Lanugo in newborns: what it is and when it disappears

What is lanugo?

Lanugo in newborns is represented by primary hair, consisting of thin small hairs that are devoid of pigmentation. There are no hairs on the babies’ genitals, feet, palms and lips.

The baby's first hair begins to appear by the twelfth week of pregnancy, and most of it disappears before birth. However, lanugo sometimes remains for several months after birth. The hair on a toddler's body protects the skin and retains vernix lubrication.

"Attention! If a baby is born prematurely, his skin will be covered with more hair than that of full-term babies.”

While the baby is in the stomach, the lubricant protects it from the effects of amniotic fluid. And as it passes through the birth canal, together with lanugo, the lubricant allows the baby to glide. In addition, lanugo protects the baby’s skin from minor damage. Its appearance on the skin is a natural feature of the development of the human body.

What is lanugo

Lanugo is the primary hair coat formed by the finest small hairs. It is distinguished by its lack of pigmentation. There is no hair on the genitals, lips, palms, or soles.

The first hairs appear around the 12th week of pregnancy. Most of them fall out before childbirth. Sometimes they remain on the body of a small child for several weeks. The hairs perform a protective function by retaining the original lubricant.

Note! Premature babies have thicker hair on their skin.

While the baby is in the womb, lubricant protects the baby from the effects of amniotic fluid. During childbirth, it facilitates the movement of the baby through the birth canal. Lanugo retains this lubricant, warmth and protects the baby's delicate skin from minor injuries. Its appearance is a natural feature of the development of the human body. Loss of this natural hair occurs without any discomfort.

Hair on ears, back

Body hair in newborns is completely normal. After all, they serve to protect the child from adverse factors.

Important! Lanugo does not cause anxiety to babies and does not cause poor appetite or sleep.

It is also normal if there is thick fluff on the newborn’s body. Even if a baby is born hairy, it is not dangerous for him. The lanugo will be replaced step by step by fine hairs that will remain throughout life. This also applies to the fuzz on the ears and back.

Hairs on the back of a baby

Sometimes newborn babies may develop gray hairs. As a rule, after a few weeks they are replaced by regular ones. The appearance of gray thin hairs on the skin of a newborn is a natural phenomenon.

How is lanugo different from bristles?

Young parents very often confuse bristles with vellus hair, which are actually very similar. However, it is necessary to take into account the fact that these are not the same thing.

As mentioned above, lanugo in newborns is an absolutely natural phenomenon for a child. This thin and small hairline appears in the baby while still in the womb in the first trimester of pregnancy, covering his entire body. It is necessary in order to retain the original lubricant on the skin, which the body secretes in order to protect the unborn baby from damage while moving through the birth canal. Usually, by the time the baby is born, the vellus hairs fall out, and the lubricant completely covers the skin, protecting the baby from pathogens, which are very numerous in the world around him after birth.

Sometimes after the baby is born, lanugo remains on the skin, covering the baby’s back, shoulders, ears and forehead. Many parents understand that vellus hair is not dangerous, but still worry about how it will affect their baby and when it will disappear.

After a month or two, his lanugo will fall out, even if mom and dad don’t do anything. However, if your baby with lanugo is not properly cared for, they can cause discomfort. If they use terry or any other fleecy underwear, the vellus hair may begin to roll off, which will cause the child to experience unpleasant and maybe even painful sensations. Parents may mistakenly confuse these symptoms with the appearance of bristles in the toddler.

The main difference between lanugo and bristles is the thickness of the hairs. Lanugo is very thin and transparent, which is why they are called fluff. And even if they cover the child’s skin in large quantities, they do not bother him.

The bristles, unlike the fluff, are very hard, so they do not penetrate the epidermis well, often remaining in the upper layers of the skin, causing discomfort in the baby. You can ignore the lanugo, but you can fight the bristles to alleviate the baby’s condition.

To eliminate it, it is enough to regularly bathe the child in a herbal decoction and turn it over from time to time. There is no need to carry out any rolling out, peeling or other procedures; over time, the bristles, like lanugo, will disappear by themselves.

Congenital aplasia of the skin

Congenital aplasia of the skin

– a group of conditions of unknown etiology, which are characterized by focal disruption of the formation of the skin with the development of scars. Symptoms of this condition appear immediately after the birth of a baby who has one or more erosions or ulcerations on the scalp or, very rarely, on other areas of the body. Diagnosis of congenital aplasia of the skin is carried out on the basis of examination by a dermatologist and histological examination of tissues in the lesion. Treatment is only symptomatic to prevent the development of a secondary infection, but surgical correction of scars is possible to reduce the cosmetic defect.

