Baby Acne

Your baby’s skin irritation may well be baby acne, but it could also be a number of other conditions.  Baby acne usually occurs on your baby's cheeks, forehead, chin, and even back.  The pimples are usually small whiteheads surrounded by red, irritated skin.  Baby acne may become more pronounced when your baby is hot or fussy, or if his skin is irritated from saliva, spit-up milk, soap, and clothing that has been washed in strong chemical detergent. 

Bumps on your baby's face at birth may also be milia. These little bumps are unrelated to acne and usually disappear on their own within a few weeks. Cradle cap is another condition that can irritate your baby's skin and be mistaken for baby acne.  However, this condition looks scalier than acne and usually occurs on other parts of the body such as the top of the head and behind the ears.

There are a number of factors that can cause baby acne. As with adolescent acne, the condition can be caused by skin irritation, medications, or by hormonal changes. Contact with oil based substances such as petroleum oil, mineral oil and some moisturizers or soaps can cause baby acne.  During birth and breastfeeding, hormones are transferred from mother to baby.  These hormones can have the same affect on baby as they do Mom.  Because of these hormonal changes, baby acne can develop in the child at birth, but it may show up after birth, especially during breastfeeding.  In addition, if Mom is taking certain medications while nursing, or if your baby is taking medication, these may also cause breakouts.

Baby acne usually clears within a few week, but it may come and go until your baby is six months old.  See a local acne physician if your baby's acne is particularly severe, or if it persists into your child's toddler years.

More often than not, you will be more affected by your baby's acne than he is. Baby acne usually doesn't itch, sting, or hurt in any way. Your baby is too young to notice his unsightly appearance, so it's more likely that baby acne will bother only you. With some severe cases of baby acne, blemishes may become so swollen and inflamed that they cause or add to your baby's fussiness.  You should consult your physician if baby acne is widespread, with large and inflamed lesions.

When treating baby acne do not scrub or vigorously wash your baby's skin. This can cause further irritation to sensitive skin. Wash your baby's face with mild baby soap and water once a day, and if he has sensitive skin, use warm water only.  Avoid using heavy creams, lotions or oils until the condition clears.  Use only a natural fabric detergent that is made for baby's clothes.