Dealing with Baby Acne
Acne is a skin condition that affects teenagers, and adults alike, but it is also known that 20 percent of all newborn babies have acne. Because of this fact, it is very common if properly taken care of and is really nothing to be concerned of. With all acne, there are proper measures used to deal with baby acne.
Babies develop acne due to the stimulation of the sebaceous glands by the maternal hormones past through to the placenta during the time of delivery that irritate the oil glands in the baby, thus causing acne. Because the baby has been protected for nine months in the womb, these hormones that pass through from the mother are now cut off, causing a skin reaction known as baby acne.
Another proven cause of baby acne is the stimulation of oil glands under the fragile skin of the baby. Again, this is nothing to be concerned about as the bumps appear on the nose, forehead and cheeks because this is where the oil glands are located and are actively working.
Some of the other causes of baby acne include contact with dirty or soiled clothing and clothing materials, such as blankets, and towels. The baby’s natural defense in dealing with this outside dirt is baby acne. Using a mild detergent to clean soiled clothing is also a good way to make sure that your baby’s acne is not irritated. Perfumes, lotion, and oils only exacerbate the condition of extra oil stimulation under the baby’s skin. Keeping not only the baby clean, but it living area clean as well will help cause this condition to improve in a timely and safe manner.
It has been observed that a baby can develop this condition about three weeks after delivery, but it has also been known to show up right at the delivery date. Records also show that male children develop this condition more than females. These small bumps appear around the chin, forehead, and cheeks. It is noted that these bumps become worse when a baby is fussing or crying. Also, other reactions that stimulate the baby’s blood flow will also cause the bumps to appear worse.
The good thing about dealing with baby acne is that generally clears up on its own without any serious treatment in about the fourth month. Parents are encouraged to gently cleanse the area with water and mild baby soap. This should be done about one to two times per day until the area clears. It is also recommended that you abstain from using lotions, or oils that are available on the market.
If the parent is especially worried, a physician can recommend an over the counter, topical cream to be applied to the infected area. Such creams include hydrocortisone, or an ionic colloidal silver solution. This treatment is much safer than the hydrocortisone because it is more effective in killing the bacteria that resides in the excess oil, but can also relieve the itching.
