Understanding and Managing Acne in Babies

Acne is something that most of us deal with day in and day out. When the oil glands of our skin produce excess oil, the oil along with the dead skin cells can block and clog our skin pores, triggering the process of acne. One may experience white heads black heads, red bumps and pus points according to the level of blocks and amount of infection and inflammation in the oil glands. 

There are two types of baby acne. 

Neonatal acne is formed during the first 2-3 weeks of birth. It is not a severe type of acne, and the symptoms are usually mild. Neonatal acne can be observed as small red bumps on the face, mainly on the nose and cheeks. It is usually formed due to the overgrowth of a fungus called the Malassezia, which is normally present on the skin. 

Being a mild form of acne, neonatal acne does not require any aggressive baby acne treatment and can be treated with only topical creams as prescribed by your dermatologist. 

This acne develops in 3-6 months old babies. It resembles the acne which is formed in adults. Infantile acne may be observed in any of these forms – whiteheads, blackheads and pus-filled bumps. Infantile acne is caused due to the immature hormonal surge from the adrenal glands and is associated with inflammation. As it causes inflammation, skin damage might occur, and therefore, proper acne treatment in Pune should be sought.

In case your baby has similar acne, consult a child dermatologist and get started with the baby acne treatment in Pune.

There are certain other skin conditions that may resemble baby acne but are different. Here is a list:

Observed as a rash or tiny bumps, Erythema toxicum is often mistaken for acne. It is not a severe condition and develops in the first few days of a baby’s birth.  Erythema toxicum does not require any medication, and the symptoms usually disappear after a few weeks on their own. 

A harmless condition which develops when the sweat glands are closed forming cysts. Milia are tiny white bumps that your baby might experience on their face. But, don’t worry, it won’t cause any damage.

If you are overdressing your baby, then you can expect this. Heat rash is a condition when the sweat ducts are blocked, and the sweat gets trapped in the pores. The symptoms of heat rash include itchiness, irritation and redness of the skin. Again, it is not a severe condition, you just need to take some layers off your baby, and they’ll be just fine.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a type of Eczema which may be mistaken for baby acne. It causes rash on the scalp and face and may also be associated with flakiness of skin.

Bacterial or fungal infections are often confused with baby acne. In skin infection, rashes and small red bumps are often formed. They are easily confused for baby acne. These infections may become serious and need attention from a dermatologist or pediatrician.

Baby acne is a common condition and should not be considered something severe unless told by a dermatologist. If your baby has mild acne, then in most cases, you won’t need to see a specialist. However, if the condition turns severe, do consult a dermatologist. Our experts at Clear Skin Clinic, Pune can help solve all your acne related woes. Contact us today for more information!