Acne is the bane of teenagers everywhere. Having itchy red bumps on one’s face is never a good thing. Unfortunately, this skin condition is not limited to teens, but may also affect babies. But what exactly is baby acne? More importantly, how do you get rid of it? Read on to find out how to get rid of baby acne.
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What is baby acne?
Baby acne is a common ailment known in the medical field as erythema toxicum neonatorum, often shortened to erythema toxicum or ETN, or toxic erythema of the newborn. As its name implies, baby acne or ETN appears during the neonatal period, which is between birth and 28 days of age. This condition looks very similar to teenager acne, as it manifests as red bumps or pimples on the face. It may also look like baby rash or eczema, however, baby acne does not come with the red patches that rash has. Despite its name, baby acne is not toxic and is generally harmless to healthy newborn babies.
What causes baby acne?
Like teenage acne, baby acne is also caused by hormones. Hormones inherited from the mother at birth seem to be culprit for this condition, though some doctors may disagree. The hormones cause the baby’s oil glands to act up, causing pimples to appear. Babies from mothers who take medication while pregnant seem to be more likely to acquire baby acne, as well as babies on certain medications. Some breastfeeding mothers found that eating certain foods (citruses like oranges, fatty foods) causes acne to appear on their babies. It doesn’t matter that much, however, since baby acne is generally harmless and does not have any long term effects on the baby’s skin.
How long will baby acne last?
Baby acne should not last very long. It will usually appear a few days after the baby is born, and may come and go until the baby is three months old. When the acne returns, however, it will be milder than when it first appeared. If baby acne doesn’t seem to be going away or is become worse, consult your doctor.
What should be done about baby acne?
Baby acne requires minimal action on the parents’ or caregiver’s part. As with teenage acne, the number one cure is to maintain cleanliness. However, a baby’s skin is very delicate and should not be exposed to harsh chemicals. Do not panic and wash the baby’s skin more than what is necessary, as it may cause the baby’s skin to dry up and lead to further skin complications. Use only the mildest soap (such as those specifically made for babies) and water to clean the baby’s skin, and gently pat dry with a towel afterward. If, despite the use of mild baby soaps, baby acne still persists, avoid the use of soaps altogether and just use warm water. Dip a cotton ball or a clean cloth in warm water and gently wipe the affected areas of the baby’s skin in order to clean it.
A mild detergent should also be used to wash the baby’s clothes, as well as the baby’s blankets, sheets, and anything that will come in contact with his or her skin. Harsh detergents will only worsen baby acne, or cause its return. Mothers, fathers, siblings, other relatives and friends who want to hold the baby should also consider using mild detergents, since once their cloths come into contact with the baby’s skin, it may irritate it and cause a breakout. Baby saliva or spit up milk, if not attended to immediately, may also worsen the condition.
Never attempt to pop a baby’s pimples the way some people do with teenage pimples, as this will only lead to skin infections and will make the baby’s complexion worse. Also, do not use any over-the-counter acne medication (such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or astringents) meant for teenagers and adults; this will also only worsen the situation. Avoid lotions and other oily substances as these may irritate the baby’s skin and prevent baby acne from clearing up.
A baby can be very fond of picking at things, and these may include his or her pimples. This will make baby acne worse and may cause an infection. To avoid this, have the baby wear mittens so that he or she will not be able to pick open the pimples. Baby acne, however, does not bother babies, so parents should not be overly stressed when dealing with it.
Some easy home remedies
If baby acne seems to be persistent for your little one, the following are some home remedies for your little one that can help alleviate the symptoms. However, do keep in mind that that if the baby acne seems to be getting worse or is on the extreme side, it is always best to consult a pediatrician.
Breast milk
A few drops of breast milk on the afflicted spots may be helpful. Leave it on the baby’s face for 15 minutes, then gently rinse with warm water and pat dry. However, if the mother’s diet consists of fatty foods, this may best be avoided as it may further trigger breakouts.
Honey and lemon juice
If breast milk does not seem like a good solution, perhaps this honey and lemon juice mixture will. A teaspoon each of honey and lemon juice mixed in a small bowl should be dabbed on the baby’s affected areas and left on for 30 minutes. Afterwards, wipe the mixture off using a soft cloth or cotton swab dipped in lukewarm water. If using a cloth, make sure that it was washed with mild detergents.
Vinegar
Vinegar is said to kill bacteria and take in excess oil, so it may be the perfect solution to acne. Pre-made vinegar solutions are available, but it is easy enough to make your own at home. Simply take a capful of vinegar and mix it with ten capfuls of water. Dab gently on the baby’s face, leave it on for a few minutes then wipe off with a clean cloth or cotton ball.
Conclusion
Baby acne is a common ailment, and parents shouldn’t worry too much about it. But of course, no one wants to see their precious one covered in pimples, so the tips above should help you with how to get rid of baby acne.
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