August 29, 2007
Baby Acne Treatment Is In Your Hands
Your baby can have acne too! However, baby acne treatment is possible. But, before you jump over it, make sure whether it’s really acne or milia, something that occurs at birth.
It Is Acne When…
There are small whiteheads with red, and sometimes, inflamed skin around it. It generally occurs on your baby’s chin, cheeks, forehead, and back. Baby acne becomes more prominent when she gets hot or fussy, or has irritated skin. Her skin may get irritated due to spit-up milk, saliva, soap, and clothes that have been washed in harsh detergents.
It Is NOT Acne When…
Your baby gets tiny bumps on her face during birth. This is milia, not acne. It goes away by itself after a few weeks. If you notice acne sort of bumps behind her ears and top of her head, it’s cradle cap. If there are rashes on your baby’s skin, it might be eczema.
Causes Of Baby Acne
Baby acne treatment becomes easy when you know its causes. In adolescents, acne might erupt due to certain medications, or skin irritants in the environment, or change in hormones. However, your baby’s hormones have still many years to undergo changes. She has neither taken medications nor has been exposed to pollution. She’s just come into this world and is too young to have such experiences. The major factor that causes acne in her might be contact with oily items such as mineral oil or petroleum oil.
There are certain cases, where your baby falls sick and has to take medicines. This may lead to a breakout. Also, if you are on medication while breastfeeding, it might be a possible cause for acne. Besides this, there are certain maternal hormones passed to your baby from you at the time of birth. This may cause acne too.
Baby Acne Bothers The Mother More Than The Baby
How true! Baby acne neither itches nor causes pain in any way. One of the most severe harm that acne causes is to the self-esteem. Your face loses much of its charm due to those bumps and scars, hence, you feel doomed. However, your baby is too small to be conscious about the appearance. It is you who will be bothered about how she looks.
If the acne is severe, it may cause inflammation, making your baby fussier. This is the time to consult your doctor for baby acne treatment.
Baby Acne Treatment Is More About Don’ts Than Do’s
Usually, baby acne goes away within several weeks. However, it may show up again when she’s six months old. Here are certain things to take care of while dealing with baby acne:
- Do not scrub your baby’s skin hard. This may aggravate the condition, as she’s got sensitive skin.
- Keep your baby’s face clean by washing it once a day with mild baby soap. If your baby has hyper sensitive skin, avoid soap and use warm water.
- Do not apply lotions, creams, and oils over your baby’s skin. These products, no matter how mild they might be, worsen the acne.
- Wash your baby’s clothes with natural fabric detergent. It’s specifically for sensitive skin.
Baby acne treatment is all about taking precautions to avoid spreading it further. Call a doctor if the condition gets too severe to be handled on your own.
