Infant Acne – Baby Acne
Infant acne is primarily caused by fetal hormones, such as adrenal androgens, that are passed through the placenta prior to birth. Drugs, taken by the nursing mum or by the baby, can also trigger baby acne. The most common ones include: Steroids (oral or topical), anti-depressant medicines and occasionally oral contraceptives.
There are other types of acne which might develop over time, including infantile acne. Infantile acne refers to acne which expatiates three months of age or later. It is a distinguish condition from newborn acne or baby acne, which occurs shortly after the baby’s birth. Baby acne basically develops anytime between the time of delivery and three weeks of age. It has been examined that male babies are more prone to baby acne than female babies. Acne in the newborn is not usually a severe condition. Though the complexion of baby acne is troubling to mothers, it is a very common condition which affects a large number of babies.
Baby acne is a problem of skin and defined as inflamed blackheads, red pimples and whiteheads. Baby acne commonly appears on the arms, legs, shoulders, face and buttocks. Baby Acne can be seen in newborns usually between the ages of 4 weeks of age and six months of age. Not all babies get it but a large number do. Baby acne usually appears on the baby’s cheeks and on other areas of the face. Doctors say that baby acne happens as a direct result of the mother’s hormone levels when she is giving birth.
Baby acne can occur at anytime during childhood.
Actually, baby acne usually affects babies three to four weeks after birth. Sometimes however, babies even exhibit signs of baby acne right from the time they are born. The symptoms may appear and recede intermittently as the baby reaches around four to six months of age.
Signs and symptoms
Baby acne is usually characterized by small red bumps on a baby’s cheeks, chin and forehead. Baby acne often develops within the first three to four weeks after birth. Baby acne may look worse when your baby is fussy or crying. Many babies also develop tiny white bumps on the nose, chin or cheeks. These are known as milia.
Zinc is a mineral that helps with the healing of tissue as well as helping with scar prevention. Zinc is also helps the body to resist infection and inflammation. However, high doses of zinc are toxic, so avoid taking more than 100mg per day.
Prevention of Baby Acne:
Sometimes baby get rid of their acne on their own but most often they do not. Herbal baby skin care tonics can be used if it is specially formulated for baby’s skin. Be more cautious while purchasing baby skin care tonics.
Avoid harsh soaps and detergents for bathing and washing their clothes and accessories.
