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Baby Acne
Baby Acne is usually found on the cheeks, forehead or crown
(scalp acne) area. Baby acne is very common, and usually appears
about 3-4 weeks after birth. Although your baby can be born
with acne (very rare), the presence of tiny bumps on the face
of your baby right after birth is usually an unrelated skin
condition called milia, which is harmless and will disappear
in a few days.
What causes Baby Acne?
It is yet unclear what exactly causes baby acne, just as it
is not completely clear what causes teen
acne. However, most doctors agree that excess hormones
stimulate the sebaceous glands, causing them produce more sebum
(oil), which then is secreted onto the skin. The oil, mixed
with debris and dead skin cells, clogs pores and causes acne.
For teens, the hormones are the result of puberty. For babies,
the hormones are actually produced by the mother, which are
then passed on the baby through the placenta. Only once the
baby is born does the excess oil production start to mix with
debris and clog the pores, which is why acne can be seen approx
3-4 weeks after birth. Baby acne usually appears on the face
and scalp, but in rarer cases can show up as blackheads
or back
acne.
Baby Acne Treatment
It is important to understand that baby acne is perfectly natural
and will usually go away on it own after a couple of weeks or
months. The acne is also not dangerous; there is no need to
worry. If however, you feel the need to treat your baby’s
acne, you can take steps by using cleansing techniques. Here
are some tips:
- Using very mild soap, preferably baby soap, gently cleanse
your baby’s skin in the morning and before bed
- Do not scrub your baby’s skin when cleansing –
this will cause further irritation and more acne (and remember,
acne is not caused by dirt, so scrubbing won’t help!)
- Always ‘pat dry’ using a soft towel –
do not rub dry.
- DO NOT use over the counter acne medicine on your baby
- DO NOT put creams or oils on the baby’s skin specifically
to treat baby acne
Other Baby Acne Triggers
Although baby acne is probably the result of hormones produced
by the mother while the baby is in utero, there are other ways
in which baby acne can be triggered. Certain fabrics and ‘head
dresses’ can irritate the skin and add to a baby acne
problem. Spit up or milk left on the baby’s skin can also
irritate the skin, resulting in acne. Even the fussiness of
a baby can cause more acne – when the baby fusses, or
is extremely hot, blood flow is increased in order to cool the
body down. When blood flow is increased, more sebum (oil) is
produced and secreted onto the skin, thereby possibly causing
acne.
It is important to remember that baby acne is perfectly normal.
If the acne is not bothering your baby, it may be best to simply
let it run its course!
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