Your baby has infantile acne? Here's all that you want to know

Acne is a common skin condition, characterized by eruptions on the face, chest or back. Though acne generally afflicts teenagers, it's not uncommon to find it in newborn babies too. Acne in babies is known as infantile acne.

What Is Infantile Acne?

If your little one has those small red or pink bumps on his face, you needn't lose your sleep over it. It may look just like the ones in teenage period; but in case of babies it happens due to hormonal changes. It mostly goes off in a matter of weeks on its own. Generally it does not require any treatment too.

Why Does This Happen And What To Do?

Some times maternal hormones may enter the baby's body through the placenta. Thus mothers suffering from acne problem have a high chance of giving birth to babies with infantile acne. The hormones produce the little oil glands on skin to form lesions. These may come out anywhere from 2 weeks to 4 months of the baby. It may be cleaned once a day with mild baby soap and water. Don't use lotions.

When Should The Doctor Be Consulted?

  • If the problem persists beyond several weeks or aggravates: The possible causes may be abnormal or early sex hormone production. It may also be some side effect of any drug taken by the mother or the baby too.
  • If it develops between 2 to 6 years age of the child: This age group is known as acne free zone. Acne formation this time can only be possible due to low production of androgenic hormones, which are necessary for the growing baby.
Treatment

Infantile acne is treated the same way as teenage acne. Generally cleansing and applying topical agents is only involved. However, in some severe cases doctors may prescribe antibiotics. The treatment should be continues as long as acne persists.

Some Facts About Infantile Acne

  • Infantile acne does not indicate over-aging of the baby.
  • It is not a prelude to heavy teenage acne.
  • It is more common in boys than in girls.
  • Don't shy away in taking pictures of your baby with acne, it's normal.
  • Lesions may come up in the scalp too.
  • Oils and lotions aggravate the problem.
  • It can be inherited.
  • Denied proper attention may lead to life-long scars.

Infantile acne is not a problem but a general condition. So, don't panic. Seek a doctor's advice, if needed.