Infant Acne
updated about 1 year ago
Many people think that a baby's skin should be clear in complexion and free of any discolorations and blemishes that commonly plague adult skin. But this is not always the case. In fact, it is entirely possible for a baby to have acne at birth, or to develop the condition throughout the toddler years. This is often the first of the many surprises of parenthood!
Infant acne can occur on the baby's nose and cheeks as well as on her back, chest, or buttocks. In most cases, this condition is not one to worry about. It will likely clear up within a matter of weeks. Here's what you need to know about infant acne: how it develops, how you can treat it, and when your baby's condition should be evaluated by her health care provider.
What Is Infant Acne?
Newborns often break out with small acne lesions on their face and body. Infants can develop baby acne such as whiteheads, blackheads, and pustules on their nose, scalp, cheeks and forehead. There skin may also appear red, rough, and inflamed.
Infant acne occurs when oil becomes trapped in a hair follicle. These blemishes develop due to the significant hormonal changes experienced in the womb prior to childbirth. During the final stage of pregnancy, the mother's hormones cross the placenta into the baby. These hormones help to mature the baby's lungs and stimulate the production of oil glands on the baby's skin. This over stimulation of oil can eventually lead to acne. Infant acne can also be caused by a reaction to medications that the mother was taking before the birth of the baby, or while breast feeding the baby.
Infant acne can be present at birth as reddish lesions, or the condition may take several weeks to develop. Infant acne may come and go until the baby's hormones stabilize at about four to six months of age.
This condition will be most prominent when the baby is hot or fussy, or when his skin is irritated. Infant acne may flare up if the baby's skin is exposed to irritants such as harsh detergents, or saliva, milk, or spit up.
How Can Infant Acne Be Treated?
Infant acne will generally clear up on its own, without treatment, by about six months of age. In the meantime, the best way to care for this condition is gentle daily cleansing. Using a soft, clean washcloth, carefully cleanse your baby's skin at least twice a day. Preferably, you should cleanse the face several times throughout the day to keep milk, drool, and spit up from sitting on the skin. You can use simply warm water or add organic soap if your baby does not have any reaction to it. Be sure to use a soap specified as non-irritating and made for a baby's delicate skin. Pat the baby’s skin dry with a clean towel. Within a few weeks the acne should clear, leaving soft, supple baby skin.
Avoid using creams or oils on the baby's skin as these products can make infant acne worse.
When Should My Baby See A Doctor?
If the acne persists after several weeks, if it is bothersome to your baby, or if seems to be getting worse rather than better, it is wise to have a doctor examine your child. Your baby's doctor will likely obtain a complete medical history on your baby, as well as her immediate family. The natural health care provider will then evaluate your baby's condition and recommend a method of natural treatment.
Infant acne will usually not persist after two years of age. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the toddler and childhood years, between two and six years old, are known as the “acne free zone.” This is because the production of oil that can form acne is so low during this period, that acne breakouts are rare. If your child develops acne during this stage of his life, it is important to have the condition evaluated by his physician. Skin problems at this age could indicate a hormonal imbalance that needs to be addressed.
What Else Could It Be?
The tiny bumps that appear on your baby's face may not always be the result of infant acne. Small white bumps that develop on the baby's face and disappear within about two weeks are called milia. This condition is completely unrelated to acne and it will not harm your baby's skin. A rashy or scaly breakout may indicate a skin condition such as cradle cap or eczema. Both of these conditions are relatively harmless, but should be evaluated by your baby's health care professional.
