We have seen a lot of teenagers getting pimples and acne on their skin. These teenagers also freak out when they start getting pimples and get really worried about the pimples. They are worried about the way they will look and what will others say about their looks and oily skin. But, do you know small babies in particularly newborn infants also get a lot of acne. This condition of theirs is called baby acne. Imagine the teenagers freaking out on the acne and these poor little souls do not even get to freak out. Here is a great lot of information on baby acne that you may want to know.
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What is baby acne ?
Baby acne is tiny red bumps developing particularly on the baby’s face. It usually looks like tiny red bumps or pimples. Tiny whiteheads or bumps surrounded by reddish skin may also appear. These acne become more visible when your baby is crying or irritated. Sometimes rough cloth used to wipe the baby’s skin may also aggravate the baby acne. Baby acne usually develops after few weeks of birth. But, it may also be present at the time of birth.
Causes of baby acne
The exact cause of baby acne is unknown. But, researchers believe that the baby acne develops due to the hormones given by the mother at the end months of the pregnancy to the baby. Researchers also believe that the baby may get baby acne, if the mother is taking certain medicines while breastfeeding. But, the actual cause of baby acne is still unknown. Also it is believed that the baby might be having certain allergic reaction to some baby products and hence got the allergic acne type reaction on the skin of the face. Always make a point to use good quality baby products like Himalaya products
Treatment of baby acne
Usually the baby acne goes away on its own. The baby acne may last for a couple of weeks or months. But, it will go away on its own. But, sometimes the acne does not go away on its own. Then it is better to consult pediatrician. He may prescribe some topical ointment for baby acne.
The Do’s and Don’ts of baby acne
Here are some of the Do’s and Don’ts for baby acne
- Keep your baby’s face clean
- Do not scrub
- Avoid the over the counter acne medicines
- Avoid oily lotions
- Do not panic and be patient
Keep your baby’s face clean
Wash your baby’s face with simple soap and plain water to keep it clean. This will keep the baby’s skin dry and less oily and can cure acne easily.
Do not scrub
Scrubbing the skin can aggravate the redness and cause more rash. Instead of scrubbing with towel, just pat it dry after washing it with simple soap and plain water
Avoid over the counter acne medicines
Over the counter acne medicine may not be developed for the baby. This will aggravate the rash and the situation.
Avoid oily lotions
Applying lotion to the baby’s skin may cause the skin to become more oily. It will clog the pores of the baby’s skin and develop more acne.
Do not panic and be patient
Baby acne gets resolved on its own. Although it is irritating to see these spots on your baby’s face. But, the parents needs to be patient and let the time do its work. The parents should not try to squeeze the baby acne with their hands. These may spread more infection and aggravate the situation.
This is some information that is available on baby acne and we need to know. But, if the baby acne does not go away, then you should consult your pediatrician.