One of the most proud moments for a woman is when she gives birth to a baby. However, mothers notice that within 4 to 6 weeks, her baby has red little pimples. This condition is known as baby acne. Acne in babies begins with small red spots in the form of pimples. You may be surprised to see that sometimes these pimples clear out automatically, whereas sometimes these really show up on their face, because the severity of baby acne directly depends on the mood and state of mind of baby. If a baby is constantly crying for hours, or is upset, or hungry, or irritated, the acne really breaks out in full.

Causes of Baby Acne

Baby acne is quite common for almost all the babies. It usually appears on the cheeks of baby. In medical terms, baby acne happens as a direct result of the mother’s hormone levels when she is giving birth. While giving birth, for a short period of time before, the mother’s hormones are allowed to pass through the placenta to the baby. This is required for any last-minute physical development in the baby’s body. These hormones tend to stimulate oil production in the baby’s skin and this increased level of oil in the baby’s skin causes baby acne.

In certain cases, baby acne represents the reaction of the skin to a relative imbalance of male (androgenic) and female (estrogenic) hormones in the baby's system. It happens after the withdrawal of maternal estrogens after delivery. Your baby does not require any treatment as it takes care of itself automatically, and it does not leave any scars. However, the boys are more likely to have baby acne than girls.

Your baby can also develop acne as a response of some medications. Though your doctor may have cautioned you of possible acne caused by prescribed medicines; you need to consult the same doctor for some alternative treatment.

Precautions and Cure for Baby Acne

You do not need to be over concerned about small pimples on your baby’s face.  This is quite normal and sometimes, it takes care of itself without any medication. In many cases, a doctor suggests you to wash your baby’s face with fresh water, or may be with mild soap. If there is no improvement for few days, you need not worry about it. Usually it takes about four to six months to disappear. If it persists for more than six months, see a doctor.

Since the recovery of baby acne largely depends on the mood of your baby, the rash may become more severe if your child is crying or irritated for some reason, or if the affected skin is irritated. Ensure that you wash your baby’s towels or bibs carefully to completely remove all detergent or soap. Also, make sure that you clean up saliva or milk from the face, as this may add to the irritation and aggravate acne. 

Do not panic and look for any medication to cure acne. The rash disappears on its own, and using any oils and even medication may not be helpful. It is not required as well. Rather, oils may even add to baby acne.

If your baby has acne, you need to be little extra careful in winter. Do not put too many clothes or blankets on your child’s face. If the skin is not able to breathe properly for long hours, it will break out into a heat rash and can worsen the acne.

Do not use the lotions and oils on the affected area of baby, since it can help increase acne and make it worse. Do not rub the baby’s face with towel or any pad, because it can irritate the skin. Instead, prefer using natural products, for example – Aveeno baby washes and soothing lotions. These are prepared for newborn babies or infants to treat acne.

Milia and Baby Acne

Sometimes you can see white bumps on your baby’s nose or chin. These are called milia, and are different from baby acne. Milia are caused as tiny flakes are trapped under the upper layer of your baby’s skin, and are likely to affect boys and girls equally.

Milia are not as common as acne, and are cured on a few weeks, whereas acne may take longer. Some babies have both the problems. Take care that when you wash your baby’s face, use the towel very gently and pad the surface. Both – milia and baby acne do not require any treatment or medication except that if either of these exceed beyond six months. Also, if you notice that there is a change in baby’s complexion while suffering from acne or milia, or both, consult your baby’s doctor.