Understanding Baby Acne

When people hear the word acne, they immediately think of teenagers. Never do we think of infants. However, baby acne is a fairly common condition. Baby acne is the same as acne that teenagers and adults experience. The baby acne consists of small red or white bumps on the cheeks, chin and forehead. It will sometimes even resemble a rash.

Baby acne may suddenly appear out of nowhere, and then disappear as quickly as it came. The cause of baby acne is a little different then that of teenagers and adults. Baby acne is usually caused by a hormonal imbalance in the mother while the baby was in the womb. This is the most common cause for baby acne in the early weeks of the baby’s life. If the baby acne appears later on, it is most likely caused by something else. An allergic reaction to laundry detergent, lotion or even diaper wipes can lead to baby acne. If you notice the acne forming you should speak with your pediatrician to determine the cause. Baby acne can also get worse due to formula so speak with your pediatrician about possible options.

Baby acne does not really have any treatment. Making sure that the area is cleaned daily is the best way to treat the baby acne. Use a mild cleanser and be very gentile so that it does not irritate the area. In some cases, the acne may become severe. If this happens you should seek medical attention. The pediatrician may prescribe a topical acne cream that is mild enough for the babies skin. However, this is very uncommon and will most likely not happen.

Baby acne is very common and will usually go away on its own. However, when you first notice the acne you should speak with your pediatrician. The doctor will give you tips of how to cure the acne and prevent it from coming back. In many cases, the baby acne is mistaken for other conditions such as a rash, eczema or allergic reaction. To avoid any further problems talk with your pediatrician to make sure that it is just common baby acne.