Baby acne - causes and treatments for baby's delicate skin

Baby acne is not a rare phenomenon. In fact it is quite common in new borns and is often present at birth. Even so, pimples at such an early age can be a tad disconcerting for new parents, so it helps to understand a little about the condition, what it looks like and what to expect, as well as possible causes and cures.

Baby acne can also be called infantile acne and like adult acne, it usually amounts to small white heads on the cheeks, forehead or chin, or less often on the back. The pimples generally tend to show up between two weeks and two months of age and they can stay there for four to six months. They also differ from the small bumps called milia that may appear on your baby’s face at birth.

The acne will show up most when a baby is hot and irritable, when there is increased blood flow to the skin. If the skin is irritated by harsh detergents or becomes wet this may also make the condition worse.

Baby acne is primarily caused by fetal hormones, such as adrenal androgens, that are passed through the placenta prior to birth. Drugs, taken by the nursing mum or by the baby, can also trigger baby acne. The most common ones include: Steroids (oral or topical), anti-depressant medicines and occasionally oral contraceptives.

There isn’t really a lot you can do to treat baby acne and sometimes it is just best to leave it alone. Gentle daily washing with mild soap and water can sometimes clear it up. Other treatments can include topical agents such as benzoyl peroxide or erythromycin gel. If the acne is severe and doesn’t clear up after six months, contact a doctor or paediatrician for further advice and treatment.

Baby boys seem to develop acne more so than girls and individuals who develop severe acne as a child are more likely to have acne problems at puberty.

© The Pink Fridge Online Magazine 2008 - Baby Acne

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