Just moments ago, your baby's skin was soft and delicate; suddenly, their face is covered with red pustules. Your child may have baby acne. In this article, you'll learn what causes the rash and how best to care for it. The most important thing first: These 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 that occurs in the first weeks of life, often around the third week, and is associated with a growth spurt. About twenty percent of babies are affected, with boys more frequently than girls. The exact reason is not definitively clear. One hypothesis suggests that higher production of androgens and testosterone may explain why it occurs more often 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 it 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?
The trigger for baby acne is the hormonal change after birth. During pregnancy, hormones from you constantly enter your child's bloodstream via the Placenta . 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. After birth, the drop in hormone levels temporarily causes your baby to produce more sebum. The result is clogged pores and pimples. Baby acne usually clears up within a few days or weeks, and in some cases after a few months, once your baby's hormone balance has stabilized again.
What can you 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 cause that requires treatment, it is advisable to consult your pediatrician or your midwife.
If it turns out that your little explorer has baby acne, there are a few supportive steps you can take. Clean the affected areas very gently with water only. Make sure not to rub the skin too hard afterward; 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. Bacteria in your baby's saliva or spit-up milk can also intensify the rash. A clean gauze cloth can help: placed under your child's head, it absorbs moisture, and you can use it to gently dry their face in between.
If the acne becomes inflamed, consult your doctor or midwife for advice. Home remedies such as calendula tincture or breast milk are suitable, as both have anti-inflammatory effects. Simply dilute some calendula tincture with water, or put a few drops of breast milk on a clean cotton cloth and gently dab the affected areas from time to time.
It should go without saying that you should always ensure a smoke-free environment for your child's health. This also helps protect sensitive baby skin: since its protective function is not yet fully developed and babies absorb toxins much faster than adults, their skin 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 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 dry skin is it sensible to apply a nourishing cream. When choosing one, 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 several other skin conditions that babies are commonly affected by in the first few months. Because 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 help 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 cases of more severe symptoms, neurodermatitis should be treated by a doctor
Since scar formation is possible, skin irritation and itching should be avoided
Even if it worries you at first 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.
