Baby Acne - Is Your Baby Affected With Baby Acne?

Baby acne is actually quite a very common skin problem among newborn babies. The fact is that, more than 20% of newborn babies get affected by acute baby acne. Baby acne is not so serious skin problem and, with the proper care and treatment, this can be alleviated quite easily and effectively. If the newborn baby is affected by baby acne, it is a good idea to understand what it is.

The maternal chemicals or hormones that cross the placenta during delivery and stimulate the sebaceous glands of the baby cause baby acne. These hormones later on irritate the oil glands of the baby and cause pimple-like bumps all over the baby's skin. Other reasons behind baby acne can include any medications the baby may be on, or any medications a nursing mother may be taking. Normally baby acne occurs on the baby's face, chin, neck, and back. Baby acne characteristically looks like a pimple or whitehead and is surrounded by reddish skin.

Baby acne generally can appear anytime between the time of delivery and three weeks of age. It has been reported that male babies are more prone to baby acne than female babies; however, it does occur in both sexes. Normally baby acne appears itself by the age of four months. Baby acne never leave any scars on the baby's skin, however this can be extremely irritating and itchy for the baby. Baby acne can be treated very easily. It is advised to the parents to wash gently the baby's face with a mild soap and water at least once a day. Parents should not scrub the baby's skin and always pat it dry instead of rubbing. Also parents should sure not to over-wash the skin of the baby too much. Parents must keep in mind that baby acne is not caused by dirt, so over-washing can irritate it further. It is also recommended to the parents to avoid applying any type of lotions or oils to the baby's skin, as these products could possible worsen the baby acne problem.

Moreover, washing anything like cloth toys or any objects that the baby may come in contact with, including the baby's blankets, towels and bed linens in a mild detergent is also important. If baby acne appears severe, some pediatricians will recommend over-the-counter drugs such as hydrocortisone lotion, to treat the skin condition. The most effectual over-the-counter dealing with baby acne is actually the ionic colloidal silver solution. It is much safer than other skin care creams and kills the bacteria that can cause baby acne. Also the ionic colloidal silver solution can promote healthy skin growth with natural glow and reduce the uncomfortable itching caused by baby acne.

It is most important that parents do not use any over-the-counter medications for adult or teenage acne problems on the baby's skin. These types of medications are too strong for the baby's tender skin and can even further worsen or irritate the baby acne. The occurrence of baby acne is not inevitably determined by a family history of acne. Baby acne problem is simply a hormonal reaction within the baby's body shortly after birth of the baby's internal chemical reacting to maternal hormones.

• Emma Bullock
• 11/01/2009, 12:59 AM
• 0 Comments