Acne Treatment

Baby Acne Treatment

Baby acne is usually seen on the cheeks, chin, and forehead. It can be present at birth but usually develops around 3 to 4 weeks of age. Baby acne occurs when hormonal changes in the body stimulate oil glands in the baby's skin. The condition can look worse when the baby is crying or fussy or any other instance that increases blood flow to the skin. Baby acne is harmless and usually resolves on its own within several weeks.

Baby acne is not a rare phenomenon; in fact it is quite common among newborns and can even be present at birth. However, it can be a tad disconcerting for new parents when they discover pimples on their precious bundle’s chubby cheeks.

Baby acne can also be called infantile acne and like adult acne, it usually amounts to small white heads on the cheeks, forehead or chin, or less often on the back. The pimples generally tend to show up between two weeks and two months of age and they can stay there for four to six months. They also differ from the small bumps called milia that may appear on your baby’s face at birth.

The acne will show up most when a baby is hot and irritable, when there is increased blood flow to the skin. If the skin is irritated by harsh detergents or becomes wet this may also make the condition worse.

Baby acne is primarily caused by fetal hormones, such as adrenal androgens, that are passed through the placenta prior to birth. Drugs, taken by the nursing mum or by the baby, can also trigger baby acne. The most common ones include: Steroids (oral or topical), anti-depressant medicines and occasionally oral contraceptives.

There isn’t really a lot you can do to treat baby acne and sometimes it is just best to leave it alone. Gentle daily washing with mild soap and water can sometimes clear it up. Other treatments can include topical agents such as benzoyl peroxide or erythromycin gel. If the acne is severe and doesn’t clear up after six months, contact a doctor or paediatrician for further advice and treatment.