Does your infant have more than pimples than an eighth-grader? Just when she seems ready for her shut-upward — head rounding out nicely, optics less puffy and squinty — baby acne might exist next. This pimply preview of puberty is incredibly common, usually beginning at 2 to 3 weeks of age and affecting almost xx to 40 percent of all newborns. Fortunately it'south temporary, and it doesn't bother your baby a bit. Hither'southward what to do in the concurrently.

Baby Peel Care

What causes baby acne?

Believe it or not, as with adolescent acne, hormones are believed to be mainly to blame. In the case of newborns, nonetheless, it'due south not their own hormones that are probably prompting the pimple problems, but Mom's — which are still circulating in baby's bloodstream as a holdover from pregnancy. These maternal hormones stimulate baby's sluggish oil-producing glands, causing pimples to pop up on the chin, forehead, eyelids and cheeks, and, sometimes, the head, cervix, back and upper chest.

What's more than, the pores in a baby'south peel are not yet fully developed, making them easy targets for infiltration by dirt and the blossoming of blemishes. And babies typically take very sensitive skin — some more than others — which can also be a factor.

How to get rid of baby acne

Unfortunately, there'southward not much y'all can do most infant acne, too being patient. A few infant acne treatment tips:

  • Don't clasp, choice or scrub acne.
  • Cleanse the area with warm water ii times a day. Pat skin dry gently.
  • Don't use lather or lotion on affected areas.
  • Avoid acne or other skin care products meant for adults.
  • Try natural baby acne home remedies to treat information technology: Some moms advise that dabbing the affected area with chest milk can help speed the healing process.
  • Ask your doctor nigh prescription or over-the-counter medication that might assistance and be safe for your babe.

Is information technology baby acne or a rash?

While it'south possible to confuse baby acne with that other common newborn skin status, milia, the two aren't the same. Infant acne looks like cherry pimples, while milia are tiny white bumps or whiteheads. But you need to treat both weather condition the same: with washing, watching and waiting.

There are also a number of skin rashes and other skin conditions in newborn babies — which, different newborn acne, are often itchy and uncomfortable for your niggling one and tend to spread beyond the face. A few of the nigh mutual:

  • Babe heat rash: These clusters of tiny, moist, cerise bumps expect similar to acne and often appear on babe'due south arms, legs, upper chest and diaper expanse in addition to her face when information technology'due south hot outside.
  • Diaper rash: This rash — caused by moisture, irritants and too little air — appears as cherry, irritated skin in (you lot guessed it!) baby's diaper area.
  • Cradle cap: Also chosen seborrheic dermatitis, these tiny ruby bumps are smaller than acne and may be accompanied by yellowish, flaky pare that looks like scales. While it normally appears on the caput, information technology may spread to the eyebrows and upper body as well.
  • Infant eczema: Skin appears dry, flaky and ruddy, usually in patches around the cheeks and on the scalp. The rash then spreads, often to elbow creases and behind the knees, and progresses to fluid-filled pimples that pop. If eczema is not treated, it can lead to scabbing and oozing.

How long does baby acne last?

Babe acne usually clears anywhere from a few weeks after she'southward built-in to the fourth dimension she'due south virtually 3 to 4 months onetime — which happens to be a terrific time to schedule those professional pics — leaving that beautiful baby skin yous've been waiting for in its place.

And only in case you're already worrying about your piddling ane being teased in middle school, know that baby acne doesn't leave permanent scars like the grown-up version can, and it doesn't predict future teen acne problems.

When to call the dr.

Babe acne almost always goes away on its own with no intervention. Merely bring it to your pediatrician's attention if the bumps look like they might be infected; for case, her skin appears extra ruddy, yous notice swelling or discharge, your kid spikes a fever or has other symptoms or if you lot suspect an allergic reaction or eczema, which may require a foam to keep the rash from spreading.