Parents often notice a baby’s cheek appearing red, which can be a source of worry. While a red cheek can sometimes indicate a medical concern, it often stems from more benign and temporary causes. Understanding the various reasons behind this symptom can help parents assess the situation and determine if professional medical advice is needed.
Common Everyday Reasons
Teething is a common reason for a baby to have a red cheek. As teeth emerge, increased drooling can irritate the sensitive skin around the mouth, chin, and cheeks, leading to a drool rash. This rash often appears as red, sometimes bumpy, patches, and may be more prominent on one side if the baby favors resting that cheek on a surface. Constant wetness from drool breaks down the skin’s protective barrier, causing irritation.
Friction can cause a single red cheek. Babies frequently rub their faces against bedding, clothing, or a parent’s shoulder, causing localized redness and dryness. If a baby consistently sleeps on one side, the pressure and rubbing against the mattress or crib sheet can cause temporary redness and warmth on that cheek. This irritation is mild and resolves once the source of friction is removed.
Temperature changes frequently cause flushed cheeks in infants. A baby’s cheeks can become red when adjusting to different temperatures, such as coming indoors from cold weather or being in a warm room. Wind-chapped skin can cause redness and dryness on exposed areas like the cheeks. Babies’ skin is thinner and more sensitive than adult skin, making them more susceptible.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can cause a baby to have a red cheek. Fifth Disease, also known as Erythema Infectiosum or “slapped cheek syndrome,” is a viral infection common in children. It presents with a bright red rash on the cheeks, often appearing after mild, flu-like symptoms like a low-grade fever or runny nose. The rash can then spread to the body, arms, and legs, sometimes taking on a lacy appearance.
Eczema, specifically atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that affects infants. It can cause red patches on the face, including the cheeks. In babies, eczema often appears as dry, scaly, itchy, and sometimes bumpy areas. Though it can occur anywhere, the cheeks, forehead, and scalp are common sites in younger infants. The redness associated with eczema can be exacerbated by environmental factors like dry air, certain soaps, or drool.
Localized skin infections, such as cellulitis, can cause a red, warm, and swollen cheek. Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deeper skin layers arising from a break in the skin, such as a scratch or cut. The affected area becomes red, tender, and warm to the touch, often with a visible border. While less common for only one cheek, cellulitis requires prompt medical attention as it can spread if left untreated.
When to Consult a Doctor
While many instances of a baby’s red cheek are harmless, some signs warrant medical consultation. Contact a doctor if the redness is accompanied by a fever, especially if it is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a baby under three months old. Seek medical evaluation if the baby appears unusually tired, fussy, or has other concerning symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting.
Seek medical advice if the red cheek is swollen, hot, or does not improve with home remedies after a few days. Signs of infection, such as pus, blistering, streaks of redness spreading from the area, or broken/bleeding skin, require a doctor’s visit. Consult a healthcare professional if the baby seems to be in pain, has difficulty feeding, or if you feel something is wrong.