When To Call The Doctor
From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.
When To See The Pediatrician About Baby Acne
Generally speaking, theres no need to see your pediatrician specifically for baby acne. If youre concerned about trying to prevent or get rid of baby acne on the face, or youre not sure whether its infant acne or something else, its never a bad idea to discuss it with babys pediatrician. It can be reassuring to find out exactly whats going on with babys skin and, in the case of baby acne, to hear directly from the doctor that its truly nothing to be concerned about.
About the experts:
Katie Pyle, DO, is a pediatrician at UCHealth Pediatric Care Clinic in Firestone, Colorado, with a clinical interest in newborn care. She earned her medical degree from Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Meagan ONeill, MD, is a pediatrician with Riley Childrens Health in Indianapolis. She earned her medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis.
Omar Baker, MD, FAAP, is an assistant clinical professor in the department of pediatrics at Columbia University and co-president of Riverside Medical Group in Northern New Jersey. He earned his medical degree from George Washington University.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
How Long Does Baby Acne Last
Baby acne usually clears anywhere from a few weeks after she’s born to the time she’s about 3 to 4 months old which happens to be a terrific time to schedule those professional pics leaving that beautiful baby skin youve been waiting for in its place.
And just in case you’re already worrying about your little one being teased in middle school, know that baby acne doesn’t leave permanent scars like the grown-up version can, and it doesn’t predict future teen acne problems.
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See A Doctor If Concerned
While baby acne usually resolves on its own, its not unusual for caregivers to seek reassurance from their pediatrician. Extensive baby acne on face and body can be especially worrisome for some caregivers, even if the breakout is brief. If you dont have an upcoming appointment when you can conveniently address it, check in with your pediatricians office to see if they offer telemedicine or an online portal solution that can conveniently get you faster answers.
As always, follow your gut when it comes to babys wellness. Fever, skin inflammation, the presence of pus, or pain upon touching the affected area are all reasons to seek medical attention more quickly. Likewise, persistent baby acne that does not resolve on its own should also be addressed by a doctor who can evaluate if treatment is required.
Baby Acne: What Causes Them And How You Can Prevent
It is a fine morning, and you are about to feed your little one when you suddenly notice something and stare at it wide-eyed. There are tiny blisters all around the babys face, neck, and parts of his torso. You have no idea how he got those as take every possible step to keep him and his clothes, crib, toys clean. Your best guess for the condition is baby acne. But wait, is acne even possible in babies?
Despite the astonishment, baby acne can occur in as high as 70% of babies including newborns . It is thus quite a common ailment. But what causes those nasty blisters and how can you treat and prevent them? Here is all you need to know about baby acne, its cause, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
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Is Baby Acne Normal
First off, yes! Dont worry. Baby acne is quite common among infants.
Newborns still have many maternal hormones circulating in their system in the first few weeks following birth. These hormones can cause pimples to develop on the face . Its not uncommon to see baby acne on the chest, neck or back, too.
Before you blame yourself, Mom, its worth mentioning that baby acne isnt only caused by maternal hormones. Because the pores in your newborns skin arent completely developed, your baby may be susceptible to developing acne caused by some other external irritant.
How Can You Get Rid Of Baby Acne
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When To Consult The Doctor For Milia In Your Child
Milia are not contagious and dont really irritate your baby. However, if you notice the spots spreading, or the skin around them is inflamed or painful, or they dont disappear over time, you must consult your doctor.
Milia are benign eruptions and can go away on their own. However, if they do not, you may consult your doctor for a remedy.
What Is Baby Acne And What Causes It
When your newborn baby is around 2 to 5 weeks old you may start to see small pimples on his face, usually on his cheeks, nose, eyelids, chin, and/or forehead. Baby acne is also referred to as neonatal acne and is commonâabout 3 in 10 babies get it.Experts are not exactly sure what causes baby acne, but it could be due to one of the following:
-
An inflammation caused by yeast on your baby’s skin
-
Overstimulated oil glands in your baby’s skin caused by coming into contact with hormones in the placenta during your pregnancy.
Baby acne has nothing to do with the type of acne that a teenager may experience.
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Do Certain Foods Cause Baby Acne
It has not been scientifically proven that any food consumed by the mother, like fatty or oily food, causes baby acne. Since babies do not eat the food, which adolescents suffering from acne eat, the possibility of acne being caused by an ingested food can be ruled out in the case of babies.
Thus, baby acne does not have a specific cause and can be conveniently described as a spontaneous event. Changes in skin structure due to its constant growth and development could be a reason since baby acne is less prevalent in premature babies whose skin is yet to attain the level of a full-term baby . It is a theory that is not scientifically proven and is just a speculation. As a parent, you need not worry about harmless baby acne, but there can be situations when you must take your little one to the doctor.
Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis
Transient neonatal pustular melanosis is a common skin condition in newborns. It appears as small pus-filled spots. It is harmless and will go away by itself.
This skin condition is more common in newborns with black skin. The spots usually disappear within , but they may leave dark marks on the skin for several months.
The spots usually appear on the following body parts:
- forehead
- small of the back
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Breast Milk The Natural Elixir For Baby Acne
There is no substitute for breast milk. It is the nourishment that makes your baby strong and gives him or her ability to fight common ailments. Breast milk also works wonders with baby acne. Soak a cotton ball in some breast milk and apply on the affected area three to four times a day. Many mothers notice a difference immediately after application of the milk.
