Causes & Management Of Acne In Babies: A Must Read For Parents

Did you know that even the youngest of us can get acne? Yes, I am talking about babies. While acne is usually associated with young adults and teens, it is important to note that babies and toddlers can develop it as well. Surprised? It may seem unlikely but it's true. In this blog, we have explored some of the most common causes of acne in toddlers/babies. 

Types Of Acne In Babies

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that develops when the skin pores get clogged with dirt, dead skin cells and oil. Paediatric Dermatologists broadly classify acne in babies into two categories - Baby acne (or Neonatal cephalic pustulosis) and  infantile acne. 

• Baby acne refers to the acne seen in babies lying in the age group of 0 - 6 weeks, especially around 2 weeks. Often referred to as neonatal acne, it is seen in babies below 6 weeks. The acne may develop on their scalp, face, or torso. It usually clears up on its own. 

• Infantile acne, on the other hand, refers to acne in older babies, lying in the age group of 6 weeks to 12 months. It is comparatively uncommon and quite severe, often calling for the need for medical intervention. 

Causes Of Acne In Babies

Here are some of the most common causes of acne in babies. 

Hormonal Imbalance  

Neonatal acne is often linked to hormonal changes that your little one undergoes in the first few weeks following birth. The hormones present in the placenta influence the sebum production in your baby’s skin. If this is produced in excessive amounts, it can clog your little one’s skin pores, causing acne. Some infants may also develop acne due to the temporary rise in testosterone levels. In some cases, this problem can continue after 6 weeks, resulting in infantile acne. Although this is unusual, we cannot simply overlook the possibility. If your toddler develops acne around the age of 2 along with other symptoms that are unusual for their age, such as body odour and body hair, or if your baby’s acne is not going on its own in a few weeks, it is advisable to consult a paediatrician. 

Breastfeeding

You must be wondering how something so important and beneficial for your little one can cause acne. The fact is that some babies may develop acne after breastfeeding, as an allergic reaction to the hormones present in the breast milk. However, this should in no way, impact how you feed your baby. It is a temporary problem and as soon as your baby’s body becomes familiar with the process, it will go away. 

Increased Skin Sensitivity

Both small babies and toddlers tend to have very sensitive skin and can easily develop allergic reactions after coming in contact with an allergen or consuming it. Some parents might mistake the redness and rashes with acne. Common allergens that a baby might come in contact with, include perfumed soaps, shampoos, sunscreen, and perfume.  

Another reason is food allergies. Sometimes, babies may develop acne after trying a new food that they might be allergic to. This may also manifest in the form of hives, runny nose, swelling around the mouth, vomiting, and coughing. You can always start with a small portion to see if it suits your little one. 

Managing Acne In Babies 

Medication 

When it comes to medication, do not apply any product to your baby’s skin without a doctor’s recommendation. A baby’s skin is very different from an adult's skin. A comparative study has shown that the epidermis of babies is 20 percent thinner than that of adults. Also, the skin barrier is still developing, owing to which they can react adversely to strong chemicals present in adult ointments. Simply stick to the prescribed products and apply them as recommended by the paediatric dermatologist.

Kissing A Baby With Acne 

Your baby's acne is as harmless as your little one, provided it is what you think it is and not something else. So, as long as you're sure, you can kiss and touch your little one without the fear of spreading or worsening it. So give those precious cheeks plenty of love, but make sure you stick to the no-kiss rule for family and friends. Also, you need to take care of a few things, such as personal hygiene, timely vaccination (for you and the baby), and strictly no cosmetics (lipstick, gloss, and lip oils). 

Popping Baby’s Acne 

Some people do find popping pimples satisfying, and if you are one of them, let me warn you, don’t ever try it on your baby. Not only because it is painful, but also because their skin is extremely sensitive and they can easily develop infections. This can also lead to scarring or may even aggravate the acne, leading to much severe outbreak. So, no popping, no scrubbing and no squeezing, even if you’ve mastered doing it on your face. 

Baby’s Skincare

Say No To Greasy Products. Irrespective of the skin type, greasy and oily skin products are to be avoided if your baby has acne. This includes greasy creams, lotion, and baby oils, as these can further aggravate the problem. Use lukewarm water for baby baths and do it very gently, without irritating their acne.  It is advisable to use baby skin care products that have no smell and 0 parabens. 

Do let us know if you found this blog useful. Stay tuned for more informative blogs.