Although new parents are often concerned about the occurrence of acne in
their children, it is a very common condition. More than 30 percent of babies
are either born with acne or develop a rash very soon after birth. Acne in
babies generally starts when they are about three weeks old. This condition can
last until a child is four to six months old in some cases. Some research
studies have indicated that baby acne is frequently caused by hormones that are
passed from the mother to the baby through the placenta before birth. The
studies have also found that these hormones stimulate the oil glands of the
baby's skin and result in acne.
Sometimes, the baby will have pimples, but most baby acne occurs in the form
of a red rash. Whiteheads are common as well. The face is the most common site
of baby acne, but the condition may also appear on the arms and chest. In some
cases, acne in babies can become severe. This is often the case when a baby is
agitated such as when he or she has become over-heated, or if some illness is
involved. If there is irritation to the baby's skin, the irritation will cause
the acne to get worse. Therefore, it is important that any towels and bibs that
will come into contact with the baby are not washed in harsh detergents.
Additionally, some experts have suggested that parents always carefully remove
saliva or milk from their baby's face to avoid the possibility of further
irritation in that area as well.
The spread of baby acne can be controlled if parents make a point of washing
the child's face with a mild baby soap and water. There is no need for parents
to search for a cure for baby acne. It is a common condition that, with time,
will clear up on its own. It is also important that parents do not apply oils or
medications to the baby's affected skin. These applications will not help, and
they may even worsen the skin's condition.
Of course, parents should always make sure that their baby's skin condition
is really baby acne and not a sign of another problem such as an allergy. If
they suspect that their baby is having an allergic reaction, parents should try
to find the source of the irritation and remove it.