Causes of congenital aplasia of the skin
Symptoms of congenital aplasia of the skin
Diagnosis of congenital aplasia of the skin
Treatment and prognosis of congenital aplasia of the skin
Treatment prices

General information

Congenital aplasia of the skin is a focal defect in the development of the skin, in which the formation of the epidermis, dermis, appendages, and in especially severe cases, subcutaneous tissue is disrupted. This condition has been known to mankind for more than 250 years, but it has not yet been possible to identify the reasons for its development; in dermatology there are only theories on this matter. The incidence of congenital aplasia cutis is unknown; most researchers estimate it at 1:10,000. Sometimes this condition is combined with certain genetic diseases and other intrauterine developmental defects. Congenital aplasia of the skin in most cases does not lead to serious consequences, however, a cosmetic defect in the form of a scar at the site of the pathological focus remains with a person for life.

Causes of congenital aplasia of the skin

To date, there is no single and generally accepted theory that would explain the development of this congenital defect of skin development. It is assumed that the cause of congenital aplasia of the skin is a whole group of various pathological factors that lead to disruption of the process of closing the neural tube or inhibit the development of embryonic rudiments of the dermis and epidermis. Sometimes it is possible to identify familial forms of this condition, and the mechanism of its inheritance is presumably autosomal dominant. But sporadic forms of congenital aplasia of the skin are much more common, sometimes in combination with other malformations, caused by genetic diseases or exposure to teratogenic factors. This gives reason to consider this condition as a consequence of the influence of various damaging factors on the developing fetus.

Symptoms of congenital aplasia of the skin

Aplasia of the skin is detected immediately after the birth of the child. Most often, a round-shaped lesion with a diameter of 1-3 centimeters is found in the parietal region. In approximately a third of cases, two lesions occur; even less often, three or more areas of skin aplasia occur. The pathological area is an erosion or ulcer, covered with a crust and granulations; there is no hair on it. However, longer and darker hairs grow around the ulcer, which is called the “collar of hair” symptom. The color of the formation varies from pink to bright red.

Over time, in the absence of complications (secondary infection, for example), the area of congenital aplasia of the skin begins to resolve with the formation of a white scar. Hair also does not grow on it in the future, and it remains with the person for life. In addition to skin symptoms, a child with a focus of congenital aplasia of the skin may experience disturbances in the formation of deeper tissues and other developmental defects - cleft lip, cleft palate, eye atrophy. In older children and adults, malignant neoplasms can sometimes develop at the site of the scar.

Diagnosis of congenital aplasia of the skin

Recognizing this disease is usually not difficult for a dermatologist - its symptoms are quite specific, and it is quite difficult to confuse it with other congenital skin conditions. However, in some cases, other pathological processes and conditions may have a picture similar to congenital aplasia of the skin. Therefore, it is necessary to make a differential diagnosis of this pathology with diseases such as focal scleroderma, discoid lupus erythematosus, as well as the consequences of perinatal trauma (from forceps and other obstetric instruments). Familial forms of facial skin hypoplasia are very similar to aplasia, but atrophic foci are observed in the temple area.

The most accurate diagnostic data can be provided by histological examination of the tissues of the pathological focus. With congenital aplasia of the skin, a sharp decrease in the thickness (down to the 1st layer of cells) of the epidermis, dermis, and sometimes subcutaneous tissue is observed. There are no signs of inflammation and leukocyte infiltration (in the absence of secondary infection), and no skin appendages are detected.

Treatment and prognosis of congenital aplasia of the skin

Treatment of congenital aplasia of the skin is conventionally divided into two stages. The first is carried out immediately after the birth of the child - during this period only preventive and care measures are indicated (treating erosions with antibacterial ointments, moisturizers), applying a bandage to reduce the risk of injury. After a few weeks, a scar will form at the site of the pathological focus, which, although it remains for life, can be covered by surrounding hair. The second stage boils down to surgical elimination of the defect (most often for cosmetic reasons), and it can be carried out in late childhood or adulthood. When correcting large areas of congenital aplasia of the skin, skin transplantation can be used. The prognosis of the disease is generally favorable; some researchers indicate the need for an annual examination of the scar by a dermatologist due to the risk of developing oncological processes.

