Baby acne, also known as neonatal acne or acne neonatorum, is a common condition seen in newborn babies. Almost 20 percent of newborns suffer from it.
Baby acne is characterized by the appearance of pimples or red bumps on the baby’s scalp, forehead, and especially the cheeks. A rough skin, along with pustules, whiteheads, and blackheads is also a common indication of baby acne.
Myth 1: Baby acne is the same as infantile acne or teenage acne.
This is not true. Baby acne is not the same as infantile acne, which affects older infants over three months old. It also has no connection with the acne that teenagers and adults suffer from.
Myth 2: Baby acne can occur at anytime during childhood.
Actually, baby acne usually affects babies three to four weeks after birth. Sometimes however, babies even exhibit signs of baby acne right from the time they are born. The symptoms may appear and recede intermittently as the baby reaches around four to six months of age.
Myth 3: Baby acne is the result of poor hygiene and nursing.
On the contrary, baby acne is believed to be caused by hormones released by the mother during pregnancy. Absorbed through the placenta, these hormones play an important role in the development of the fetus during the later stages of the pregnancy. These hormones stimulate the oil glands present in the baby’s skin and are thought to cause baby acne.
The symptoms may, however, get aggravated when the baby’s skin reacts to irritants, such as detergent left behind in clothing or bedding, for instance. Increase in the flow of blood to the skin, brought about when the baby is hot or active, can also intensify symptoms of baby acne.
Myth 4: Baby acne is a serious condition that needs treatment.
This is just not true. Baby acne is harmless and does not really require treatment. The symptoms generally disappear on their own in a few weeks. Also, the application of creams or lotions—a common practice amongst parents—may actually worsen the symptoms, and should therefore be avoided. Gently washing the face daily, using water and baby soap, may help alleviate the symptoms of baby acne.
I completely disagree with the above comment regarding diet and baby acne. I ate all organic, and took excellent prenatal vitamins, yet my baby developed acne at 4 weeks of age. I took him to the doctor and was told it was best to let it go away on it’s own. I was told NOT to use any products and just wash the area once a day with plain water, and gently. This is working just fine and he’ll outgrow it in no time at all.
Some time lack in good diet during pregnancy can lead to acne problem even in new born babies. But now numerous herbal products are easily available in market to cure such diseases.
Some time lack in good diet during pregnancy can lead to acne problem even in new born babies. But now numerous herbal products are easily available in market to cure such diseases. People can consult to dermatologists of herbal acne cure centers for more assistance
In baby acne treatment, special care and attention is needed. Acne occurs just after the birth and it gives lots of trouble to babies. Several soaps and other baby caring products are available in the market.
My wife ate very well during her pregnancy, so the person saying that lack of good diet is wrong and needs to do some research before they post stupid comments. Also the comment that says that it is gives alot of trouble to babies is wrong also. It gives no trouble to the babies, and it is not a serious condition at all considering all the things that could be wrong with your child.
My baby 1 month a 2 days old and she is having a rough skin and lots of pimples all around her face,neck,inside & behind her ears, chest & scalp. Do I still consider this as baby acne??
Certain people were giving me a hard time because my 1 month old has baby acne. They implied that she is breaking out because I do not wash her face enough and her father put her into a new outfit without washing it first. (He is a first time daddy and learning and she has no sign of rash.) I tired to explain to them it is common and not a result of anything I am doing or not doing. I am now going to show them this article and hopefully the “more experienced” mothers will give this new momma a break!
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Thank you for sharing all of this. I actually had the same experience on babies having this bumps on the baby’s head and some on the face. I have no better idea back then and what we did is wash it with just ordinary soap and put some creams on it and like what you said here it just became worst. But right now I already know what to do when it happens again on my future baby. Thank again and keep it up.
faceacnetreatment(dot)org/Face_Acne/Blog/Entries/2011/9/22_Common_Myths_About_Acne(dot)html
Reading this post has encourages me no to disturb my son acne