Babies can develop a rash during the teething process, though teething itself does not directly cause the rash. Instead, increased drooling associated with teething is responsible for irritating a baby’s sensitive skin. This type of rash is called a “drool rash” or “lip licker’s dermatitis.”
The Teething-Rash Connection
The primary reason a rash appears during teething is the excessive production of saliva. As new teeth prepare to break through the gums, babies tend to drool much more than usual. This constant moisture, combined with enzymes present in saliva, can irritate the delicate skin around the mouth.
When saliva remains on the skin, it can break down the skin’s natural protective barrier. This leads to irritation, causing the skin to become red, bumpy, and sometimes chapped. The rash commonly appears on the chin, cheeks, neck, and sometimes the chest, wherever drool tends to accumulate. It may look blotchy, slightly raised, and feel dry, often coming and going over several weeks.
Caring for Teething Rash
Managing a teething rash involves keeping the affected skin clean and dry. Gently wipe away excess drool from your baby’s face and neck using a soft cloth, patting the skin rather than rubbing it to avoid further irritation. Consistency in wiping is important to prevent saliva from sitting on the skin for too long.
Applying a protective barrier cream can help shield the skin from moisture and irritation. Products like petroleum jelly, lanolin, or other fragrance-free emollients create a protective layer. These creams should be applied multiple times a day, particularly before naps or bedtime, after gently drying the area. Using soft, absorbent bibs can also help catch drool and keep clothing dry, reducing skin contact with saliva.
Differentiating Common Baby Rashes
Parents should distinguish a teething rash from other common baby rashes. A teething rash is confined to areas exposed to drool, such as the chin, cheeks, and neck. It presents as red, bumpy, or chapped skin without oozing or severe cracking.
Other rashes have different characteristics and locations. Heat rash, for example, appears as tiny red bumps in skin folds or areas covered by clothing, due to blocked sweat ducts. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, causes dry, scaly, and itchy patches that can appear on the face, scalp, or limbs and may be chronic. Diaper rash occurs specifically in the diaper area and is caused by prolonged contact with urine or stool.
When to Consult a Doctor
While teething rashes are harmless and resolve with home care, certain signs indicate that medical attention is needed. You should consult a doctor if the rash appears infected, showing signs like increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus. Bleeding or cracked skin on the rash also warrants medical advice.
If the rash does not improve with consistent home care, spreads rapidly, or causes significant discomfort to your baby, professional guidance is recommended. If the rash is accompanied by other symptoms such as a fever, lethargy, or poor feeding, it is important to seek medical evaluation to rule out other conditions.