Are you in search of the best baby acne cure? Healthier Baby Today has all the answers you are looking for! Baby acne develops on a baby’s face or body. It is a common occurrence and is usually temporary. The result of baby acne is tiny red or white bumps or pimples. In almost every case, the acne will resolve on its own without requiring any treatment. Neonatal acne is another way of saying baby acne. About 20 percent of newborns are affected by neonatal acne. Baby acne differs from infantile acne in that open comedones, or blackheads, don’t generally appear in baby acne. These symptoms are, however, common in infantile acne. Cysts or nodules may also appear as a result of infantile acne. In rare cases, it may result in scars without treatment. Baby acne is only present during the first few months of your baby’s life, whereas infantile acne may last until your child reaches 2 years of age. Infantile acne is generally much less common than baby acne.
The Cause of Baby Acne
Although the proper cause of baby acne is still very unclear, researchers believe that acne is caused by maternal or infant hormones still present after birth.
The Symptoms of Baby Acne
Similar to acne in adolescents and adults, baby acne generally appears as red bumps or pimples. Whiteheads or white pustules may also develop, as well as reddish skin may surround the bumps where the acne is present. Acne can develop anywhere on your baby’s face, although it is most common on the cheeks. The acne may also be present on your baby’s upper back or neck.
The acne may become more pronounced if your baby is very fussy or crying. The acne may also become irritated by rough fabrics as well as vomit or saliva that stays on your baby’s face.
Baby acne may sometimes be present at birth. Although, in most cases, it only develops within two to four weeks after your baby has been born. The acne may last anything from a few days to a few weeks, and in some cases, the acne lasts for several months.
How Baby Acne is Treated
Baby acne is known to disappear without any treatment required. In some cases, babies have acne that linger for months instead of weeks. In order to treat this stubborn type of baby acne, a medicated cream or ointment may be prescribed by your baby’s pediatrician in order to clear up the acne.
Never use OTC acne treatments, face washes, or lotions because your baby’s skin is extremely sensitive at this young age. You may aggravate the acne or cause additional skin irritation for your baby if you use something that is too strong for your baby’s skin.
How to Treat Baby Acne at Home
There are a series of possible steps you can take to ensure that your baby’s skin stays as healthy as possible whilst you wait for your baby’s acne to clear up.
This includes:
Keeping Your Baby’s Face Clean
Ensure that you wash your baby’s face daily using warm water. You can do this during bath time. There is no need to use anything but water, but if you’d like to use something else, you can look for a mild soap or a soap-free cleanser. Speak to the pediatrician about possible washes. Using fragrance-free products is often the best option as it is less likely to irritate your baby’s skin.
Avoiding Harsh Products
Products often used for adult acne usually contain retinoids, which are related to vitamin A, as well as erythromycin. This is, however, not usually recommended for use in babies. Avoid any scented soaps, bubble baths, or other types of soaps that may contain excessive chemicals.
Skipping Lotions
The use of lotions and creams may end up aggravating your baby’s skin and, in turn, worsening acne.
No Scrubbing
If you choose to scrub the skin, especially with a towel, you will end up further aggravating the skin. Instead of scrubbing, gently wipe a washcloth over your baby’s face in circular motions. Once the cleanser has been washed off, use a towel to dry your baby’s face. Be sure to tap the towel and not rub it.
Not Squeezing
Do not squeeze or pinch your baby’s acne, as this will irritate their skin as well as worsen the problem.
Being Patient
Typically, baby acne is harmless. It does not itch or cause pain for your baby and frankly bothers you more than them. Let it be, and it should resolve on its own in no time.
When to See a Doctor
Although baby acne has no treatment, if you have any concerns, it’s best to visit your baby’s pediatrician. Take your baby to a doctor right away in the event that your baby’s acne results in blackheads, puss-filled bumps, or inflammation. If your baby shows any symptoms of pain or discomfort, take them to the doctor immediately.
In the event that your baby’s acne does not clear up after several months of treating it at home, your baby’s doctor may recommend using a 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide lotion.
Baby Acne Cure – One Pop Away
There is no cure for baby acne. Therefore, you’ll need to wait it out. Certain at-home treatments may help the acne to clear up. Baby acne causes no pain or discomfort for your baby. If it shows any signs that it does, visit the doctor immediately. An ointment may be prescribed if your baby’s acne is severe.
