Infant acne: A Result Of Hormonal Crossing Over During Pregnancy

It is really unfortunate that infant acne can ruin one’s impression of the baby as being a lovely gentle creature blessed with soft pink and unblemished skin that radiates with good health and which makes the infant that much more lovable and cute. Perhaps, infant acne is the last thing one would associate with these wonderful bundles of joy. However, in reality this is a condition that is often seen on the faces of many babies and may be found to make its appearance at as early an age as just three to four weeks, though it can even affect newborn babies as well.

Temporary In Nature

Nothing will ruin the mood of parents as much as when they begin to notice infant acne signs on their newborn baby’s face, though these nasty little red bumps are thankfully temporary in nature and often do not require to be treated in any special way. Patience is required as they may stay on for a while before disappearing, and it is often noticed that infant acne is something that sporadically appears and disappears till the time the infant reaches the ripe old age of six months!

As awful as it is for parents, infant acne must still be discussed with a dermatologist and not be left unattended. A doctor will be patiently able to advise you about the condition and its consequences to the baby’s well-being. It may have come about due to hormones crossing over during the mother’s pregnancy, and infant acne is a visible evidence of active hormones in the baby, and it also indicates that the baby is undergoing the process of getting rid of his or her hormones.

Infant acne may also be indicative of a cleansing process in the baby’s system that is getting rid of its unwanted hormones. Also, the reaction of each baby to the condition would be different, and it is nothing but a natural process within the baby’s system and does not warrant outside help. It is in fact, a good idea to let the condition run its own course; otherwise, it may cause the baby’s system to make a great effort in trying to remove unwanted hormones.

It is not right for parents to consider infant acne as being a result of dirty or oily skin, and they need not wash the baby’s face constantly in order to remove the condition. On the contrary, it can even worsen the condition as frequent washing will lead to inflamed skins, and thus it is very necessary to keep it uppermost in mind that it is hormones that cause the condition, and not oil or dirt.

Understanding Baby Acne

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.