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Baby Acne - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Definition

Baby acne usually appears when infants are a few weeks old, and typically doesn't occur past 2 months old. The red or white bumps are caused by hormone changes that stem from the baby's delivery. Baby acne typically occurs on the face and chest.

Baby acne is usually seen on the cheeks, chin, and forehead. It can be present at birth but usually develops around 3 to 4 weeks of age. Baby acne occurs when hormonal changes in the body stimulate oil glands in the baby's skin.. Baby acne is harmless and usually resolves on its own within several weeks.

The condition can look worse when the baby is crying or fussy, or any other instance that increases blood flow to the skin. While not a life threatening condition, acne can be upsetting and disfiguring. Severe acne can also lead to permanent scarring.

Symptoms:-

The possible symptoms may include as:-

• Fleshy or red pimples occur predominately on the cheeks, but are also quite common on the forehead and chin. Whiteheads are sometimes present.
• Acne looks like pimples which are actually small whiteheads which are surrounded by red, irritated and maybe even inflamed skin. This usually occurs on the baby's cheeks, forehead, chin, and even the back.
• Baby acne is recognized based on the timing and appearance

Causes:-

The main causes of baby acne are as:-

• Acne occur when the follicles get blocked. Sebum, which normally drains to the surface, gets blocked and bacteria begins to grow.
• Hormonal changes related to pregnancy, birth control pills.
• Babies develop the acne from the maturing effect of mother's hormones and the harmones passed after pregnancy from mother to baby.
• Contact with an oil substances such as petroleum oil or mineral oil can cause baby acne.
• Taking certain medications while nursing or if your baby is taking some medicines may cause acne.
• The acne will be most prominent when the baby is hot or fussyor when the skin is irritated.
• Contact of cloth washed by harsh detergents or wet by baby's saliva or milk makes acne more worse.

Treatment:-

The effective treatments for baby acne may include:-

• Normal washing is necessary to treat baby acne. Use plain water or mild baby soap and only bathe your baby every 2-3 days. Gently cleanse the face once a day with water, and perhaps mild baby soap.
• Avoid acne medicines used by adolescents and adults.
• Doctors recommends keeping the skin clean.
• Not to use any ointments or creams to treat the acne.
• you should visit a pediatrician,if your baby's skin appears to become even more red or swollen and acne lasts for more than six months.