The skin is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for protecting the body from foreign invaders. Dr. William Sears of "The Baby Book" states that many childhood blemishes are normal and will go away with gentle treatment and time. The parent or caregiver of any child who experiences a severe rash or large, pus-filled boils should contact the child's health care provider immediately to ensure proper treatment.
Milia
In the first few weeks of infancy, babies may have an eruption of tiny whiteheads, called milia, which are caused by oily secretions plugging the skin pores. These milia are completely normal and will disappear within a few weeks without any treatment. To encourage the health of your baby's skin, aromatherapist Jeanne Rose recommends this treatment on a regular basis: fill a small bottle with extra-virgin olive oil. Add 5 drops of lavender oil, 5 drops of roman chamomile oil and 4 drops of rose oil, and massage the mixture into your baby's skin.
Newborn Acne
Increased hormones in the baby at birth may cause the overproduction of an oily substance called sebum, which can plug the glands of the skin; this can result in inflammation and the formation of pimples. To help clear up the skin, a conventional doctor may prescribe an over-the-counter antibacterial cream containing salicylic acid. Parents who wish to avoid the use of chemicals on their baby's skin may want to discuss the underlying cause of the breakouts with a naturopathic physician. Naturopathic physicians often approach health issues from a more systemic frame of mind and may recommend homeopathic or herbal treatments to help balance the baby's entire system, treating the skin condition in the process.
Acne Prevention Blend
According to German holistic skin expert Dr. Hashka, the absence of healthy levels of oil on the skin causes the overproduction of oil, which, in turn, clogs the pores. Traditional skin cleansers tend to strip the skin of its natural oil, creating an imbalance which then manifests as childhood and adolescent acne.
Apply this blend of skin-balancing oil to your child's skin in the morning and evening. Pour 1/4 cup extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive oil into a small bottle and add 10 drops of lavender oil, 8 drops of rose oil, and 10 drops of roman chamomile oil. Wash your child's face and gently pat it dry, then put 1 to 2 drops of the oil into your palms, rub them together and gently press your hands onto your child's face to apply the oil. Children over a certain age will enjoy doing this themselves.
Infected Blemishes
When your child develops an infected blemish, rather than using over-the-counter treatments that can cause excessive drying and irritation to her sensitive skin, apply a few drops of tea tree or lavender essential oil. This provides a powerful dose of antimicrobial elements to the inflamed blemish, often with positive results overnight. Always be sure to test your child's skin for sensitivity and dilute with a carrier oil, like olive oil, if needed.
Blemishes Caused by Allergies
Naturopathic physician Robert Ullman states that some childhood blemishes are an indication of food or environmental allergies. A typical occurrence of allergy-related blemishes is the emergence of deep boils or pimples on the buttocks. This type of childhood skin infection can be chronic and painful. Any indication of allergies or infection in your child warrants a call to your child's health provider. Serious infections like this can result in blood poisoning and need to be monitored.
References
- "Your Baby and Child: From Birth to Age 5"; Penelope Leach; 1997
- "The Aromatherapy Book"; Jeanne Rose; 1992
- "Homeopathic Self-Care"; Robert Ullman; 1997
- "The Baby Book"; Dr. William Sears; 2002