Lanugo on back and ears

Lanugo is an absolutely normal phenomenon on the body of newborns. It performs protective functions, allowing you to protect the little one from the effects of negative factors. "Important information! Lanugo causes absolutely no distress to the infant and does not affect his sleep or appetite.”

It is also normal if thick fluff covers the entire body of the baby, and not just some of its areas. Over time, the lanugo will be replaced by fine hairs that will cover the skin throughout life. This applies to the fuzz on the baby's back and ears.

In some cases, the original hairline is covered with gray hair. Often, after a couple of weeks, the white tint will disappear and the hair will become colorless. Gray hairs appearing on your baby's skin are a common occurrence and should not cause concern.

Why does lanugo appear?

Lanugo in newborns remains on the skin after birth if:

The baby is premature - this is the most common reason why hair remains on the baby's body;
The child has excessive hair growth - only a pediatrician can understand whether lanugo is really the cause of abnormal hair growth after a complete diagnosis of the baby;
The toddler has a genetic predisposition;
The baby has pathological hair development - this disease is diagnosed only if the hairs on the baby’s body do not disappear for six months.

Congenital aplasia of the skin

Congenital aplasia of the skin

Congenital aplasia of the skin

Causes of congenital aplasia of the skin

Symptoms of congenital aplasia of the skin

Diagnosis of congenital aplasia of the skin

Treatment and prognosis of congenital aplasia of the skin

How to care for a baby with lanugo

Grandmothers often advise young, inexperienced mothers and fathers to get rid of excess hair as quickly as possible by rolling it out with bread crumbs. This should not be done under any circumstances, as such a procedure will damage the baby’s delicate skin and cause him pain. In addition, microtraumas of the skin in most cases lead to infection of the epidermis.

The delicate skin of a newborn should be taken care of very carefully. Parents should practice good hygiene by following these helpful tips:

Regular bathing of the baby. During water procedures, parents need to use a sponge in the form of a mitten. It will help to quickly remove the original hair from the skin without leading to microtraumas.
Using decoctions of medicinal herbs. The most useful herb for a child is string. It has a calming and anti-inflammatory effect. A decoction of it should be added to the baby’s bathing water.
Periodically turning the baby over. This advice is given by the famous pediatrician Dr. Komarovsky.

Sometimes lanugo remains on the child's ears. Please note that it does not disappear on its own. To remove excess hair, pediatricians recommend:

Do gymnastics with your toddler every day. With the help of active movements, you will be able to get rid of the original fluff much faster.
Rub the ears with a soft massage glove or sponge while bathing.
Always use a washcloth during water procedures.
Put a hat on the baby.

If, after using baby cream or powder, the hairs begin to roll off, this creates additional discomfort for the baby. In this case, it is necessary to bathe the child twice a day to relieve him of discomfort.

Newborn care

Baby is not crawling at 8 months

Sometimes grandmothers advise young parents to get rid of lanugo as quickly as possible. They recommend “rolling out” small hairs with bread crumbs. These tips are not only useless, but also harmful. Pulling small hairs sometimes causes injury. Even minor damage to the skin can cause infection.

The skin of a baby with lanugo requires careful care. Parents must ensure proper hygiene. Here are some of the most effective tips:

You should bathe your baby regularly. When bathing, you must use a sponge or mitten. It will help remove hair from the body faster without causing damage.

Bathing a baby

It is advisable to make baths with the addition of medicinal herbs. The sequence will be most beneficial for the child - it soothes the skin and helps relieve inflammatory processes.
Dr. Komarovsky recommends periodically turning the baby over.

Sometimes lanugo can remain on the baby's ears. It won't go away on its own. To do this, you need to help the baby get rid of hairs. Doctors recommend:

do gymnastics, while small hairs can be easily removed during active movements;
rub the ears with a soft sponge or gloves;
use a washcloth while bathing;
wear a hat or cap.

If, after using baby creams and powders against skin irritation, the hairs roll into tufts, this creates additional discomfort. In this case, you need to bathe the baby 2 times a day (if, of course, this is necessary).

Baby skin irritation

What should not be done if a child has lanugo?

It is strictly forbidden to remove hair with a razor. Shaving causes serious harm to a child's skin. You should also not cut the lanugo, as it could accidentally cause microtrauma to the child.

