Other theories for the cause of baby acne include the diet of the mother during pregnancy or while nursing. While it has been shown that diet can be a trigger for acne outbreaks, for the most part adults are more prone to acne based on stress, genetic and the accumulation of dead skin cells. The causes of acne in adolescents and adults is well documented to be unlikely related to certain foods, which puts a damper on this theory of baby acne cause.

Typically, baby acne will appear on the cheeks and often include pimples on the chin and neck. For the most part keeping the infant’s skin clean is the most important thing a new parent can do to help clean up the baby acne from their child’s face.

Avoid Harsh Treatment Of The Baby’s Skin

When a newborn suffers from baby acne the parent should never use over the counter acne medication and in most cases the acne will disappear on its own. The parent should also avoid the use of heavy oils and creams on the baby as they can exacerbate the problem actually causing the baby acne to become worse and slow the process.

If the outbreak of baby acne lasts longer than three months, the parents may want to consult with their pediatrician to determine if the pimples are actually caused nu baby acne or are the result of something else. Cradle cap and eczema can sometimes take on the appearance of acne and is often confused by new parents.

Skin affected by baby acne can also become irritated by regurgitated milk and other foods that remain on the baby’s skin as well as rough clothing that irritates the affected area. Low-dose antibiotics may be prescribed in certain cases, but rarely should the parents be more concerned about the appearance of a few pimples on the newborn’s face than they are about the overall health of the infant.

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Causes of Infant Acne

Infant acne is very common. Babies may be born with acne or develop acne within 2 to 4 weeks of birth. This type of acne usually occurs on the chin and cheeks but may also appear on the baby’s forehead or back. Infant acne may present as red pimples or as whiteheads and is usually surrounded by reddish skin, or skin that appears flushed or irritated. Infant acne should not be confused with other common infant skin conditions such as milia or eczema. The acne will appear more severe when babies are hot, fussy, or when in contact with breast milk. Though wiping the face may make the condition seem worse, it normally resolves itself without medical treatment.

Causes of infant acne include everything from the mother’s hormones prior to giving birth, medications taken by the mother or the baby before or shortly after birth, and allergies to formula or breast milk. Though it can last from weeks to months, the condition does not cause babies any discomfort. A dermatologist should be consulted if the acne grows worse, is uncomfortable to the infant, or lasts over three to six months with no resolution. Parents should not overly concern themselves with their baby’s appearance as acne does not harm the baby though it may be a temporary imperfection.  

Treatment of Infant Acne

Infant acne usually resolves itself within 4 to 6 months after birth. Some things that may exacerbate the condition include oils, rubbing the skin, or excessive cleansing. Infant acne is not caused by dirt, and over-washing the skin will only irritate the skin-and the infant. Washing the face with water or a mild cleanser once daily will keep the skin clean without causing irritation. Moisturizing the skin, particularly with lotions containing oil will cause more acne, so this should be avoided. Babies should be checked for skin or food allergies if acne worsens over time. A child dermatologist or pediatrician should be consulted if the acne does not resolve or if the infant has other ailments such as fever, excessive fussiness, or if acne contains pus or lesions. Acne treatment products for teenagers and adults should never be used to treat infant acne. 

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Babies, especially newborns, often get acne bumps that are caused by natural skin oil becoming trapped in hair follicles. While mostly found on the cheeks, it’s not uncommon for babies to have acne on their forehead or chin as well.

Just continue to bathe your baby as normal using a clean and soft washcloth and your normal baby soap as long as it is hypoallergenic. Otherwise, switch brands to something that is.

If the condition appears to worsen, or it doesn’t clear up within a few weeks, then ask your doctor for advice.

Adolescent and Teen Acne Issues

While the occasional blemish can break out at any age, persistent acne usually begins about the same time your child enters puberty.

Forget the old wifes tales about eating too much chocolate or oily foods. Adolescent and teen acne results from a natural increase in body oil which becomes trapped in pores. And it’s not about failure to wash the face enough either. In fact, washing too much can actually irritate the skin, clog the pores, and cause more acne.

Child Acne Prevention and Treatment

While prevention may not be possible, you can reduce the appearance of your child’s acne by encouraging him or her to gently wash twice a day using warm water, a soft facecloth and a mild hypoallergenic soap.

If your daughter wears makeup, help her to choose cosmetics which are labeled ‘noncomedogenic’ since they are specially formulated not to promote acne. Also encourage her to never go to bed without removing her makeup. Tell your child that ‘popping’ just makes things worse.

