Neonatal acne is common skin condition that affects infants from birth to 7 months of age. Baby acne medically known as erythema toxicorum neonatorum (ETN) is harmless and no treatment is usually required. Baby acne generally looks like a red rash or bumps and mainly affects the face and trunk but can also affect other parts of the body apart from the arms and legs.
On average, baby acne seems to be more common in boys than girls. It is also common in babies who are heavier at birth and those who are fed on formula or mixed diet
What causes baby acne? The exact cause of neonatal acne is not known. It has been suggested that possibility of a normal inflammatory or immune system response in babies could be a cause. There have not been any confirmations on whether this could be related to allergies or whether the baby is breastfed or formula fed. According to webmd.com, it is thought that baby acne is caused by exposure to maternal hormones in the womb which cause overproduction of sebum clogging pores of the skin. They can last for weeks or even months on baby’s skin.
Generally, the rash is harmless and does not cause any discomfort. However, in the first few months of a baby’s life, any rash associated with other symptoms such as fever, poor feeding, lethargy, or fussiness and cough) needs to be evaluated by a pediatrician as soon as possible.
How Long Does Baby Acne Last?
Usually, the rash lasts for a few days only and will be gone by 2 weeks. Occasionally the rash can return until fourth to six months of age. Baby acne will usually go away on its own when the mother’s hormones stop circulating in the baby’s blood stream.
Home Remedies for Baby Acne
No parent likes to see red bumps on baby skin and would like to know ways to prevent and clear baby acne safely. If you are looking for how to clear baby acne, here are home remedies for baby acne that area available and safe to use on baby’s skin.Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is widely reviewed by mothers as the safest baby acne treatment. It is the most nourishing oil you can put on your child’s skin. It is easily absorbed to the skin and has long lasting benefits for the skin. It is healing oil that has natural antimicrobial properties. It is the most common among home remedies for baby acne and most mothers swear by the fact that it can prevent and get rid of baby acne or diaper rash.
- Get a little coconut oil- a little goes a long way, use sparingly
- Clean the affected area with mild soap and dry
- Apply a thin layer of coconut oil to the affected area
- Do this twice daily until the acne is gone
- You can also use coconut oil to prevent baby acne
Breast Milk for Baby Acne
Breast milk not only builds the immune system of the baby, it also has many other health benefits for the skin. Studies show that lauric acid in breast milk has anti-bacterial and acne fighting properties. Breast milk also contains omega-3 fatty acids and glyconutrients that help in gentle exfoliating of the skin and make baby acne go away.
- Clean affected area with warm water and mild soap
- Express some milk onto your palm or container
- Use a cotton pad to dab some breast milk onto the affected area and allow it to dry
- Do this several times a day until the acne clears up
Remember that breast milk might also be a trigger for formation of baby acne. Be sure to use sparingly and it is also advisable to wipe the baby dry if there are any spills.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch has natural skin drying properties and effectively helps to control excess oil production. It is for this reason that cornstarch should only be used once daily and directly on problematic areas.
- Mix a small amount of cornstarch with some water- at room temperature
- Onto clean area, apply a thin layer of this paste using your finger- DO NOT scrub
- Leave it on for 45 minutes
- Wash off with warm water and pat dry
- Do this once daily until the acne disappears
Honey and Lemon Juice for Baby Acne
Honey and Lemon juice have natural anti-inflammatory properties that are safe and effective in treating baby acne.
- Combine 1 teaspoon each of lemon juice and honey
- Dip a cotton swab in the solution then apply to the affected area
- Leave the solution on for 30 minutes and wash off with warm water and pat dry
Oatmeal for Baby Acne
Oatmeal is moisturizing and has the ability to soothe irritated skin caused by baby acne. This as home remedy is not good for baby pimples on face as contact with the eyes can cause irritation. Use oatmeal to treat baby acne on other parts of the body and soothe other rash conditions like, diaper rash and allergic skin rashes.
- In a blender or food processor, blend 1/3 cup of oatmeal until you have fine powder
- In a bath tub with lukewarm water, sprinkle the oatmeal powder and swirl around with your hand to distribute
- Carefully place the baby in the tub and enjoy bath time for at least 10 minutes
- You do not have to rinse. Simply pat dry with a soft towel
Vinegar Treatment for Baby Acne
Vinegar is a common treatment option at home. It is a good absorbent for oil and has antibacterial properties. It is normal to question how vinegar can be used on the baby’s sensitive skin but babysafetyconcerns.com offers a solution;
- Mix one part of white vinegar with 10 parts of water
- Use a clean piece of cotton to gently and slowly dab the solution on the affected area
- Leave it on for 1 minute and wash off with mild soap and warm water
Babies have sensitive skin, use sparingly and at first to be sure they have no reactions. NEVER use UNDILUTED vinegar on baby’s face. Vinegar can also be used to clean toys, fabric and even treat diaper rash in babies.
