What Is Baby Acne?

What is Baby Acne?

Does your child have more pimples than those of an eighth grader? This pimply appearance of puberty is very common, often beginning at two to three weeks of age. It affects more than forty percent of all infants. Fortunately, it isn’t permanent and doesn’t cause any trouble to your baby.

Causes of Baby Acne

With adolescent acne, hormonal changes are believed to be the primary cause. However, for newborns, it isn’t just their own hormones but also those of their mother, which constantly circulate in the infant’s bloodstream. Such maternal hormones stimulate the child’s sluggish oil glands, resulting in the development of pimples on the cheeks, eyelids, chin, and forehead. Since the baby’s pores aren’t yet fully developed, there is a great risk for the blossoming of blemishes as well as increased infiltration by dirt.

How to Terminate Baby Acne

The following tips can be helpful in getting rid of baby acne. Simply observe them for an improved condition. Nevertheless, if your child’s acne is interfering with his/her quality of life, you may have to seek medical assistance.

• Avoid squeezing, picking or scrubbing acne.
• Don’t use acne or any other skin care products.
• Resist from applying soap or lotions on the affected areas of the skin.
• Try embracing advanced baby acne remedies.

Some believe that dabbing the infant's skin with breastmilk can speed up the healing process.

Is my kid having baby acne or rash?

You can easily confuse baby acne with other baby skin diseases. However, the two are not the same. Baby acne resembles red pimples. On the other hand, milium is a tiny whitehead. However, their treatments are the same. Common treatments include washing and just waiting for it to resolve on its own. The most common types of skin rashes in children resemble baby acne. It is, therefore, important not to confuse them with baby acne.

Other Baby Skin Diseases

• Baby heat rash: are tiny clusters that often affect the baby’s arms, upper chest, and legs. The baby will usually experience an itchy skin. They make the baby moody. 

• Diaper rash: is a type of baby rash that is caused by moisture, irritants, or insufficient air in the baby’s diaper area. It appears reddish in color.

• Cradle caps: are reddish in color and are smaller than baby acne. They are usually accompanied by a yellow, flaky skin that occurs on the head. At times, it may spread to the baby’s eyebrows as well as the upper part of the body.

• Infant eczema: is a type of rash that comes in the form of dry, flaky, and red skin that looks like patches. It usually affects the cheeks and the scalp. 

When should you call a doctor?

In most cases, baby acne will go away without any medical attention. However, consider alerting your doctor if the bumps look like they have been infected. For instance, if the skin appears redder and you notice unusual swelling and discharge, consider alerting your doctor as soon as possible. In addition, if you suspect eczema, which requires a cream to minimize the spreading of the rash, call your doctor immediately.

How long does baby acne last?

Usually, baby acne will disappear by the moment the baby reaches six months. However, if they don’t clear off by the sixth month, it is important to call a doctor as soon as possible.