Baby acne is mild and does not last long

Baby acne is relatively mild in nature and erupts in the form of small red rashes or white heads. Sometimes a few pimples may also pop up but this is rare. Baby acne is commonly seen when the child is around 3 to 4 months old.

Baby acne results when some maternal hormones travel through the placenta and reach the fetus. These hormones can activate the sebaceous glands present in the baby’s body to produce sebum. Excess of sebum causes mild acne problems in the new born.

However, it is a temporary condition and usually disappears as the child grows older. In most cases the acne symptoms disappear by the time the child turns nine months old. Hence you shouldn’t worry about acne problems in your child till the child attains puberty. Acne problems can resurface during the teen years when the child’s own hormonal system becomes fully functional.

Acne gets aggravated if the baby continuously keeps touching the swellings. Milk and saliva can further irritate the skin and worsen the condition. Clothing can also make a difference. Harsh fabrics tend to bruise the skin which can lead to further irritation of the skin.

A baby’s skin is extremely sensitive. And if your baby is suffering from acne problems then the skin becomes extra sensitive. That is why the best treatment for acne is to allow the acne to subside naturally.

You should not try to remove the whiteheads or the pimples on your own. It can damage the skin and lead to permanent scarring. Use a mild cleansing solution to wash the baby’s face of extra oils or dirt. Pat the baby dry after his bath using a soft fuzzy towel. Avoid using moisturizers that are cream based. They can make the skin oilier. Use a water-based moisturizer. A glycerin- based moisturizer is the best since it hydrates the skin and maintains the oil balance of the skin perfectly.

Take special care of the baby’s skin during the winter months. Dry chapped skin can turn into a breeding ground for bacteria. This can make acne worse and painful. Herbal remedies should be avoided as far as possible since there is a chance that the child might be allergic to some of the ingredients present in the product.

An ionic colloidal silver solution can be used for treating acne. It is available in all drug stores. The silver solution helps in clearing the skin of accumulated oils and dirt. It also improves the skin tone of the baby.