What is baby acne?

Baby acne is a common, usually temporary skin condition that develops on a baby’s face or body two to four (2-4) weeks after birth . It results in tiny red or white bumps or pimples, on the baby’s face (nose, forehead, cheeks) and upper back or neck. In almost all cases, the acne resolves on its own without treatment. Like acne in adults, baby acne usually appears as red or white bumps or pimples. White pustules or whiteheads may also develop, and reddish skin may surround the bumps.

Baby acne- also known as neonatal acne, occurs in about 20 percent of newborns. Baby acne is different from infantile acne in that open comedones, or blackheads, don’t usually appear in baby acne. In rare cases, it can leave scars without treatment.

What causes baby acne?

It’s not clear why baby acne Occurs, although, some researchers believe it’s caused by maternal or infant hormones.

What are the symptoms of baby acne?

• Babies can develop acne anywhere on their face, but it’s most common on their cheeks. Some babies may also have acne on their upper back or neck.
• Acne may become more pronounced if your baby is fussy or crying. Rough fabrics can irritate the acne, as can vomit or saliva that stays on the face.
• Baby acne may occasionally be present at birth. But, in most cases it develops within two to four weeks after birth. And it may last for a few days or weeks, though some cases may last for several months.

How is baby acne treated?

Baby acne usually disappears without treatment.

Some babies have acne that lingers for months instead of weeks. To treat this stubborn form of baby acne, your baby’s pediatrician may prescribe a medicated cream or ointment that helps clear up the acne.

Don’t use OTC acne treatments, face washes, or lotions. Your baby’s skin is very sensitive at this young age. You might make the acne worse or cause additional skin irritation by using something that’s too strong.

Home treatments that help baby acne

While you wait for your baby’s acne to clear, there are things you can do to help keep the skin as healthy as possible.

1. Keep your baby’s face clean

Wash your baby’s face daily with warm water. Bath time is a great time to do this. You don’t even need to use anything but water, but if you want to, look for a mild soap or soap-free cleanser. Don’t hesitate to ask the pediatrician for recommendations. Don’t scrub hard or pinch the irritated areas.

2. Avoid harsh products

Products with retinoids, which are related to vitamin A, or erythromycin, are commonly used for adult acne. However, they aren’t usually recommended for babies.

Don’t use any scented soaps, bubble bath, or other types of soaps that contain excessive chemicals. Fragrance-free products are least likely to irritate your baby’s skin.

3. Skip the lotions

Lotions and creams may aggravate your baby’s skin and make the acne worse. Avoid lotions or oily face products.

4. Don’t scrub

Scrubbing the skin with a towel can further aggravate the skin. Instead, gently sweep a washcloth over the face in circular motions.

Once the cleanser is washed off, use a towel to pat your baby’s face dry.

5. Don’t squeeze

Avoid pinching or squeezing the acne. This will irritate your baby’s skin and may worsen the problem.

6. Be patient

Baby acne is typically harmless. It is not itchy or painful for your baby. It should quickly resolve on its own.

When should you see a doctor about baby acne?

• There’s no treatment for baby acne, but you should still consult the pediatrician if you’re worried about it.
• See a doctor right away if your baby’s acne results in blackheads, pus-filled bumps, or inflammation. Pain or discomfort should also prompt a visit to the doctor.
• If your baby’s acne doesn’t clear up after several months of home treatment, see your baby’s doctor.

Please Note;

Baby acne itself does not recur, but it would be good to note that if your child gets acne again before puberty, they should see their doctor as this could be a sign of an underlying problem.

Underlying conditions

• Certain rare conditions may be causing the acne not to respond to home treatment. These conditions include tumors, the adrenal disorder congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and other conditions related to the endocrine system.
• If you have a baby girl who starts to show signs of hyperandrogenism, ask the doctor to check for underlying issues. Symptoms may include an overgrowth of facial hair or unusually oily skin.