4 FAQ about Baby Acne
Are you lucky enough to be a new parent? Do you have a beautiful baby boy or baby girl? Does your baby have baby acne? This may seem like an unusual question because most people believe acne doesn’t surface until adolescence. However, even babies can deal with acne. This acne is different from teen and adult acne, but it is acne none the less. As a new parent you may worry about the baby acne as a sign of worse acne to come.
Baby acne is rarely discussed as many parents are embarrassed by it. Or on the other hand, they think the baby acne is a rash. It is a good idea though to follow up with your Pediatrician to make sure your baby has acne and not a rash. Following are answers to common questions about baby acne.
What is baby acne?
Baby acne appears as small red bumps on the skin, most often on the face. These pimples can be red or fleshy in color. Baby acne is most commonly found on the cheeks. However, your baby’s chin and forehead are ripe areas for baby acne as well. Usually the pimples are red, but sometimes whiteheads will surface.
Why do some babies have acne, while others do not, even in the same family?
Baby acne is the result of hormones that are transferred from the mother to the baby through the placenta right before the birth of the child. These extra hormones from the mother affect the baby’s oil glands by stimulating them. This stimulation causes the oil glands to produce more oil which leads to baby acne. Since baby acne is dependent upon this transfer of hormones, it can be hit or miss with each baby in the family.
At what age do babies normally get baby acne?
Sometimes your baby will have baby acne from the moment they are born. Otherwise, most baby acne appears when your baby is about one month old. You may also find that your baby has the highest level of gas when their baby acne surfaces and/or worsens. This has to do with the stimulation from the hormones transferred to them during birth. They may be extremely irritable as well. Don’t worry; they will outgrow the baby acne.
How do you clear up baby acne?
All you should do is gently wash your baby’s face with water. Avoid soaps and lotions as they could make your baby’s acne worse. However, if your baby has severe acne, you should consult your Doctor. They can prescribe medicine that will help clear the skin. Usually, your baby will outgrow their baby acne when they are four to six months in age.
So does your child have baby acne? Make sure to double check with your Pediatrician. Thankfully, baby acne is not a lifelong condition. Your child will grow up with clear skin. That is, until puberty hits and then they may have to deal with acne again.
