Get Tips For Baby Acne Treatment and Home Remedies
Some parents are dismayed when their newborn’s perfect face suddenly breaks out in tiny red bumps, like pimples, which is called baby acne. While the condition may look painful, it usually doesn’t bother the baby at all. And like many other difficult stages of infancy, this one, too, shall pass.
Baby pimples generally appear within 3 or 4 weeks after a baby is born and is evidenced by small red bumps or whiteheads across the cheeks, forehead and chin. Milia, or hard white pimple like bumps are also typical appearances on about 40% of newborn’s faces immediately after birth, but are not considered acne. Occurring in about 20% of all children, real acne on babies is a result of the mother’s hormones coming in contact with the placenta just before birth.
The sebaceous glands are activated in a newborn and an excessive amount of oil begins to be produced on the baby’s skin. Until a natural oil balance is achieved, some infants may have recurring skin problems until around 6 months of age. This is consternation to many parents who want to have beautiful pictures of their little darlings.
There are two types of baby acne. Acne can consist of whiteheads, also known as pustules, or small, round pimples known as papules. You can’t prevent it from happening, but you can stop it from becoming worse by following some simple steps.
Getting Rid of Baby Acne:
- Look for baby acne on cheeks, forehead and chin. Some babies also get it on their back as well.
- Understand that nothing you do is likely to cause baby acne, but there are things that can make the existing condition worse.
- Realize that baby acne is often aggravated by drooling or spit up that irritates the sensitive skin of the face. Therefore, try to keep the area around the mouth as clean and dry as possible.
- Recognize that holding your baby against your clothing can also increase the problem. Wearing soft fabrics washed in all natural detergents may help.
- Take care not to overheat your baby, as this can be another factor that causes the acne to flare up.
- Try cleaning your baby’s face once a day with water or mild baby soap.
- Avoid scrubbing your baby’s face, which could further irritate the skin and make the condition worse.
- Wash your baby’s clothing in a special, chemical-free detergent made for infants’ sensitive skin.
- Steer clear of any lotions or creams, since these can make baby acne worse. Remember, the acne treatment for adults is probably too harsh for you baby’s soft skin. However, some parents have found that Aveeno baby washes and soothing lotions, as well as other all natural products made just for babies, have improved their newborn’s delicate, acne-prone skin. Before using these products on your baby, you may want to try the home remedies for acne in the previous steps first.
- Talk to your pediatrician about trying a vinegar solution for baby acne treatment. This works in some cases, but be sure to test a small patch of your baby’s skin first, to be sure it doesn’t irritate the area more.
- Select a concealer that is all natural and made for sensitive skin if you find you must try to cover the acne for a special occasion, such as a family photo. But be sure to use this sparingly, as putting anything on your baby’s face can worsen the condition.
Home Remedies of Baby Acne:
- Do not to apply irritant oils
- Use less moisturizer and stay away from heavy creams.
- Use light, non-scented lotions.
- If you feel your child may have an allergy, keep a lookout for any possible allergens, and keep them away from your baby.
Caution:
Never use acne medications made for adolescents and adults.