Baby Acne – Baby Tips: Get Rid of Baby Acne
Infant acne has been described as a natural step in the maturation of your baby’s oil glands. It is not always pretty too look at, and there is no surefire cure except for patience, as the condition tends to clear up by six months at the very latest.
The Appearance of Irritation on Baby’s Skin
Most times baby acne presents as tiny whiteheads on baby’s face, neck, and chest. The skin around them might be a flushed red color, or normal skin tone. Overheated skin can aggravate the appearance of acne; if your baby gets too warm, his or her acne may appear more pronounced for several hours afterward. Contact with rough fibers, like snuggling up to mom’s sweater, can have a similar effect, as can chemicals in baby products like shampoo and lotion.
Improving the Appearance of Baby Acne
There are a few things that can be done to help improve the appearance of infant acne. Most of the time home remedies can take care of the problem. First, try to keep tabs on how warm your baby gets during the day. He or she may need a couple of costume changes to keep his or her body temperature regulated. Next, establish a routine of cleansing the baby’s face and neck with a clean cloth and warm water. If infant soap seems to help, feel free to use it, but if it is the culprit of the baby’s irritated skin, it’s best to skip it. (Note: don’t forget to wash behind the ears and in the folds of the baby’s neck; milk or formula can sneak in those spots and be missed during bath times!)
If you suspect the soap or lotion used during bathtime is the cause of some irritation, either replace it with something with fewer ingredients, or get in the habit of rinsing baby’s skin with fresh, warm water at the end of a bath. Keep a pitcher of warm water handy and, as your baby’s bath drains, use a clean washcloth to rinse their body (quickly, so they don’t get chilly!) As for moisturizer, it is not always necessary, but olive oil makes a great alternative.
Breastmilk Can Help Relieve Baby Acne
Finally, the secret weapon for almost every ailment a baby could have: mother’s milk. Breastmilk contains natural antiseptic qualities, among many other qualities, and applying a few drops of breastmilk to the irritated spots on baby’s face can work wonders.
Never try to use the same techniques that an adult would use to fight acne. Your baby’s skin is infinitely more sensitive and delicate, so chemicals could burn, and picking, squeezing, or extracting could lead to infection, bruising, or other results that are far worse than the acne would be. Stick to remedies that are simple, gentle, and natural, and above all, if you have any doubts or questions, call your baby’s pediatrician for professional advice.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her child’s health should contact a doctor for advice.
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