Is your baby rocking more pimples than an eighth-grader? Don't worry, it's just baby acne making its grand entrance! It's common, starting around 2 to 3 weeks of age and affecting about 20 percent of all newborns. The good news? It's totally temporary and doesn't bother your baby at all!
What causes baby acne?
Believe it or not, those pesky pimples on your adorable munchkin's face👶 can be blamed on hormones. But here's the twist: it's not their own hormones causing the trouble. Lingering hormones from their moms during pregnancy are actually the reason why😵.
These maternal hormones stimulate the oil glands in their precious little skin, resulting in pimples popping up on the chin, forehead, eyelids, cheeks, and sometimes even on the head, neck, back, and upper chest.
How to get rid of baby acne!
Unfortunately, there's not much you can do about infant acne, besides being patient🥲. Resist the urge to squeeze, pick, or scrub the acne. Patience is key! Instead, gently cleanse the affected area with warm water twice a day and pat it dry. Remember to avoid using soap, lotion, or adult skincare products on your baby's delicate skin🫧. We want to keep them feeling fresh without any unnecessary irritation.
Is it baby acne or a rash?
Let's clear up the confusion between infant acne and another common skin condition called milia. Although they may look similar, they're actually quite different.
🧚🏻Baby heat rash
These clusters of tiny, moist, red bumps can resemble acne but tend to appear on the arms, legs, upper chest, diaper area, and, of course, the face when it's hot outside. It's like a summer surprise for your little cutie.
🧚🏻Diaper rash
This is caused by moisture, irritants, and lack of airflow. So, keep an eye out for red, irritated skin in that specific zone. Diaper duty just got a little more challenging.
🧚🏻Cradle cap
Also known as seborrheic dermatitis, this one presents itself as small red bumps that are smaller than acne. But wait, there's more! It might be accompanied by yellow, flaky skin that resembles scales. While it's commonly found on the head, it can also make an appearance on the eyebrows and upper body.
🧚🏻Infant eczema
This one's a bit more serious. It starts with dry, flaky, and red skin, usually in patches around the cheeks and scalp. But it doesn't stop there. The rash tends to spread, often reaching the elbow creases and behind the knees. And just when you thought it couldn't get worse, fluid-filled pimples may join the party. If left untreated, eczema can progress to scabbing and oozing. Time to take action!