Most acne responds well to over-the-counter products containing benzol peroxide. This ingredient is available in a number of different lotions and cremes from several manufacturers. Save yourself some money by comparing store brands with national brands. If the ingredients are the same and they are present in the same levels, go for the cheaper one.

The percentage of available benzol peroxide varies among brands. Choose a product with the highest concentration possible, but always test a dab on an inconspicuous portion of your child’s body to see if there is any reaction.

If you do not see a marked improvement within 4-6 weeks after treatment begins, take your child to their regular doctor for an exam and treatment advice. There is no need to head straight to a dermatologist unless your child’s regular doctor suggests it.

There is no convenient time for an acne breakout in children. Be available to provide the emotional support that your child will need to help him or her through the social stigma that comes with acne. It’s a lot bigger deal to them than it is to us.

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To the dismay of their parents, many newborn babies often experience skin breakouts that are alarmingly similar to acne.  These bumps are in fact often referred to as ‘baby acne.’  But what are these unsightly bumps that usually manifest themselves as white bumps?  Fortunately, baby acne is usually nothing to worry about.  The condition is quite common and usually clears up on its own.  But what causes baby acne?  And when do you know when it’s time to seek professional help? 

Baby acne can be traced to the many hormones that pass through the placenta right before the birth of an infant.  Many babies are born with baby acne, but still others develop the condition days or weeks after birth.  The occurrence of baby acne can basically be attributed to the hormones that are passed from mother to child.  When a child is in the womb, they are exposed to varying hormonal changes and fluctuations.  When a baby receives a surge of these hormones, and the right conditions are in place, a baby will likely develop baby acne.  What are the right conditions?  The infants whose hair follicles are naturally well oiled are more vulnerable to experiencing baby acne. 

How do you know if your baby is suffering from baby acne?  In general, baby acne manifests itself as small whiteheads that appear on the chin, forehead, and sometimes the child’s back.  The whiteheads usually are accompanied by a reddening of the skin.  The red, inflamed skin and whiteheads may become exacerbated or more pronounced when your child becomes fussy, irritated, hot, or when spit-up or saliva remains on the affected area.  Sometimes, strong dyes or perfumes on the baby’s clothing or blankets may also promote a breakout. 

How long can you expect baby acne to last?  In general, most cases of baby acne will gradually recede without treatment.  Most of the time, baby acne will diminish after a few weeks.  Reoccurrence is common after a few months. 

Many times, infants develop other skin irritations that are easily confused with baby acne.  Other similar conditions include milia, eczema, or cradle cap.  Milia are most commonly confused with baby acne.  Milia are tiny white bumps that appear on a child at birth, and which usually diminish quickly, usually two weeks after birth.  Eczema and cradle cap usually manifest themselves as red, rash-like breakouts.  These conditions cause the skin to appear more scaly rather than pimpled. 

What can you do if your baby gets baby acne?  Usually, no aggressive treatment is necessary, as the condition tends to diminish on its own after a few weeks.  To soothe your baby, use very mild, gentle soap to cleanse your child’s face once a day with lukewarm water.  The use of lotions and oils are not recommended, as these may only aggravate the condition.  Avoid excessive cleansing, scrubbing, or use of moisturizers.  Baby acne is almost never caused by dirt or debris; so excessive cleansing will usually not help.  Also, strive to wash your baby’s blankets and clothing in very mild detergent that is free of harsh perfumes or dyes.  You may also want to avoid wearing strong or heavily scented lotions or perfumes around your baby.  Keep your baby away from secondhand smoke and other environmental pollutants, as these may only further exacerbate their condition.  Be patient, knowing that the condition will gradually diminish with time.

If you notice the condition worsening, or if it does not disappear after six months, visit your pediatrician.  Your pediatrician may prescribe a mild topical agent that can help calm your child’s skin.  In most cases, your pediatrician will try to rule out other potential conditions by taking a medical history of the child’s immediate family.  In rare cases, baby acne may be indicative of the very early production of sex hormones.  The early production of sex hormones may require continual medical attention, as early production of sex hormonal may signal developmental abnormalities. 

Another possible cause of baby acne is that the child may be experiencing a reaction to a certain medication.  Parents should work with their pediatricians to isolate any possible reactions to medication.  Usually, after use of the medication has been discontinued, a child’s baby acne should quickly clear up. 

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