BABY ACNE

Baby acne is a very common condition appearing in many newborns at about age 3-4 weeks. Unfortunately, the truth of the condition is that instead of seeing a beautiful newborn infant with delicate baby soft skin, the parent who is suffering from sleep deprivation at about this time, is trying to deal with an infant who is miserable and extremely fussy. Then, to top it all off, the little bundle of joy develops a case of baby acne and is red-faced from crying, has whiteheads, blackheads and pus-filled cysts on their raw and irritated faces.

Pregnancy and Hormones

Most parents are nearly frantic with worry and concern at this point. They are sure their child has some life-threatening condition that is incurable. In truth, the infant is suffering from a case of baby acne. The hormonal changes which occurred in the mother during her pregnancy also passed through the placenta to the baby. At about this period in life, the effects of the extra hormones from the mother are lessening and it is precisely those hormonal changes which are a prime factor in causing acne, whether in the adolescent years, adulthood, or infancy.

Dry Baby Skin

Many parents will assume that the baby's skin is dry, so will add extra oil to the skin, in an effort to soften and soothe. Or, the parent may assume they have failed in their duty to keep the baby's skin clean, so the parent will work harder at cleansing by using stronger soaps or shampoos.

In fact, both of these approaches can do much to worsen the condition of baby acne. The pustules, bumps, whiteheads and blackheads are neither the result of dirt, nor faulty cleaning methods. The dry and irritated skin does not additional oil. Just as in treating adolescent and adult acne problems, baby acne is best treated by a regimen of very gentle cleansing of the skin twice daily, followed by a gentle non-oily moisturizer.

Do Not Scrub or Massage Baby Skin

In both cases, it is important to pat or blot rather than scrub or massage deeply. Scrubbing at this age of life can lead to permanent skin damage, causing a risk of early wrinkling and creases in adulthood. Any procedure which stresses the cells which make up the surface of the skin can be deeply regretted in later life.

Consult with your child's pediatrician if the severity or duration of baby acne seems to be lasting longer than usual. Ordinarily, the child will outgrow the condition by about six months of age.

MAINSTAY DRUG TREATMENTS FOR BABY ACNE

2% Topical Ketoconazole (cream antifungal that kills fungi)

Topical Benzoyl Peroxide (cream that dries the skin to prevent pores from being blocked and allowing fungi to grow in them, causing inflammation).