How to get rid of baby acne

What is baby acne?

Baby acne, otherwise known as neonatal acne, is a common and temporary skin condition that can appear around 2-4 weeks after birth. This is caused by the mother's hormones that are still in their system in the first few weeks after birth. Common symptoms include red or white pimples on the skin. Around 20 percent of babies develop acne and it almost always will go away on its own after their hormone levels adjust to life outside of the womb. Baby acne is harmless and will generally not cause your baby any itching or discomfort.

If you notice that the acne on your baby is developing after about 6 weeks of age, this is called infantile acne and you might want to take the precaution of seeing a dermatologist. This will help you rule out anything abnormal going on with your baby's body, determine if a skin care product is the cause of the acne, and to prevent the possibility of permanent acne scarring. While this may sound scary, don't be alarmed -- baby acne generally will go away on its own within 6 months to a year.

How do I get rid of my baby's acne?

While baby acne will usually go away on its own, there are some simple things you can do as parents to accelerate this process. The first thing to do to treat baby acne is to make sure you are keeping the area as clean as possible. Since you may not be bathing your baby at this point, it is recommended to just use warm water to clean their face.

Breast milk has also been known to work for helping to get rid of baby acne. This can be done by applying some breast milk to a cotton ball and gently applying it to their face. It is generally advised to not use any sort of soaps or moisturizers at this point to treat baby acne.

In general, the fewer things that are in contact with your baby's skin the better. You should also take care not to touch the affected areas if possible. This could possibly result in an infection.

As a parent you want to keep track of what products you are using on your baby and how it affects them. Some babies are more sensitive than others to scents and other ingredients.

What are the differences between baby acne and a rash?

It is important to know the difference between newborn baby acne and a rash, as the latter will likely require some sort of treatment.

Heat rash is a result of blocked sweat glands and may be caused by too much skin contact or being next to a heat source of too long. This usually goes away on its own but it is important to keep the baby's skin cool and dry.

Another common skin condition in babies is Erythema toxicum. This occurs in about half to two-thirds of newborn babies within a few days of birth. The baby's skin will look red and blotchy with small blisters. This is harmless and should go away on its own within a few days.

Eczema is a genetic condition that will present itself as patches of dry skin, sometimes accompanied by redness. This is treated by using a mild eczema soap. Be careful not to give your child too many baths if they are suffering from eczema as this could exacerbate the problem. Most children will outgrow this skin condition by the age of four.

These are just a few examples of skin conditions that may appear to be baby acne but require different treatment. As with all healthcare topics, please make sure you and your doctor discuss treatment options beforehand.

How long does baby acne last?

If you're a new parent, baby acne can be an alarming sight, but don't worry - baby acne is actually quite common and temporary. Baby acne usually appears on baby's skin within the first few weeks after birth and can last anywhere from two to four months. Knowing how long baby acne lasts can help provide peace of mind that this issue is only temporary and poses no threat to baby's skin. If baby's skin does not clear up over the course of the four months it could be a sign for further examination with a pediatrician.

How can I prevent baby acne from occuring?

Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take to reduce the chance of baby acne occurring. Start with keeping your little one clean: wash their face several times a day with lukewarm water and mild soap, avoiding harsh scrubs or chemical products. Also try not to overheat their environment: keep spaces cool while they sleep and avoid covering up too much while they nap. Finally, wearing a hat or bonnet outdoors is highly recommended, as sun exposure causes inflammation which can contribute to the problem.

With these few steps in mind, you'll have taken some easy precautions against baby acne!

Do I need to see a doctor for baby acne?

Probably not. The exception to this case would be if you start to notice your baby's acne developing after 6 weeks of age. As stated above, this would possibly be infantile acne and it would be advised to see a board certified dermatologist.

As with all of our advice, please always consult with your family doctor regarding the health and treatment of your baby.

Can baby acne cause scarring?

While rare, it is possible that this condition can cause scarring, particularly if there is excessive picking or scrubbing of the affected areas. So, it is important that you keep the area clean but avoid the temptation to treat the bumps aggressively or to apply any topical products aside from those recommended by your paediatrician.

Our final thoughts on baby acne and how to treat it

Baby acne is one of the more common skin conditions out there, and fortunately, it's usually nothing to be alarmed about. The good news is that it typically clears up on its own without any special treatments. Still, if you're concerned or want to help make the process go faster, there are a few simple steps you can take. Wash your baby's face with a mild cleanser once daily, use lukewarm water during wash time, keep their fingernails short and clothes clean and avoid moisturisers or creams that contain oils as these can actually worsen acne.

Although it might look scary at first, baby acne is something many infants experience and ultimately outgrow.

With some patience and basic care tips for your little one's skin, baby acne will soon be just a phase in the past!