Baby Powder can Make Acne Go Away
Baby Powder also referred to as talcum powder can also be used to treat diaper rash and baby acne because it has the ability to dry out skin without clogging pores. Be sure to check out for the drying ingredient which can either be talc or cornstarch.
- Simply clean and dry the affected area
- Sprinkle small amounts of baby powder into the palm of your hand
- Use fingertips to gently rub it on the face
- You can repeat this every time your bath your baby until the acne is gone
Sprinkling baby powder to places that are prone to accumulation of sweat and wetness can also help keep the baby dry. Use baby powder with caution especially when applied near the face and lungs- it can be potentially harmful when inhaled.
Natural Remedies for Baby Acne
The baby’s skin is very sensitive and maintenance should be done with the use of gentle natural products that are safe for the baby’s skin. Natural remedies for baby acne are safe and make sure that your baby is not exposed to harsh chemicals in cleansers that can be too harsh for the acne prone skin.Cleaning is the most natural baby acne treatment that is often overlooked. Wash and rinse the baby’s clothes, bedding and toys with mild detergent. This prevents the accumulation of oil, saliva dead skin cells which can clog the baby’s skin pores making baby acne even worse. Everything that comes into contact with your baby’s skin should be cleaned frequently and using select gentle detergents.
Cleaning baby clothes ensures that there is no bacteria transmission onto the child’s skin. Remember to always wash new clothing and towel before using them.
- A daily cleanse is good for your child’s skin too and can help reduce the appearance of baby acne. Simply use warm water to gently splash clean the baby’s face and towel dry. You can also use mild fragrant free soap with warm water. You should not however overdo baby cleansing as the constant wetness can irritate the baby’s skin and make the condition even worse. Switch the baby wipes for plain warm water and clean cotton balls.
- Do not overdo baby’s baths. You should not dip your baby into the wash tub until the umbilical stump has fallen off. If your baby has any kind of rash, it is best to limit the number of times she comes into contact with water and chemicals in soaps and cleansers. Dip your baby in the tub twice a week until she starts to crawl, feed and get herself dirtier. Choose mild scent free soap for baths and stick to it to limit the variety of chemicals that come into contact with her skin.
- Reduce the irritants you expose your baby to as they can be the cause of the acne. Examples include fragrances, alcohol-containing products, strong detergents or rough fabrics.
- Limit contact with the affected area. Touching or allowing the baby to rub on the acne can cause irritation and make the condition worse. Cover your baby’s hands to prevent scratching and rubbing on the acne. It may also help to expose the affected skin to air.
- To prevent and get rid of baby acne, dress your child in light clothes when the temperatures are high. Remove layers and let your baby’s skin open to air if he seems too warm.
- It is also important for the breastfeeding mom to watch her diet. Remember that everything you eat finds its way into breast milk. Do not eat oily foods that might aggravate baby acne. Hydrate adequately as water makes sure there is a clean flow of breast milk and flushes out toxins which would otherwise go to your baby. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet as these can revitalize the baby’s skin.
- Be patient. Baby acne eventually goes away and no treatment is required. Remember that infant acne is common and may come and go for several months. As much as it might bother you that your little cookie is not as smooth, it does not bother the baby at all. It is always important to remember that before trying on any home remedies for baby acne.
How to Prevent Baby Acne with DIY Natural Home Practices
Prevention is the best way if you think your baby will get these red bumps and pimples. Here are more tips you could follow to try before the cures.- After feeding the baby, make sure you always wipe her face gently with a clean cloth dipped in warm water.
- Dry out any drool from your baby’s face every now and then
- Do not use greasy oils, lotions and creams on your baby’s skin. It can clog the baby’s skin pores, aggravate sensitivity and cause irritation.
- Don’t use any oils or creams on your baby’s skin, as they could make the acne worse.
- Don’t scrub your baby’s face-it will cause irritation and likely worsen the condition.
- Never use over-the-counter acne medication on your baby.
- If a pimple becomes red, inflamed or puss-filled, call your pediatrician in case of infection
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