Does your newborn's skin suddenly get spotted with acne, and you are wondering whether it is normal, an allergy, or something serious? Well, there is nothing to worry about as we have your back. In this article, we will bring the concept of "Baby Acne Treatment" into the spotlight. We will walk through its basics, causes, and symptoms, as well as remedies and prevention.
What is Baby Acne? A Quick Rundown!
Baby acne, medically referred to as neonatal acne, is a common neonatal skin condition. It starts appearing as small, red, and white spots on the baby's skin. Unlike strong and persistent adult acne, baby acne is typically short-lived and can appear in the first few days of a baby's life, lasting anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, about 20% of newborns suffer from neonatal acne.
However, due to its temporary nature, there is no heavy-duty or strong medication advised for baby acne treatment. Mostly, it heals on its own and fades away slowly.
Before digging deeper into the baby acne treatments and remedies, let's have a quick overlook of its causes!
Causes of Baby Acne - What to Expect?
The real cause behind baby acne is unknown. Normally acne appears due to clogged pores in skin. However, there are certain factors which are considered to be the cause of acne.
- Some healthcare providers suspect that baby acne appears after birth is due to hormonal changes. As hormones present in Placenta are responsible for producing sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that the sebaceous glands in baby’s skin make to protect their skin and hair. Too much sebum can clog pores and lead to acne.
- The oil glands, also known as sebaceous glands, of baby skin are underdeveloped in newborns. Furthermore, their production control system is also not well-developed. Thus, it can cause oil overproduction, causing clogged pores and pimples, which can lead to acne.
- Skin irritation due to clothes and exposure to harmful substances and germs is another common cause of acne.
- Neonatal acne can also be an allergic reaction to chemicals, like powders, talc powders, and soaps.
Baby Acne Symptoms Every Parent Should Know!
In neonates, acne can appear on the chin, cheeks, forehead and scalp. Baby acne is small, inflamed bumps which often develops within 2-4 weeks of birth and disappears on its own usually without any treatment. There is another skin condition called milia in which tiny pimples purple in colour appears on face. This condition also disappear by itself with in few weeks.
How to Get Rid of Baby Acne Safely?
Generally, the baby's acne is supposed to go on its own. After a week or a few months of appearing, the acne will start to fade away slowly, and the face will be clear.
However, there are a few baby acne self-care tips that can help you effectively and safely manage it.
1. Don't Excessively Touch thePimples:
Firstly, make sure that you don't squeeze, rub, or pinch the pimples. It will not only create an itch for the baby but may also hurt. Furthermore, it might also transfer germs, dust, and debris from your hands to the baby's skin. Therefore, avoid unnecessary contact with the baby's skin.
2. Keep Baby's Face Clean andDry:
Always keep the baby clean and dry. Clean the face with lukewarm water multiple times in a day and dry it by patting with a light and gentle hand with a clean towel or tissues.
3. Avoid Medications:
Allergy is a significant cause behind baby acne occurrence, and applying lotions, creams, powders, or medications (not advised by an expert medical practitioner) can increase and worsen the acne. Thus, it is better to let it heal on its own, unless it is persistent or intensifies.
Baby Acne Treatments: What Really Works?
As baby acne is temporary and short-lived, there is no specific medication for newborn acne treatment. It disappears on its own naturally, but slowly, around 4 to 5 months afterwards.
However, if the baby's acne is persistent, growing rapidly, worsening skin condition, or causing severe itching or discomfort to the baby, it is important to immediately get in touch with an expert medical practitioner.The doctor may then advise antifungal or topical creams for decreasing the intensity of acne, slowing its growth, and soothing the itching and burning sensation.
Baby Acne Remedies You Can Try at Home
Neonatal acne is a harmless condition, and it doesn't require any special baby acne treatment. You just have to show love and care, and they will gradually improve on their own.There are some tips which will sped up the recovery.
1. Keeping the Skin Clean
The first step in healing is to keep the skin clean. If you are previously using any soaps, lotion, fragrances or wipes, just discontinue them. You can use soft cotton balls or a piece of soft cloth soaked in Luke warm water for cleaning face and skin.