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When Should You See Your Healthcare Provider
If anything about your baby’s complexion seems out of the ordinary, or if you’re concerned that the condition isn’t getting better after three to four months, consult your baby’s healthcare provider. The healthcare provider may a medicated cream or some other treatment. But be sure not to use any over-the-counter creams or medications without consulting your healthcare provider first, as these can damage your baby’s delicate skin.
In addition, contact the healthcare provider if you ever notice any of the following with your baby:
-
Skin blisters
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Newborn Acne Vs Infantile Acne
Unlike the tiny pimples of newborn acne, infantile acne can include blackheads, cysts, or nodules, and can persist until their first birthday.
In addition to the appearance of the acne, onset timing is also useful for distinguishing between newborn and infantile acne. Breakouts that begin in the first four weeks of life are typically newborn acne, while those that develop after four weeks are more likely to be infantile acne.
Keep The Skin Amply Moist/dry:
If it is humid summer, then keep his skin dry if it is dry winter, then keep his skin moist. Maintaining ample levels of moisture and dryness according to the season is quite important. The underdeveloped skin is too primitive to maintain moisture on its own. Therefore, it needs external intervention through moisturizers and ventilation.
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When To Take The Baby To A Doctor
Baby acne is not fatal and should not be a source of constant worrying. But there are certain situations in which you must promptly bring the condition under medical supervision:
- If the acne is too brightly red and oozes a clear discharge.
- If the acne has yellowish heads, indicating pus formation that occurs when there is a bacterial invasion of the blister.
- When the baby is in extreme discomfort due to the acne. He repeatedly cries while trying to scratch the acne.
- When the baby acne is accompanied by high fever, indicating an infection.
- If you suspect it is something beyond baby acne, a skin problem such as eczema.
An inspection of the acne by a doctor can help make an accurate diagnosis of the condition.
The Definition Of Acne
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by lesions called comedones. There are two forms of comedones: open and closed. Open comedones are more commonly referred to as blackheads. The clogged central pore turns dark in color due to air exposure. In contrast, closed comedones have a red base with a raised center that looks like pus. This version is most commonly seen in infants.
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S For Baby Acne Treatment
- 1 Dont Pick, Pop, or Squeeze:
Babys skin is delicate, and opening up pimples on their face risks damage.
- 2 Wash Baby with Lukewarm Water:
Cleansing the affected area with lukewarm, not hot, water and a soft washcloth is helpful. If youd like to use a cleanser, opt for a mild soap made specifically for babies instead of generic body soaps or adult face cleansers.
- 3 Avoid Scrubbing:
Rubbing babys acne roughly or with a coarse cloth can further irritate the skin. Instead, wash gently with a soft washcloth and mild cleanser designed for babys delicate skin. Afterward, gently pat dry instead of rubbing.
- 4 Skip the Treatments:
Babys acne may persist for weeks or even a few months, but its critical to steer clear of any over-the-counter acne treatments unless specifically directed by your doctor.
Maintain A Healthy Breastfeeding Diet
Most moms choose to feed their newborns exclusively breast milk for the first several months of their childs life, if not longer. This, of course, means that the only nutrients the baby receives come directly from their mothers milk.
Thats a wonderful choice, as studies have shown breastfeeding to have a number of important health benefits for infants. However, it does mean that mothers who breastfeed should be extra careful about what they put into their bodies. Follow our tips to have the healthiest breastfeeding diet possible!
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What Causes Milia In Newborns
Milia forms because the oil glands in newborns are still developing. The skin, which does not come off naturally, remains stuck. The blocked sebaceous glands present in the skin are basically responsible for producing an oil called sebum, which keeps the skin fresh and supple.
The oil and dead skin cells together clog the pores of your babys skin which causes a series of white spots on the surface of the skin. However, it disappears after the surface of the bump wears away, and the dead skin comes off.
Dont Use Rough Fabric
Rough and coarse fabrics such as towels, woolen clothes, and washcloths are not meant for your babys sensitive skin. The sensitive skin of babies is easily prone to infections, therefore using rough clothes might worsen the condition and spread the acne to other parts of the body. Avoid rough cloths and use soft material like cotton and polyester for your baby.
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Try The Breast Milk Remedy
There is no research to back up these claims, but many moms swear by the power of breast milk to clear up babys acne. Breast milk has high antimicrobial properties that can help keep your baby healthy. Those same antimicrobial properties can, theoretically, do just as much good when applied topically as they do when ingested.
Using a finger, just dab a small amount of breast milk on your babys inflamed skin several times a day. A great time to try this is during feeding periods when your baby is happy and content.
What Can Breast Milk Cure
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How To Care For Baby Acne
When caring for your babys acne, its best to keep it simple. Use lukewarm water and a mild baby soap to cleanse the area.
Be gentle with their skin. Avoid scrubbing your babys face or any affected areas, and pat their skin dry after washing. Dont pinch the acne or try to pop any pustules.
Dont use any medicated skin products or acne face wash on your baby unless your dermatologist recommends it. Dont apply any facial lotions, ointments, or baby oil to the areas. It could make your baby’s acne worse.