Newborn acne

Just moments ago, your baby's skin was soft and delicate; suddenly, their face is covered with red pustules. It could be that your child is affected by baby acne. In this article, you'll learn where the rash comes from and how to treat it best. The most important thing first: The pimples are completely harmless and are not caused by improper care or incorrect nutrition.

What is baby acne?

Baby acne (also Newborn acne or Neonatal acne ) is a harmless skin condition , which occurs in the first weeks of life, often around the third week of life and associated with a growth spurt. About twenty percent of babies are affected by acne, with boys more frequently than girls. The reason for this is not definitively clear. One hypothesis suggests that the higher production of androgens and testosterone is the cause of the increased occurrence in boys.

Baby acne appears as red pimples with yellowish nodules, mainly on the face (on the cheeks, less often on the forehead and chin), but can also spread across the chest or even the entire body of your little explorer. The good news is that the rash neither itches nor causes pain.

Where does the rash come from?

Trigger for baby acne is the Hormonal change after the birth. During pregnancy, hormones from you are constantly over the Placenta enters your child's bloodstream. In the third trimester, your body even produced additional hormones that contributed, among other things, to lung maturation and the development of the baby's immune system. The decrease in hormone levels after birth temporarily causes your baby to produce more sebum. Clogged pores and pimples are the result. Baby acne usually clears up within a few days or weeks, in some cases after a few months, once your baby's hormone balance has stabilized again.

What can I do about baby acne?

Since neonatal acne clears up on its own and usually as quickly as it appeared, the best remedy is Patience . If you're not entirely sure whether it is actually baby acne or if there might be another reason behind it that could require treatment, it is advisable to consult a Visit to your pediatrician or your midwife.

It has been found that your little explorer is affected by baby acne; there are a few things you can do. supportive can do. The affected areas should only be cleaned very gently with water. Make sure not to rub the skin too hard afterwards, but instead pat it lightly dry. Under no circumstances should you apply acne treatments to your baby's sensitive skin. You should also avoid squeezing the pimples, as bacteria can enter the open areas when the pustules are opened and cause inflammation. The bacteria in your baby's saliva or spit-up milk can also intensify the rash. A clean gauze cloth can help with this: placed under your child's head, it absorbs moisture, and you can use it to dry their face in between.

If the acne still becomes inflamed, consult your doctor or midwife for advice. Home remedies such as calendula tincture or breast milk are suitable, both have anti-inflammatory effects. Simply dilute some calendula tincture with water or use a few drops of breast milk on a clean cotton cloth and gently dab the affected areas from time to time.

That you should always ensure a smoke-free environment for your child's health is pretty much self-evident. This also includes protecting sensitive baby skin: Since their protective function is not yet fully developed and they absorb toxins much faster than adults, it should never be exposed to harmful cigarette smoke. Taking certain medications containing cortisone, lithium, or iodine during pregnancy or breastfeeding can also affect your baby's skin. If you have taken or are still taking medications with these ingredients, you should therefore inform your pediatrician as a precaution.

By the way: If your newborn's skin is healthy, it doesn't require special skincare products. Only if your baby suffers from is it sensible to apply a nourishing cream. When choosing the make sure to use a cream that is free from fragrances, preservatives, and other allergenic ingredients.

What distinguishes baby acne from other typical skin problems?

In addition to baby acne, there are some other skin conditions that some babies are typically affected by in the first few months. Since they can sometimes be difficult to distinguish at first glance, here is an overview of the most common skin problems and their characteristics. However, for an accurate diagnosis, it is always advisable to consult your doctor.

Säuglingsakne (Acne infantum):

• Looks similar to baby acne but causes itching and lasts longer

• Occurs between the third and sixth month of life

• The cause of infant acne is not yet clear, but it is believed to be hereditary.

• Infantile acne should be treated by a doctor, possibly with anti-inflammatory agents or antibiotics

• Special baby gloves made of lightweight cotton and short fingernails prevent your baby from accidentally scratching themselves and developing inflammation

Hautgrieß (Milien):

• Appears as small white dots, mainly on the nose, cheeks, forehead, chin, and around the eyes

• Can occur in the first weeks of life

• The trigger for milia in babies is also hormonal changes

• The pimples usually go away on their own within a few weeks

Atopisches Ekzem (Neurodermitis):

• Large, red, often itchy rash that can ooze and crust

• Mainly appears on the face, on the scalp, on arms and legs

• Can occur from the third to the sixth month of life

• Neurodermatitis is largely hereditary and not curable, but the symptoms often diminish during childhood.

• In case of more severe manifestation, neurodermatitis should be treated by a doctor

• Since scar formation is possible, skin irritations and itching should be avoided

Even if it initially worries you to see a rash on your little explorer's face and body: baby acne is completely harmless and causes him no discomfort. And with a little patience, your darling will soon have his usual tender baby skin back.