2. Apply BreastMilk:
Applying breast milk is another common and highly effective natural baby acne remedy. Mother has to apply breast milk to the affected area with a clean swab or cotton, as it heals the acne along with calming the skin irritation.
3. Use Soft Clothing:
Rashes can also lead to acne on a baby's skin. Therefore, it is recommended to use soft cotton balls to clean the skin. Similarly, ensure that the child is wearing soft and clean clothes to avoid creating friction, which may result in rashes.
4. Provide a Safe and Secure Surrounding:
In addition to cleaning, make sure that you provide a clean and secure environment for the baby. You can place a clean and soft blanket below the baby's head so the baby's face skin won't make any contact with laundry detergent or softener residue on the sheet. Also, ensure that the baby's towel, clothes, and sheets are not washed with any strong or harsh detergents.
Baby Acne: Tips to Remove Flare-Ups
Flare-ups refer to the period when baby acne gets worse, either by suddenly increasing in number or getting more red and itchy. It may also spread to new areas other than the face, such as the scalp and neck.
Baby acne can start appearing in the initial weeks after birth and increases gradually. For the management, you can just clean the face, avoid using any lotion, make the child wear soft and breathable cloth, and avoid rubbing or bursting pustules.
Furthermore, applying breast milk is another common baby acne remedy mothers use to fix the flare-ups.
However, if the acne is spreading quickly or the child is experiencing discomfort, it is best to consult a specialist for a quick solution.
How Long Does Baby Acne Last?
Neonatal acne is quite common in newborns, affecting up to 3 children out of 10 on average. It starts appearing in the newborns at 3 to 5 weeks of age. So, now you might be wondering when it goes away?
Well, it heals and gradually improves on its own slowly and naturally. Moreover, unlike adult acne, it does not leave any scars on the baby's skin.
Baby Acne: When to Seek Medical Help?
So, when to consult a doctor for baby acne?
If you feel your baby acne is not settling and getting worse, you should consult the healthcare specialist without any delay. Few are some important signs for seeking medical help.
- Acne is not healing even the baby has grown up to six month of age
- Pimples are still prominent and red in color
- Bumps and pimples are rapidly spreading to other parts of the body.
- Pimples are changing into fluid-filled cysts and blisters.
- The skin irritation is increasing and starting to peel.
- Baby is experiencing a fever or is not feeding well.
It's not always acne. The baby can develop other skin conditions, like rashes or baby eczema. So, if there are any abnormalities in the pimples, skin texture, or the baby's behavior,immediately consult an expert healthcare practitioner to get the right diagnosis for your baby's skin condition and quick treatment.
Conclusion
Baby acne, also termed newborn or neonatal acne, is undoubtedly a common skin condition that affects newborns all over the globe. It begins as small red spots on the skin that later transform into acne. However, proper care and timely treatments can prevent further skin problems.
The acne mostly heals on its own naturally, but slowly, without leaving any scars. All you need to do is have some patience, a lot of love and care, and reassurance that this phase is just temporary. However, their innocence, beauty, and your unconditional love are permanent!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Helps Baby Acne GoAway?
Baby acne treatments are just time and patience. Baby skin has the power to heal itself from acne and leaves no scar. Still, you can regularly clean and dry their skin and restrict the use of any soaps, lotions, or powders to avoid worsening the acne.
Can Breast Milk Clear Up BabyAcne?
Yes, applying breast milk to the acne is a common and effective baby acne remedy. Mothers can use soft cotton balls to apply milk on their cheeks, chin, and affected areas to speed up the healing process.
Does Baby Acne Mean MilkAllergy?
Baby acne is not linked to milk allergy. Newborn acne is mainly caused by maternal hormones or exposure to harmful substances, like germs, chemicals, dust, or debris. Meanwhile, the milk allergy causes skin irritation and baby rashes, not acne.
What Triggers BabyAcne?
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of baby acne, including maternal hormones, exposure to chemicals and harmful substances, oil overproduction, and fungal overgrowth on the skin.
