When you pictured your newborn baby before he was born, you probably imagined that he would have the smooth, flawless skin that is characteristic of newborns. If your child develops acne on his face or ears, you may be surprised and concerned, and you may wonder what you wrong. Rest assured that you didn't do anything to cause your baby's acne. Like teenagers, some babies are more prone to acne than others.
Baby Acne
Baby acne may occur on the chin, cheeks or even the ears. Like teenage acne, the pimples will appear red and have white or green centers. Whiteheads, or white dots surrounded by red, inflamed skin, may also appear. If your baby has white bumps that do not appear inflamed and do not lead to pimples, these bumps may be milia, which are not related to acne. Milia are normal bumps that appear on a newborn's face. If your baby experiences a rash that does not form pimples, he may have eczema or a skin irritation caused by contact with something in the environment.
Causes
Pediatricians and researchers haven't come to a consensus about what causes baby acne. Many experts believe that the acne may be a result of the mother's fluctuating hormone levels at the end of the pregnancy. However, baby acne sometimes appears weeks or even months after they are born. As a result, some experts say that baby acne might be caused by clogged pores or irritation from harsh detergents, just like teenage or adult acne.
Treatment
Wash your baby's face with a mild soap meant for babies and water once a day. Do not use astringents or other products meant for adult acne on your baby's face. You also do not need to scrub his skin because baby acne isn't caused by dirt or lack of hygiene. If the acne is very severe, your pediatrician might recommend a mild soap or treatment, but typically no medication is required. The acne will go away on its own within a few months.
When to Consult Your Pediatrician
If you are worried about the acne or if your child appears to be in pain, contact your pediatrician. If the pimples appear in conjunction with a fever or if they grow larger and appear to be sores rather than pimples, contact your physician because she may have an illness, such as chicken pox, or she may be suffering from an insect or spider bite. If this is the case, your baby needs medical attention to make sure that the condition doesn't become worse.
