Both the fine scaly type and the thicker, greasy scales are caused by too much skin grease.

You can loosen the scales with baby oil, but make sure to wash this off well or it will add to the problem. A daily wash with baby shampoo or soap usually prevents scurf.

It often happens because parents are afraid of touching the soft spot on the head but gentle friction over this can not do any harm.

TREATMENT FOR A SPOTTY SKIN - The little white spots under the skin particularly around the nose of a new born baby are due to blocked opening of the oil glands. Don` t attempt to squeeze them, they will disappear soon. If the new born` s spots are more like an angry red rash your doctor may prescribe a special cream for them.

THE NAPPY RASH – Almost all babies have signs of nappy rash at some time. Even the best-cared-for may get it and we can` t always blame inadequate or careless nappy washing methods, but do wash nappies in hottest possible sudsy water and if you don` t have washing machine, boil for 10-15 minutes once or twice a week. After hand-washing or boiling, rinse thoroughly two or three times. Dry out of doors if possible.

Try to keep baby out of nappies as much as possible in warm weather you can put your baby on rather than in a nappy easier if she is a girl. At every nappy change swab the skin with a specially treated wipe or baby oil, this is better than washing with water because you have to dry afterwards and this can further irritate the skin.

INFANTILE ECZEMA- Eczema is primarily a skin abnormality but is an allergic condition similar to asthma, hay fever or food allergy. The baby may be extra sensitive to something in his environment and other members of the family also suffer from some form of allergy. Like asthma, eczema can become worse if the child is emotionally upset. Usually the trouble starts at about two or three months when the baby develops irritating red patches on his face, in the creases of the neck, in crook of the elbows, behind the knees and behind the ears.

Sometimes the irritation spreads to other parts of body and there is no doubt that the condition can make the baby extremely miserable. It seems that babies fed on cow` s milk are more liable to develop infantile eczema than mother-fed babies. In severe cases it may be suggested that a bottle-fed baby with infantile eczema should change to milk with a soya-bean rather than cow` s milk protein content. Any other food that seems to worsen the condition should be avoided if possible. In severe cases steroid applications are prescribed and this treatment can be very successful. Otherwise the doctor may give sedatives to calm the baby down and prescribe ointments.