No More Zits Newsletter
October, 2006
The No More Zits Monthly is a newsletter that provides featured articles on acne prevention, proper skin maintenance techniques, reviews of natural acne treatments, interviews with dermatologists, and information on both adult acne and teen acne treatment. The No More Zits Monthly is brought to you by Acne-Answers.org.
Baby Acne
Much to the dismay of many parents, baby acne is very common. The hormones that are transferred from mother to child at birth and through breastfeeding can sometimes cause this annoying but painless condition.
Baby acne usually appears as small whiteheads on the infant's cheeks, chin and forehead. It may be present at birth, or it may develop after the baby is a few weeks old. If you think your baby may have acne, read on to learn more about this condition and what you can do about it.
What Is Acne?
Acne is usually associated with teenagers, as it’s often caused by the sex hormones that are released during puberty. But acne can affect babies as well. The scientific name for the condition is acne vulgaris because acne usually strikes in plainly visible locations such as the face, neck, chest and back. It occurs when an oil gland becomes blocked and excess oil is unable to exit. This causes the gland swells and become infected.
Does My Baby Have Acne?
If your baby’s skin is irritated, it could be due to a number of conditions. Baby acne usually occurs on the baby's cheeks, forehead or chin. The pimples are actually small whiteheads that are surrounded by red, irritated or inflamed skin. Baby acne may become more pronounced when your baby is hot or fussy, or if their skin is otherwise irritated. Common irritants include saliva, spit-up milk, soap, and clothing that has been washed in strong chemical detergent.
If your baby has tiny bumps on their face at birth, then they may also be milia. These little bumps are unrelated to acne and they will disappear on their own within a few weeks. Cradle cap is another condition that could be irritating your baby's skin. This condition looks scalier than acne and it usually occurs at other points on the body like the top of the head and behind the ears. If your baby's breakout looks more like a rash, it may be eczema.
What Causes Baby Acne?
There are a number of factors that cause baby acne. As with adolescent acne, the condition can be caused by a skin irritation, certain medications, or by hormonal changes. Contact with an oily substances, such as petroleum oil or mineral oil, can cause baby acne. And if you are taking certain medications while nursing, or if your baby is taking some medications, this too may cause a breakout. The maternal hormones that are passed from mother to baby towards the end of pregnancy could also be responsible for baby acne.
Does Baby Acne Hurt?
More often than not, you will be more affected by your baby's acne than they are. Baby acne doesn’t usually itch, sting, or hurt in any way. And they are too young to notice their unsightly appearance. So it’s more likely that baby acne will bother you more than your baby. However, with severe cases of baby acne, the blemishes may become so swollen and inflamed that they may add to your baby's fussiness. See your health care provider if you think your baby's acne is causing such aggravation.
How long Does Baby Acne Last?
Baby acne usually clears up within a few weeks. But it may come and go until your baby is around six months old. See your health care professional if your baby's acne seems particularly severe, or if it persists into your child's toddler years.
How Can I Treat My Baby's Acne?
Treating baby acne is more about what you should not do rather than what you should do. Do not scrub or vigorously wash your baby's skin. This will only cause further irritation to the sensitive skin. Wash your baby's face with water and some mild baby soap once a day. If they have particularly sensitive skin, wash with warm water only.
Avoid putting any creams, lotions or oils on your baby's skin. These products can also irritate acne. And use a natural fabric detergent that is made for sensitive skin to wash your baby's clothes.
Can I Cover My Baby's Acne With Make Up?
While it's possible to reduce the appearance of baby acne with makeup, it is not advisable. Your baby's skin is very sensitive and makeup is likely to only further irritate this sensitive area. That said, there may be special occasions when you choose to use makeup to conceal your baby's acne. A photo shoot or special family event may warrant such treatment. Be sure to purchase an organic, chemical free concealer that’s made for sensitive skin and use a product that matches your baby's delicate skin tone.
For more information on natural acne remedies go to Acne-answers.org.