Natural Treatment for Baby Acne: Simple Tips to Keep Your Baby's Skin Clear

Natural Treatment for Baby Acne: Simple Tips to Keep Your Baby's Skin Clear
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What is Baby Acne?

Baby acne is a condition that affects approximately 20% of newborns. The most common types of acne that infants have are papules and pustules. Papules appear as small, round, red bumps similar to a red pimple. Pustules are whiteheads which look like small bumps on the skin with some pus. The acne will appear more prominent when your baby is hot or fussy because of the increased blood flow to the skin. Baby acne can be present at birth but generally develops at approximately 3 weeks old. Male babies develop acne more frequently than female babies. Although baby acne usually occurs on the face, it also commonly appears on the scalp, back and stomach. Fortunately, this natural treatment for baby acne is all that is required to keep your newborn’s skin clear.

Causes of Baby Acne

There are several conditions that may lead to your baby’s acne. During labor and delivery your baby’s sebaceous glands are stimulated by the mother’s hormones in preparation for life outside the womb. These hormones are able to cross the mother’s placenta and may cause the formation of acne. Another cause can be attributed to certain foods or medications that the mother took while she was pregnant or nursing. In addition, some medications that are given to newborns can cause the acne. However, like other types of acne, one exact cause of baby acne has yet to be determined, and there is nothing specific a mother or parent can do to prevent it.

Natural Treatment for Baby Acne

Baby acne is very simple to treat. Gently wash your baby’s face and any other affected areas one to three times a day with a soft cloth and warm water. Pat dry the skin thoroughly after bathing. Do not scrub or pinch the acne as this could possibly cause more irritation and infection. Do not use any skin care products such as lotions, oils, or powders, as this may aggravate the condition. Do not use any over-the-counter creams or medications. Those treatments will not work, will be extremely abrasive on a newborn’s skin and could potentially cause your baby harm.

Dress your baby in loose, comfortable cotton clothing and, if possible, keep the affected areas uncovered. Limit the use of hats and bonnets. Some elements in laundry detergents may exacerbate the problem so it is important to use a detergent that is perfume and dye-free. Wash your baby’s clothes and linens as well as your own in this type of detergent. Breast milk and formula left on your baby’s face may clog pores and make the acne worse, so it is important to clean your baby’s skin quickly after feedings. If desired, you may apply a small amount of breast milk to the acne and then wash it off after 10 minutes to help treat the acne. If breastfeeding, it is important to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and drink plenty of water.

By following this natural treatment for baby acne you can be assured the problem will clear up on its own in just a few weeks. The acne may continue to come and go until your baby is 6 months old, but they will outgrow it. If the acne lasts for 3 months straight, or is extremely red and irritated, it is important to consult your pediatrician.

Resources

Mayo Clinic: Baby Acne - www.mayoclinic.com/health/baby-acne

Baby Center: Baby Acne - https://www.babycenter.com/0_baby-acne

Photo Credit

Wikimedia Commons - Carin Araujo

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