.jpg)
Yes, babies get acne too. As adolescent acne is usually associated with puberty or a child’s teenage years, baby acne has its own reasons to pop up. Just like any other adolescent, a baby is bound to experience deep hormonal changes that may develop as newborn acne. The treatment, conditions & causes related to baby acne are generally termed neonatal acne.
It’s not that your little one is eating chunks of junk food or drinking less water every day that is resulting in these breakouts. So, it turns out to be important to recognize the cause of baby acne & confirm whether it’s a rash or acne? Although, 20% of newborns usually experience acne and may even get rid of it without any professional help.
But owing to such information, in this blog, you’ll read about how different home remedies can keep your baby away from seeking medications. That’s because a baby's acne always goes away on its own in most cases. But if you still observe any swelling or extra redness on your child’s face, consult your doctor immediately.
On top of that, blissful baby massages always stimulate the right points to offer a nurturing effect. And postnatal massage will keep you away from all the stress so you can focus on your baby’s development & overall growth.
Table Of Contents
What Is Baby Acne?
Normal acne in a baby is relatively referred to as baby acne. That’s because this condition can be scary for parents to witness in their newborn baby. Besides, it is a temporary skin condition found in newborns’ skin - face & body. This condition may usually appear in less than six weeks of your newborn’s life. However, neonatal acne usually develops in the form of red or white bumps.
There’s a big difference between baby acne & infantile acne. While infantile acne usually develops between 6 weeks to 12 months of the baby’s age. But in all likelihood, it may burst out between 3 to 6 months. They may appear to you like a pack of pimples on your child’s cheeks, nose, chin, & forehead.
Pertaining to the facts, infantile acne may also be powered with blackheads or comedones. Although, they are moderate by intensity. This is more common in a male child than a female. But it is also not as much common as baby acne which develops before 6 weeks of age.
What Causes Baby Acne?
There’s no evidence that suggests an exact reason behind the emergence of baby acne. So, the reason is unknown. Although, it is often associated with the following reasons -
Maternal Hormones - The maternal hormones can trigger a baby’s oil-producing glands to create more oil. As a result, the excess oil turns into baby acne. You will observe such acne on your baby's chin, forehead, cheeks, eyelids, & neck rarely.
Dirt Intrusion - A baby’s skin is very sensitive & delicate at this stage. Since the pores in the baby’s skin are yet to be fully developed, it makes a passage for the dirt to settle in.
Rough Fabrics - Clothes washed in harsh detergents can worsen the baby's acne.
What Does Baby Acne Look Like?
Baby acne usually takes the form of red bumps and pimples. The acne that develops commonly appears on a baby's cheeks, nose, & forehead. However, with the following references attached, you will realize what these tiny bumps actually look like. Besides, don't worry about it because your baby's skin shall be glowing again very soon.
What Are The Various Symptoms Of Baby Acne?
Following are the symptoms of baby acne -
Baby acne generally develops like small red bumps or pimples on a baby’s cheeks, nose, & forehead.
The acne is usually surrounded by reddish skin.
On top of that, whiteheads & white pustules may also develop around the area.
Many babies also experience acne on their neck & upper back as well.
Rough or harsh fabrics can irritate your baby’s skin.
The acne may become more noticeable if your baby is being fussy or crying a lot.
Babies at times are born with neonatal acne more usually on their cheeks & nose.
For others, it may usually appear before 6 weeks of age.
What Are The Conditions Similar To Baby Acne?
1. Baby Acne VS Eczema
Eczema, which is also referred to as atopic dermatitis, is a long-term red bump on your child's skin. Though it is very common in babies and 10-20% of children get struck by it at an early age. It may also tend to develop during the first 6 months of your baby's life and sometimes later. But this skin condition requires treatment & your doctor can easily differentiate between the two. Babies who develop this have dry, itchy skin that is characterized by red rashes.
For your understanding, here's the clear cut differentiation between baby acne & eczema -
Affected Areas - Eczema can appear anywhere on your child's skin - knees, elbows, face, scalp & forehead. Whereas, baby acne usually appears anywhere on your child's face & rarely on the neck or chest.
Age Factor - Eczema usually appears within 6 months to 5 years of the baby's age. Whereas, acne tends to develop in the first 6 weeks of your baby's life.
Appearance - Eczema can be characterized as red weepy rashes for a baby who's 6 months old. Beyond this, it can develop a yellow crust if it gets infected. Whereas, baby acne takes the shape of red spots or bumps.
2. Baby Acne VS Milia
Milia is another common skin condition that is characterized by tiny white bumps. It usually appears on a baby's nose, chin, or cheeks and can occur at any age. You can consult your baby's pediatrician if it doesn't clear up in three months. Besides, these are nothing but cysts filled with keratin.
