Baby Acne
There are two skin conditions that cause great angst in parents - one is baby acne and the other is not. The good news is that neither occurrence is any reason for alarm. Babies often have either small red bumps or small white bumps on the cheeks, forehead or nose within a few weeks of birth. It is sometimes present at birth and red bumps can appear on the baby’s back or white bumps can appear in the mouth. This causes parents to wonder if they have done something wrong of if the baby has “caught” something! The answer to both concerns is “No.”
The reddish bumps are called baby acne and thought to be a result of the dose of hormones received by the baby in the late stages of pregnancy, although the exact causes are still unknown. This condition is more common in boys, and will most likely clear up on its own within a few weeks. If, however, the condition persists for several months a trip to the doctor may be in order. This will make the parent feel better! The doctor may prescribe a topical treatment at this point. In most cases, all that is needed is time for the complexion to clear.
The small white bumps that commonly appear across the nose, cheeks and chins are not baby acne. It is called milia and is simply dead skin that is trapped in pockets just under the surface of the skin. Similar cysts may appear in the mouths of babies and are called Epstein’s pearls. Again, they are fairly common and require no treatment. They will most likely disappear on their own with no complications. If these appear elsewhere on the body, a visit to the doctor will determine if it is another type of skin condition.
The most important factors with baby acne and milia are parent behaviors. Do not scrub you baby’s tender skin. This will irritate the area further and possibly cause scarring. Also, do not use oils or oil-based creams. This will likewise increase the frequency of the condition. Do not pick or pinch the eruptions. They will disappear on their own. Wash your baby’s skin with mild soap and pat the area dry. If you feel you must consult your physician, then by all means do that. Remember that your child is not bothered in the least about this, so try not to worry yourself too much!