Do not use peeling or hair removal products. They will cause not only severe allergies, but also chemical burns.

"Important! You should not pluck baby hair with tweezers. This is not only very painful, but also dangerous, as it can lead to infection of the baby’s body.”

Evaporating lanugo is also extremely dangerous. This procedure consists of wrapping the baby, steamed after water procedures, in cling film and covering with a towel, keeping him in this state for several minutes. Since infants have an imperfect thermoregulation system, the child may experience heatstroke.

You should also not use strange methods of getting rid of frizz, such as rolling out hairs with a boiled egg or dough. Such procedures are not only useless, but also dangerous, as they can lead to the development of infection.

Vellus hair and diseases

Vellus hair does not necessarily indicate a person's health. However, some hormonal conditions cause vellus hair to become terminal, as in men during puberty. Some medications, including chemotherapy drugs, can cause terminal hair loss. Most changes in hair growth are harmless, but it can be a cosmetic concern for some people. People who notice a sudden increase in hair should talk to their doctor. Your doctor will help you understand the cause and offer options for dealing with unwanted hair growth or baldness.

Vellus hair becomes shorter with age, and a person appears to have less hair than before. However, the amount of vellus hair does not differ significantly between the sexes.

The hair follicles of vellus hair are no different from other hair follicles. In fact, many hair follicles transition from vellus to terminal, and sometimes back again. During puberty, androgens - such as testosterone

- lead to the fact that some vellus hairs turn into terminal hairs. In men and some women, the vellus hairs on the neck and cheeks become terminal, forming a beard and mustache. People suffering from alopecia see their hair transition from terminal hair to vellus hair.

The most common form of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, in both men and women. This type of baldness occurs when the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) affects the hair follicles. This hormone weakens hair, causing it to become thin and brittle and fall out over time. Many treatments attempt to convert vellus hairs into terminal hairs, preventing the effects of DHT from damaging the hair. Increasing blood flow to the hair follicle can also help, as blood supply is vital for hair growth. In some forms of baldness, blood flow is reduced, causing the terminal hairs to become vellus.

How dangerous are lanugos for a baby?

Lanugo in newborns does not cause them any discomfort and is absolutely safe for babies. Thin, colorless hairs usually disappear in the first month after birth.

If parents, when they see a fuzz on their baby’s skin, have doubts about its unsafety, then they need to pay attention to the following explanations that will dispel their doubts:

Lanugo is the hair that the baby has left over from the time he was in his mother’s belly. The fluff will definitely disappear after one or several months, for this reason you should not panic.
The fluff covering the baby's body will not cause any problems for him. Even if the baby's hormone levels are elevated, parents should not worry.
You should not believe those who say that lanugo is dangerous, and do not use strange and unsafe means that traditional medicine advises to eliminate them. The only thing that is useful for toddlers is baths with the addition of string, chamomile, sage and calendula.

As you can see, there is no need to worry about the fact that the baby was born with fluff. It will gradually disappear and everything will be fine.

What to do if the fluff does not disappear?

Sometimes lanugo in newborns persists for longer than several months.
Nothing wrong with that. If the pediatrician deems it appropriate, he may prescribe Fenestyl gel to the child. If the fluff on the baby’s body not only has not disappeared, but has also increased, you should show the little one to the doctor. Only after conducting a comprehensive diagnosis will it be possible for the child to choose an effective therapeutic method. "Note! It is strictly forbidden to treat a baby on your own if the lanugo does not disappear within six months. Folk remedies used to eliminate them can cause allergies, burns and serious damage to the epidermis.”

If the hair doesn't disappear

In some cases, lanugo can remain on a child's skin for several months. There is nothing dangerous about this. After consultation with a pediatrician, you can use Fenistil gel.

If the vellus hair in a newborn has not disappeared, but, on the contrary, has increased, you need to consult a doctor. Only after a comprehensive diagnosis can the child be prescribed effective therapy.

Important! It is strictly forbidden to self-medicate if lanugo does not go away before 6 months of age. The “folk remedies” used in this case can cause a severe allergic reaction, burns and skin damage.

Thin fluff on the body of newborns is not a sign of danger. It disappears forever a few weeks after birth, being replaced by regular hairs. There is no need to take any measures to remove them. If the thin fluff of newborns does not disappear, or even increases, you should consult a pediatrician.