What is baby acne?

Baby acne or infant acne is exactly what it sounds like. Doctors and pediatricians sometimes call it neonatal acne. This is a condition when tiny little red or whip pimples or bumps appear on your baby’s body and face. This condition is actually very common among newborn babies around the age of 3 or 4 weeks old. Furthermore, this acne can last for a few days, weeks, and in some cases for several months.

Causes

There is no clear answer on what causes this skin condition yet. But most experts believe that it is a result of one of the following:

– Yeast allergies which causes inflammation

– Overactive oil glands.

– Hormones, either from the mother or the baby. 

Keep in mind that the previous causes, or any other unknown ones are hard to control. So, infant acne cannot be avoided.

Baby acne symptoms

The most common and usual symptoms for baby acne are tiny little red pumps on their bodies. Those pumps can appear on a newborn babies’ cheeks, upper back, or neck. Also, some newborn babies get their acne in the form of whiteheads. Some parents and experts say it is very similar to eczema, especially in form and shape.

Treatment

Initially, there is no need for a treatment or medication for infant acne. Though it sometimes lasts for months, it usually disappears on its own. So, completely avoid any off-the-counter acne treatments. Your baby’s skin is sensitive as it is and you don’t want to make their condition worse. The best you can do is keep bathing them with warm water. And avoid clothes or fabrics that might irritate your newborn baby’s sensitive skin. Having said that, there are a few tips to treat baby acne at home, such as:

1. Always Clean your baby’s face.
2. Use fragrance-free baby wipes or cotton clothes after feeding your baby.
3. Avoid products that adults use to treat their acne.
4. Take a break from lotions and creams.
5. Gently bathe your baby and avoid scrubbing.

And the last tip is to always be patient. Because as we mentioned before this will go away on its own.

When to see a doctor?

If you feel that your baby is irritated or crying because of this acne, then you probably should see a doctor. Your baby’s pediatrician will prescribe a soothing cream or ointment to help relieve your baby’s skin.

Is neonatal acne the same as infantile acne?

No, they are not the same. Baby acne or infantile acne has different causes, symptoms and shapes than. You already know by now everything about baby acne. As for infantile acne, it is a skin condition which develops comedones – which are blackheads or whiteheads. Also, it can develop pustules and cysts that leave a scar. Moreover, infantile acne is less common and can happen to a child from birth and up to 2 years old.

Some expats believe that infantile acne happens due to an overactivity in oil glands. This might be a result of testosterone – and that is why this condition is more common amongst boys. Finally, we can treat infantile acne with either oral antibiotics or antibiotic creams.