Skin Care Truths

If you think that only teens and adults experience the outbreak of acne, then you havent heard about baby acne

Baby acne is common nowadays. It is mainly caused by the hormones transferred from mother to baby at birth or from breastfeeding.

Baby acne usually appears as small whiteheads on the infant’s cheeks, chin and forehead. It may be present at birth or it may show up after the baby is a few weeks old.

What are some the characteristics of baby acne?

1. The pimples are actually small whiteheads that are surrounded by red, irritated and maybe even inflamed skin.

2. Baby acne may become more pronounced when your baby is hot or fussy, or if his skin is irritated.
3. Common irritants include saliva, spit-up milk, soap, and clothing that have been washed in strong chemical detergent.

There are a many factors that may cause baby acne. As with teen and adult acne, the condition can be caused by a skin irritation, certain medications, or by hormonal change.

Contact with an oil substances such as petroleum oil or mineral oil can also cause baby acne. If you are taking certain medications while nursing, or if your baby is taking some medications, this may cause a breakout.

The maternal hormones that are passed from you to the baby at the end of the pregnancy could also be the cause of your baby’s acne. Baby acne does not itch, sting, or hurt in any way. And she is too young to notice her unsightly appearance.

It is more likely that baby acne will bother you more than your baby. However, with severe cases of baby acne, the blemishes may become so swollen and inflamed that they cause your baby to feel uncomfortable. See your health care provider if you think your baby’s acne is causing her irritation.

Baby acne usually clears up within a few weeks. But it may come and go until your baby is six months old.

See your health care professional if your baby’s acne is particularly severe, or if it persists into your child’s toddler years.

How should baby acne be treated?

Do not scrub or vigorously wash your baby’s skin. This will only cause further irritation to the sensitive skin. Wash your baby’s face with water and some mild baby soap once a day. If she has particularly sensitive skin, wash with warm water only.

Avoid putting any creams, lotions or oils on your baby’s skin. These products can also irritate the baby acne. Use a natural fabric detergent that is made for sensitive skin to wash your baby’s clothes.
It is not advisable to put make-up to your baby to hide your babys acne. Baby skin is very much sensitive to chemicals and it may just worsen the condition.

But if you cannot help putting make-up to your baby, purchase an organic chemical free cosmetic that is made for sensitive skin.

You see, it is not only teens and adults that suffer from acne outbreak. Babies can also have them due to our improper handling. The bacteria from their acne can also originate from the adults they are exposed to.

You cannot just find any treatment for baby acne because of babys sensitive skin. The best thing to do is let them be because baby acne will just heal as babies mature.

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