Has Your Newborn Developed Infantile Acne?

We have all suffered from acne at on time or the other. While many of us have had outbreaks as teenagers, some have developed rashes later in life. However, acne is known to occur even in newborns as a result of the hormonal changes taking place in the mother's body when the fetus was developing inside. These lesions are usually red in color and appear on cheeks, forehead and chin. They disappear within a few weeks' time without use of medication.

If the rashes do not clear by themselves, it is better to consult a child specialist or a dermatologist so that its cause can be found out and treatment given accordingly. This type of acne that normally occurs after three months of birth and takes time to go away is termed as Infantile Acne.

Types Of Infantile Acne

Usually acne in babies is of two types:

Papules - normally resemble pimples due to their swollen, full and red appearance.
Pustules - these are acne filled with pus and appear like whiteheads.

Causes That Can Lead To Severe Acne In Newborns

When infantile acne is diagnosed as a serious condition, examinations are carried out. The causes can be:

Hormonal imbalance: It could be that the baby's body is producing more androgenic hormone that helps in sexual development but is also known to give rise to rashes.
Abnormality in development: Acne, early in life, can also be an indicator of improper growth and development of a baby, both mentally and physically.
Drug-induced acne: It is possible that the infant came into contact with powerful drugs during birthing or while being nursed that led to severe outbreaks.

How to Treat Infantile Acne

Babies suffering from rashes on forehead, cheeks, chin or buttocks are usually prescribed benozyl peroxide for topical application. Gently washing the area with a mild cleanser and then applying the ointment helps.

Since giving oral antibiotics or isotretinoin treatment to your baby isn't an option, keeping the following things in mind can help improve the condition:-

Make sure that your baby does not scratch or touch the spots.
Give the baby plenty of fluids like water and fresh juice to drink.
Keep the child clean at all times. Clothes, bed, and pillow covers should be germ and dust free.
Consult a doctor and follow his advice firmly.

Many a times, the acne goes away in a year's time. In some severe cases it may persist even till the baby is three years old. In such cases, genetics plays an important role. The hormone producing gland in the body secretes more testerone and this is largely responsible for acne in the later years, especially during puberty.