Does your infant have more acne than a middle schooler? Just as she appears to be ready for her close-up — her head is maturing, and her eyes are becoming less puffy and squinty — baby acne may strike. This pimply precursor to puberty is extremely frequent, typically appearing between 2 and 3 weeks of age and affecting approximately 20% of babies. [1] Thankfully, it's transient, and it won't disturb your kid in the least. Below are some interim activities.
Similarly to adolescent acne, it is believed that hormones are to fault. In the case of infants, however, it is likely that their mothers' hormones — which are still circulating in their bloodstreams as a remnant from pregnancy — are causing the acne. [2] These maternal hormones stimulate a baby's oil-producing glands, causing acne to appear on the chin, forehead, eyelids, cheeks, and occasionally the head, neck, back, and upper chest.
In addition, a baby's skin pores are not yet fully grown, making them susceptible to dirt entry and consequent blemishes. And babies often have extremely sensitive skin, with some being more sensitive than others.
Unfortunately, the only effective treatment for infant acne is patience. A few acne treatment tips for infants:
Don't squeeze, pluck or scrub acne.
Wash the area twice daily with warm water. Pat skin dry gently.
Avoid applying soap or lotion to afflicted areas.
Avoid acne treatments and other adult-specific skin care products.
Attempt natural baby acne treatments at home. Some mothers claim that applying breast milk to the afflicted area might hasten the healing process.
Inquire with your doctor about prescription and over-the-counter medications that may be helpful and safe for your infant. If acne persists after several months, your doctor may consider applying a moderate benzoyl peroxide cream (2.5 percent) to the afflicted areas.
Although infant acne and rash, another common newborn skin ailment, can be confused, they are not the same. Rash is little white bumps or whiteheads, whereas baby acne appears as red pimples. Nonetheless, you must treat both situations similarly by washing, monitoring, and waiting.
There are also several skin rashes and other skin diseases in newborn newborns, which, unlike newborn acne, tend to spread beyond the face and are frequently unpleasant and uncomfortable for the infant. Several of the most prevalent:
Baby heat rash: These clusters of tiny, wet, red bumps resemble acne and frequently arise on a baby's arms, legs, upper chest, and diaper area in addition to her face when the weather is hot.
This rash, caused by dampness, irritants, and a lack of air, manifests as red, irritated skin in (you got it!) the diaper area of a baby.
Cradle cap: These little red spots, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, are smaller than acne and may be accompanied by flaky, yellow skin that resembles scales. While it typically affects the scalp, it can also spread to the eyebrows and upper torso.
The skin of infants with eczema appears dry, flaking, and red, typically in spots on the cheeks and scalp. The rash then spreads, frequently to the elbow, creases and behind the knees, and develops into fluid-filled, popping pimples. Without treatment, eczema can cause scabbing and oozing.
Newborn acne often clears up between a few weeks after birth and three to four months of age, which is a great time to schedule those professional photos, leaving behind the gorgeous baby skin you've been waiting for.
And if you're already concerned about your child being bullied in middle school, you should know that baby acne does not leave lasting scars as adult acne does, nor does it foretell future teen acne problems.
Acne in infants almost always resolves without intervention. But, notify your pediatrician if the lumps appear to be infectious; for instance, if her skin appears excessively red, if you observe swelling or discharge, or if your child develops a fever or other symptoms. If you suspect an allergic response or eczema, which may requirecream to prevent the rash from spreading, consult a physician.
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