Around 40-50% of newborns develop milia at this stage. The main cause of this skin condition is a baby's oil glands are still developing at this time. That means the skin doesn't come out easily. Usually, when it triggers a baby’s sebaceous glands to create more oil called sebum, it freshens their skin. But in this case, the excess oil along with the dead skin clogs the pores of a baby's skin. As a result, it develops into white bumps on a child's face.
The most typical point of differentiation between the two is milia always comes across s white bumps or spots. Whereas, baby acne always results in red pimples on your baby's face.
Are You Sure If It’s Baby Acne Or Rash?
It’s very much obvious to get confused between baby acne or a rash. Although, the basic difference between the two is that baby acne typically develops before 6 weeks of age & a rash or spot appears after 6 weeks. Baby acne is usually red pimples around the face.
Besides, infant acne is usually confused with other baby skin conditions as well. Yet the tiny red bumps or pimples on your baby’s face will fade away on their own. And just in case, your baby is experiencing any other skin condition, this might be the following -
Desquamation - This is a skin condition that impacts a baby in the first few days after birth. It’s more likely a skin peeling process and is completely normal in the initial days. You can apply a moisturizer to treat it.
Cradle Cap - This skin condition is also referred to as seborrheic dermatitis. However, if you observe a yellow greasy scalp rash or rough patches on your baby’s scalp, it’s the cradle cap. It is usually surrounded by red rashes but may clear up on its own. It can also spread to a child’s upper body.
Diaper Rash - A diaper rash is a common skin condition in infants. These are usually caused by yeast infections or moisture or no air space. The rash appears to be red & irritated.
10 Home Remedies To Treat Baby Acne
The baby acne usually fades on its own but you try the following home treatments to fasten up the process.
Cleanse your baby’s face with warm water daily
It's important to dry your baby's face gently by patting it. Avoid scrubbing
Avoid using harsh products, soap, or lotion on your baby’s skin
Don’t scrub on the affected area or squeeze the acne
Use breastmilk to kill the bacteria & get rid of the impurities
In case you’re a nursing mother, make changes to your diet -
Skip on citrus fruits
Eliminate oily foods
Minimize dairy products
Avoid using chemical detergents for washing your baby's clothes. It can carry the chemicals with it & affect your baby's sensitive skin
Don’t use skin care products or ointments on your baby's skin that are meant for adults
Apply a few drops of organic coconut oil as a moisturizing agent on the affected area
Be patient! The acne will clear up
When To Consult A Doctor About Baby Acne?
Generally, your baby doesn’t require any medical treatment at the initial stage since the acne will clear up on its own. Despite that, you can consult the pediatrician in case of the following -
If the baby acne turns in blackheads
If you observe pus-filled discharge in the acne
If the baby’s skin turns extra red
If the affected area gets swelled up
If the red bumps appear infected to you
FAQs
1. How do you clear up baby acne?
Baby acne usually clears up on its own without treatment. However, you can do the following things to treat baby acne properly -
Don’t scrub or pop up the acne
Cleanse your baby’s face with warm water
Avoid using lotions on baby’s skin
Avoid harsh products on baby’s skin
Dry your baby’s skin softly
2. How long does it take for baby acne to go away?
Baby acne usually clears within a few weeks to 3-4 months. It may seem like a long period for parents to see their baby’s gentle skin in such a condition. The most relieving part is it doesn’t leave behind a permanent scar. Beyond which it also cannot predict future teen problems.
3. Does breast milk help with baby acne?
Baby acne can be present during the birth as well as a few weeks after the birth. It usually clears up on its own but your breast milk can help in treating baby acne sooner. For what it’s worth, breast milk help kill bacteria & get rid of all the impurities. If you immerse a cotton pad in breast milk & softly pat it on your baby’s affected area, it will help ease it. Your baby’s sensitive skin will be blooming again in no time.
4. When should you be worried about baby acne?
Generally, acne is more of a concern after 6 weeks of age. While it is equally important to identify the cause of baby acne & the type of acne. In 40% of cases, babies usually develop acne within two to three weeks. But beyond the 6 week of span, you’d want to seek some medical advice. A dermatologist or pediatrician can help you if your baby’s skin looks like it’s affected or results in blackheads.
5. Can your breastmilk be causing baby acne?
Maternal hormones play an active role in causing baby acne. A child is exposed to a lot of unresting hormones while being in a womb or during the breastfeeding period. While your infant’s skin is still sensitive & developing, causing the pores to clog. As a result, it can result in breakouts. In short, hormonal exposure during nursing a child can make its way through breast milk & result in acne.
Takeaway
Baby acne is a common skin condition in newborns. Although they clear up on their own & you can easily accelerate the recovery with the above-mentioned home remedies. But, there are various skin conditions that seem similar to baby acne so it also becomes important to identify it for further treatment. Owing to your baby's safety, we hope this guide becomes the ultimate source of recovery for your child through this information & baby massages. And for that, we urge you to stay tuned for more such information.
Comments