Acne is something that’s common, even expected, in adolescents and young adults, since the changes that a body goes through, hormones, and so on make outbreaks likely.  However, new parents may be surprised to find that what appears to be acne on their baby.  Though it might be something that some aren’t aware of, baby acne can indeed occur, and is actually quite common.

Appearance

Often baby acne appears as small pimples on your child’s face, often with small whiteheads.  This rash can occur on your baby’s cheeks, forehead, or chin, and can be aggravated by saliva, spit-up milk or formula, or fabrics washed in strong detergent.  Baby acne is the most common a few weeks after birth.  If the rash looks more like skin that’s scaly, chances are it’s probably another problem, such as eczema. 

Causes

Baby acne has many theorizes causes, including, just as in adolescents, hormones.  Sometimes the hormones a baby receives from the mother prior to birth have a role in encouraging baby acne.  Studies are also trying to determine if certain baby medications are also potential causes.  Currently, the main reasons behind
baby acne are not well understood.

Clearing It Up

The problem of baby acne is usually a short-lived one, lasting only a few weeks.  However, if you notice that your baby has had it for more than three months, then you should probably discuss it with your baby’s doctor.  However, until then, refrain from trying to treat it yourself.  Use of acne medicines that you can get at the store is ill-advised, since creams and oils can actually make your baby’s acne worse.  In addition to this, babies often have sensitive skin, and the use of acne medication can cause severe discomfort and irritation.

Too much cleaning can also irritate a baby’s skin and further worsen the baby acne, so when you do wash your baby’s face, do it once a day with mild soap and water.  Do not try to scrub the area, and make sure to pat the affected area dry instead of rubbing the area.  Keep in mind that baby acne does not seem to be caused by dirt and other problems, such as in adults.  In the case of baby acne, it’s best to be patient and simply wait for the problem to die out naturally.  Unlike in teens and adults, babies aren’t bothered by the sight of acne, so letting it run its course won’t traumatize the child.   Simply know that it’s a common problem and will go away.