Have you ever heard of baby acne?
Admittedly it does sound made up, when we think of acne we typically imagine it to be a teenage issue but that’s not always the case.
Fortunately, it’s temporary and most newborns will grow out of it within a matter of weeks.
If you want to know more about this skin condition just keep reading.
What causes it?
Like with the teen acne we’re used to, hormones are believed to be the culprits.
Yet for newborns, it’s not their hormones that are prompting the pimple problems, but their mom’s – which are still circulating in the bloodstream from pregnancy.
These maternal hormones stimulate a baby’s oil-producing glands, causing pimples to pop up on the chin, forehead, eyelids and cheeks, and, sometimes, the head, neck, back and upper chest.
On top of this, babies typically have very sensitive skin – some more than others – which can also play a part.
How to get rid of it?
Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do about infant acne, besides be patient. However, there few baby acne treatment tips you can follow:
- Don’t squeeze, pick or scrub acne.
- Cleanse the area with warm water two times a day. Pat skin dry gently.
- Don’t use soap or lotion on affected areas.
- Avoid acne or other skin care products meant for adults.
- Try natural baby acne home remedies to treat it. Some mums suggest that dabbing the affected area with breast milk can help speed the healing process.
- Ask your doctor about prescription or over-the-counter medication that might help and be safe for your baby if the acne doesn’t go away after several months.
How long will it last?
Baby acne usually clears anywhere from a few weeks after your little one is born to the time they’re about 3 to 4 months old.
Thankfully baby acne doesn’t leave permanent scars like the grown-up version can, and it doesn’t predict future teen acne problems.
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