by Nicole Morgan
Newborn acne is a condition that is common in newborns. Newborn acne can be present at birth or appear anytime during the first month. Newborn acne is thought to be caused by immature and clogged sebaceous glands. Many people also believe that newborn acne is a result of the mother’s hormones passing through to the baby during the final moments of pregnancy. Scrubbing a newborn baby’s face in an attempt to rid the baby of acne can aggravate the skin condition and it is strongly discouraged.
Newborn pimples and rashes can be present on the cheeks, chin, forehead and back. Male babies are more prone to develop newborn acne than female babies. Newborn acne will usually go away by the time the baby is six months old.
The most common types of newborn acne are papules and pustules. Papules are red bumps that look much like red pimples. They are small, solid and round. Pustules are also known as whiteheads. They are very small and white. The white part is where pus has gathered in your baby’s pores.
Monitor your baby’s body temperature. Bundling a baby too warmly can cause newborn acne to flare up. Being too hot can make the acne more noticeable and it will look inflamed. This is due to increased blood flow in your baby’s skin.
Newborn pimples and rashes can also be aggravated by moisture. Try to keep your baby’s mouth and face dry. Spit up can make newborn acne red because it irritates the existing bumps.
There are things that can make newborn pimples and rashes worse. Trying to scrub an infant’s skin to keep it clean can inflame the pimples and rashes. Babies who have newborn pimples and rashes have skin that is very fragile and sensitive. Continually rubbing on their delicate skin can make the condition worse. Newborn acne is not a reflection on the cleanliness of your baby. Newborn acne will pass.
Some detergents can aggravate newborn acne. Use a very mild detergent on clothing and blankets that your baby’s face will come in contact with. Holding your baby against your shoulder or placing your baby on a blanket that has been washed in a harsh detergent can make the acne worse. You should also make sure all clothing and blankets are soft. Abrasive and stiff material can irritate newborn acne.
Newborn acne does not cause any major problems for your baby. However, if it does not go away by six months you may want to have your baby’s pediatrician check your baby’s skin. The doctor may prescribe a special medication that you can apply to the affected areas.
You should not apply any oils, lotions or creams to your baby’s acne unless you are directed to do so by your baby’s doctor. If your baby’s pediatrician does instruct you to apply a cream, lotion or oil it will probably be one that is all natural.
Never use adult acne products on your baby’sskin. Many of these products contain substances that will only make your baby’s skin worse.
If you are having your baby’s portrait made it is perfectly fine to apply a light makeup to your baby’s acne. However, it should be washed from your baby’s face immediately after his or her picture is taken. Makeup will only make the acne worse. Use make up only for those special occasions such as picture taking. It should not be applied to your baby’s face on a daily basis.
The good news is that once your baby’s skin matures the acne will eventually fade away. Once they have conquered this baby acne you won’t see a bump on their faces until they reach adolescence.
About the Author
Nicole Morgan offers expert advice regarding all aspects concerning Parenting and Baby Care
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