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There are many babies’ who start getting rashes on their face shortly after birth which looks like acne. Parents worry and think that it is the same acne which teenagers have and start acne treatment. But baby acne is different from common acne

Baby acne is mostly present on the cheeks, chin and forehead of a new born. They resemble whiteheads and are ringed by reddish colour skin.

The outbreak can look mild when the baby is calm. But when the baby is overheated, it looks worse. Rough fabrics aggravate the condition. Harsh detergent used on the fabrics can come in contact with the baby skin and can worsen the condition.

There is a lot of confusion about the rashes on the new born. A few patterns can help you decide whether the rashes are baby acne or not. Baby acne occurs generally in 3-4 weeks of baby age and finishes off naturally when the baby is 3-4 months old. It is more common in male babies than in female babies. Lastly, it is never found on the chest of the newborn.

Baby acne is a common problem with almost 20% of all newborns. The main reason is yet to be discovered. Studies say that it is the passing of hormones from the mother to the child during the last stage of pregnancy. This passing of the hormones is through the placenta. These hormones help to stimulate lung maturation, but they also increase the activity of the oil glands. This causes baby acne.
Other reasons of baby acne can also include certain medication used by the mother during pregnancy or nursing.

Passing of the hormones from mother to baby is a natural process and cannot be avoided. There is no prevention. But you can treat baby acne to a great extend.

Baby acne clears on its own. But parents look forward for a quick and fast recovery as the condition is unpleasant to the eye. The best way is to follow a daily cleansing. Wash the baby’s skin with mild soap once a day with warm water. Do not scrub as it will worsen the acne and will irritate the baby’s skin. Also remember not to over wash the skin. That also will be harsh on the baby skin. Use to a mild detergent for the baby’s clothes. Try to use a fabric softener on all the baby items.

Last but not the least, do no let formula milk or breast milt to dry on the baby’s skin. They will result in clogging the pores and form pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.

Do not apply creams, oil or lotions to the affected areas. They will clog the pores and the condition may worsen. Do not use any acne treatment as they can be too harsh on the sensitive baby skin and can result in inflammation and burning.

If the condition does not improve within three to four months, consult your paediatrician. Do not put too much stress on it as it is a natural maturing process which does not harm the baby. Patience is the main key to treat baby acne.