of it on your own within a week or two.

• My newborn's skin is peeling. Should I put lotion on it?

  It is normal for newborns to peel their skin. Their skin does not appear dry because of this. Baby's skin is very sensitive, so don't lotion it unless your provider instructs you to. It is safe for newborn skin to use unscented, non-alcohol-based skincare products if your baby's skin appears excessively dry.6

• What is the recommended bathing frequency for newborns?

  It is usually sufficient to bathe babies every other day or two to three times per week.

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