Baby acne

Not only adults have acne. Babies too...

Baby acne is very common. It can be present at birth, but more often it shows up after a couple of weeks, usually on the cheeks and sometimes on the forehead, chin, and even the back. These small whiteheads might be surrounded by reddish skin. They can become more pronounced when your baby is hot or fussy or if his skin is irritated by saliva, spit-up milk, or fabric that's a little rough or that's been washed in strong detergent.

What could be causing my baby's acne?

As with adolescent acne, there's no clear answer. For some time, experts have pointed to the hormones babies receive from their mother at the end of pregnancy as a cause of baby acne. But researchers continue to study other factors and have yet to agree on one culprit. If you take certain medications while nursing, for example, or if your baby takes certain medications, they might trigger baby acne.

How long will it last?

Baby acne usually clears up within a few weeks, but it can linger for months. If it doesn't clear up within three months or you're concerned about it, talk with your baby's doctor.

What can I do about my baby's complexion in the meantime?

Well, there are some things you should not do. Don't put creams or oils on your baby's skin, because these can make the acne worse. Don't use over-the-counter acne medicines. And don't scrub. Baby acne isn't caused by dirt.

In fact, too much washing can further irritate your baby's skin, so don't overdo the cleansing. Simply wash your baby's face with mild baby soap and water once a day. Gently pat it dry.

Patience is usually the best course of action. Your baby's acne doesn't bother him in the least, so try not to let it bother you, either.

Resource : http://www.babycenter.com/0_baby-acne_72.bc