One of the things moms like for their little ones to avoid is baby acne. It gives discomfort to your baby, it doesn’t look good, and your angel doesn’t deserve that, especially at an early age. Whether you think it’s a newborn heat rash or a viral rash in children with unidentified origins, you must act with guidance right away. So to know about the causes of baby acne, the remedies, and other relevant questions about this condition, check out this quick guide.
Here’s Every Mom’s Quick Guide to Dealing with Baby Acne
In this article:
- 1. What is Baby Acne?
- 2. What Causes Baby Acne?
- 3. Does Baby Acne Have Symptoms?
- 4. How Baby Acne Differs from Rash and Eczema?
- 5. Does Baby Acne Itch?
- 6. Can Your Baby’s Acne Spread?
- 7. How Do You Treat This Skin Condition?
- 8. How Do I Know if Baby Acne is Severe?
- 9. How Can You Prevent This?
1. What is Baby Acne?
It’s a skin condition among babies that usually appears as little pimples or whiteheads surrounded by red irritated skin. Like regular acne, these pimples are concentrated in areas such as the forehead, cheeks, and even the back of your baby.
2. What Causes Baby Acne?
While baby acne is known to be visible on the face as reddish bumps, you moms must note that it’s more likely to be seen on your baby’s nose, forehead, and cheeks. You also have to note that baby acne is entirely different from other skin conditions such as milia. While there can be a lot of reasons behind baby acne, studies show no clear causes of it. With this, it’s best for you to find out its common causes so you can still be informed. Check out our list below.
Common Causes of Acne on Babies:
- Hormones – Your baby can be affected by your hormones through breastfeeding.
- Skin sensitivity – Since your baby’s outer skin is still developing, your baby’s skin might be prone to acne even in the smallest of exposure to the sun.
- Allergies – This may include food, the environment, or even your baby’s medication.
3. Does Baby Acne Have Symptoms?
Symptoms of this condition can be quite misleading. They usually begin as blackheads or whiteheads on a baby’s face. Most of the time, these are just a temporary reaction to the environment and other factors the baby is exposed to. But, when the tiny bumps crowd in an area, usually on the face, it may be a sign of acne.
Other symptoms include redness of skin or blisters. Often, this is dismissed as just allergies or baby rash on the face. Although, once these rashes lead to other symptoms discussed, it might be acne.
4. How Baby Acne Differs from Rash and Eczema?
Some mothers believe their babies just have a rash and not acne. Others worry it might even be baby eczema. However, there are important differences. Eczema is dryness of skin while acne is redness and irritation. A rash, in contrast, appears less serious and doesn’t develop pimples in crowded areas of the face.
5. Does Baby Acne Itch?
In some cases, it does itch, especially when it’s dry. Rubbing and pinching this acne isn’t recommended for it might cause infection. No matter how much irritated your baby seems to be, make sure not to touch the acne especially without washing your hands. The best way to stop the itching is to consult a doctor and ask for prescriptions.
6. Can Your Baby’s Acne Spread?
This type of acne usually clears up on its own. So if it ever spreads on your baby’s skin, check with a doctor immediately. Also, your baby’s acne is only temporary and it doesn’t scar, so if you notice something unusual, consult a doctor right away.
7. How Do You Treat This Skin Condition?
If you want an instant relief for your baby, then topical ointments are the answer. However, don’t try to purchase something that isn’t prescribed by your baby’s pediatrician. There are also a few home remedies you can try to get rid of this acne. Here’s a list.
Home Remedies for Your Baby’s Acne:
- Coconut oil – Make sure this is purely extracted and it’s clean.
- Breast milk – This one contains anti-inflammatory elements which can soothe your baby’s skin.
8. How Do I Know If Baby Acne Is Severe?
If, after maintaining a cleaning routine, the acne doesn’t go away, it’s time to see a doctor. Observe your baby’s reaction as well. He or she might start scratching and crying because of the irritation. If this is the case, don’t take matters into your hands and go to an expert.
9. How Can You Prevent This?
Instead of thinking of ways to treat your baby’s acne, make it a priority to prevent uncomfortable conditions such as this. You can always prevent something from happening if you’re prepared, so here’s a list of prevention steps to help you avoid baby acne.
Ways to Prevent Your Baby from Having Acne:
- Wash your baby’s face and body regularly.
- Avoid using scented soaps.
- Get rid of lotions if your baby is 0-6 months old. Always mind the kinds of materials that touch the baby’s skin.
- Be gentle in holding your baby’s skin. Don’t scrub hard.
- Since baby acne is usually hormonal, you can prevent the onset by ensuring the cleanest and safest environments for your babies.
- Be mindful of what you feed your baby since foods can change hormonal levels that affect acne.
- Do not expose your babies to too much dirt, heat, or coldness.
If you’re looking for more ways to treat baby acne, then better watch the video below from eHow’s channel. Press the play button!
Conditions like baby acne can be unsettling. As mothers, our minds have a thousand questions all the time about our baby’s well-being. If acne is one of your problems, there’s no need to worry. With a little remedy, medical expert, and patience, your baby will soon outgrow the condition and become the healthy and beautiful baby you always knew she will be.
Do you have any other thoughts and advice for dealing with baby acne? Let us know in the comments section below.
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