On this page you will learn how to treat baby acne. Baby acne is very common and can be present immediately after birth. However, baby acne can also show up weeks or even months later.http://www.babycenter.com/0_baby-acne_72.bc Symptoms of baby acne include small whitish bumps surrounded by red, inflamed skin. Baby acne looks very similar to adult acne. Scientists are not certain what causes baby acne, but there is some evidence that it can be caused by high levels of hormones that it receives from the mother in utero. Other studies have shown that some medication that babies or nursing mothers take may increase the frequency of baby acne.

Before getting started, you should speak to your baby's pediatrician about your concerns. There are several other skin conditions that can be easily mistaken for baby acne including eczema, cradle cap, and allergic reactions. You should consult with your doctor to decide on the best course of treatment.

Clearing your baby's skin of acne can range from easy to difficult depending on the severity of the case. Most cases of baby acne clear up on their own in a few days or weeks, while some may last months or reoccur throughout your child's first year of life. If the acne does not seem to be clearing, or if you are concerned about your child's health, you should contact your child's pediatrician.http://www.babycenter.com/0_baby-acne_72.bc

There are several other conditions that are easily confused for baby acne. They are as follows:

• Baby Eczema: Baby Eczema appears as itchy, red, and scaly patches. Baby Eczema can be found anywhere on your child's body, while baby acne is usually confined to the facial area. Baby Eczema usually occurs within the first year of life and has a strong hereditary link, so if you or your partner has eczema or skin allergies, your baby may be at a heightened risk for eczema.http://www.babycenter.com/0_eczema_10872.bc

• Cradle Cap: Cradle cap appears as flaky skin on your child's scalp. It can appear to you as if your child has dandruff. The flakes from cradle cap can also appear yellow or brown.http://www.babycenter.com/0_cradle-cap_80.bc

• Allergic Reaction: An allergic reaction on a baby can appear suddenly as a response to an allergen in their environment. Allergic reactions can spread rapidly or stay localized. Babys can have allergic reactions to food, dander, detergents, soaps, chemicals in their clothing, and a wide variety of other possible allergens. If you suspect that your child is having an allergic reaction, or if they get a rash and become listless, fussy, or have problems swallowing or breathing you should seek medical care immediately.http://www.baby-medical-questions-and-answers.com/toddler-skin-rash.html

Adult products and methods of getting rid of acne do not work with infants. You should avoid the following products and cleansing methods while getting rid of acne on your child.

1. Do not use lotions on your child's face except for sunscreen unless directed to do so by a doctor.
2. Do not use adult acne creams unless directed to do so by a doctor.
3. Do not use washes, scrubs, or acne cleansing pads on your child's face unless directed to do so by a doctor.http://pediatrics.about.com/od/weeklyquestion/a/04_baby_acne.htm
4. Never pop or squeeze acne on your child's face. This may lead to scarring.
5. Never use harsh abrasives or exfoliates on your child's face. This may make acne worse.
6. Do not use steam treatments or hot water on your child's face. This will irritate the acne and make it look worse.
7. Do not use acne or complexion masks on your child's face.

Remember that baby acne will disappear in a few weeks or months. It is rare for a child to experience baby acne past 6 months of age. Many adult products can irritate baby acne or cause scarring or extreme dryness. Your baby is most likely unaware of it's acne and is not bothered by it.

Although most baby acne clears within a few days or weeks, you can also lessen the inflammation and irritation of your baby's acne with gentle cleansing avoiding irritating factors.

• Rinse your baby's face with lukewarm, clean water once a day. You can also use a mild baby wash if your doctor approves. Soap should always be kept far away from eye, nose, mouth, and inner ears.http://www.drgreene.com/qa/what-baby-acne
• Avoid fabrics that are rough and irritating. Stick to soft, baby safe fabrics that wont irritate or inflame your baby's acne further. Zippers near to a baby's face can also irritate acne or break it open.
• Be aware the fabrics that you or your family is wearing will also have contact with your baby's face. Be especially careful with zippers and Velcro that can rub against your baby's acne and cause it to become inflamed.
• Watch the acne for signs of further infection. If a pimple gets larger, feels warm or hot, has an odor, or is painful to your child, you should visit your pediatrician immediately.

If your baby's acne does not clear before 6 months of age or if they have an especially severe case, your child's pediatrician may be able to prescribe a mild medication to help.

This Mahalo How To is not meant to diagnose or treat any health condition. If you have any questions regarding your child's health, you should consult a licensed pediatrician.