Baby Acne Treatment

Baby acne is a common skin condition, affecting approximately 20% of all newborns. Sometimes it appears at birth, but usually it shows up a couple of weeks after birth.

Baby acne treatment products are not very common and adult acne products are not safe to use on babies, as they have a very sensitive skin which can become easily irritated. Soap or oils are not good either.

Baby Acne Facts

Baby acne is an eruption to the cheeks of a baby similar to adult acne and is more frequent in baby boys during the first few weeks after birth.

It is caused by an imbalance of androgen (the male hormone) and estrogen (the female hormone) as a result of the withdrawal of maternal estrogen after delivery. Baby acne doesn't leave scars and usually needs no treatment, but an ointment may be required to reduce irritation and itching.

Baby acne may come and go until your baby is 4-6 months old. Once you're done breast feeding, the acne should clear up. Beware of formula which contains soy milk, as it includes a high level of hormone mimicking ingredients and may develop puberty effects, such as breast or pubic hair growth, at only a few months of age.

Just as adult acne does, baby acne usually shows up as small whiteheads on the face and sometimes even on the back. These little pimples are different from the ones your baby may have had at birth, which are called milia. Milia should disappear within two weeks.

If your child has blemishes anywhere else, go to a pediatrician. He could have other skin problems, such as eczema or cradle cap.

Baby Acne Treatment

Your baby is prone to develop acne especially when he is hot or fussy or has irritated skin. Baby lotions and oils are not recommended in these situations as they may even aggravate the acne.

Don't scrub at the acne either because it may cause irritations. Baby acne is not caused by dirt, so over washing does no good. Just wash his face once a day with mild baby soap and water.

A good baby acne treatment is hydrocortisone cream or ionic colloidal silver solution. Ionic colloidal silver solution kills the bacteria that causes acne and is very effective.

For sever baby acne, some dermatologists may recommend an over-the-counter treatment, such as benzoyl peroxide or even a prescription medication.

However, patience is a virtue. Most baby acne cases cure in time and do not require any special treatment. Usually, the acne doesn't bother your baby at all so you shouldn't let it bother you either.