By: Maria Mbura
Many people are aware of conditions like eczema and heat rashes on babies but have never associated the acne disease with babies. But baby acne is a very common condition among babies of 2-6 weeks of age. Doctors are not sure of the real causes of acne even in adults. But one of the causes that have been put forward relates to hormones of the mother being passed to the unborn baby before or during birth and even while breastfeeding.
Baby acne usually shows up about 2 to 6 weeks after birth, and might be there for a couple of months when the acne eventually clears up. Most acne will disappear after the mothers hormones leave the baby system usually after breastfeeding. In some cases, however, if the baby acne lingers for months or even longer then a doctor should be consulted.
This type of Acne is mostly found on the cheeks, forehead and chin and may appear as whiteheads, small red or white bumps.
Baby Acne is most prominent when the baby is hot or irritated or wet from saliva or milk. The acne may worsen if the baby's skin is in contact with clothes washed in harsh detergents . The acne may even appear worse for some days but with proper skin care this should clear up. There's little you can do to prevent baby acne.
Simply wash the baby's skin by cleaning the affected area with mild baby soap and lukewarm water twice a day. Pat the skin dry with a paper towel which can be thrown away afterwards. Oils and lotions should be avoided as they tend to aggravate the condition.
Always make sure that the baby’s clothing including what the baby sleeps on are cleaned also with mild detergents. You should avoid squeezing or picking the acne. Lastly feed the baby lots of water and fresh fruit juices.
Most pediatrician normally don't prescribe any treatment unless the acne is severe then they would give mild medicine because of the sensitivity of the baby’s skin.
Whatever cream or other treatments the doctor recommends should be mild enough for the baby because some of the medications of acne are known to have severe side effects.
