What Is Baby Acne?
Close to 20% of all newborns suffer from some kind of acne generally known as baby acne or acne neonatorum. Whenever maternal hormones cross the placenta they can induce the newborn’s sebaceous glands the consequence being the appearance of pimples on the facial area and body.
Currently, neonatal acne seems to cause problems for more male babies than females and for the greater part the breakout presents itself around three weeks though breakouts at the time of delivery is not unusual. It appears as a rough, red rash that seems a lot more notable when the child is crying or fussy.
Typically the types of acne found in newborns are papules (solid elevations with no obvious fluids), pustules (small elevations containing pus-like material) or comedones (commonly called blackheads).
Even though acne neonatorum might be due to the maternal hormones there are specific things that can cause further aggravation. Milk and formula, in addition to spit-up which come in contact with the baby’s skin will irritate any pimple on the face and neck. In these instances keep the skin as clean as you possibly can by clearing off any spilled milk or spit-up with a soft, warm cloth.
The best way to handle baby acne
Baby acne normally vanish entirely by itself by the third to fourth month. In the case of your newborn it is all cosmetic and other than mild irritation it doesn’t place your child in any kind of danger.
Continue to keep the skin clean, avoid using soap and other aromatic cosmetics on the skin. Detergents used for washing clothing may also irritate acne so use gentle detergents wherever feasible and rinse out thoroughly.
If your baby shows a rare case of acne that is severe then you need to consult your doctor where topical medication may be given if the case warrants it. Topical treatments may contain benzoyl peroxide or retinoids. Since a lot of topical solutions might not be the best option for use on the tender skin of your baby it would only be prescribed if there is a compelling justification for this.
All in all, baby acne is no cause to worry as with time it will recede by itself with little or no treatment.
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