Baby acne is actually quite a common affliction among newborn babies. In fact, more than 20% of newborn babies are affected by baby acne. Baby acne is not a serious problem and, with the proper care and treatment, can be alleviated quite easily and effectively. If your baby is affected by baby acne, it is a good idea to understand what it is.

The maternal hormones that cross the placenta during delivery and stimulate the baby’s sebaceous glands cause baby acne. These hormones irritate the baby’s oil glands and cause pimple-like bumps all over the baby’s skin. Other causes of baby acne can include any medications the baby may be on, or any medications a nursing mother may be taking. Usually, baby acne occurs on the baby’s face, neck, chin and back. Baby acne typically looks like a pimple, or whitehead and is surrounded by reddish skin.

Baby acne typically appears anytime between the time of delivery and three weeks of age. It has been found that male babies are more prone to baby acne than female babies, however, it does occur in both sexes. Usually, baby acne resolves itself by the age of four months. Baby acne will not leave any scars on your baby’s skin, however it can be extremely irritating and itchy for the baby.

Baby acne is treated very easily. It is advised that parents gently wash the baby’s face with a mild soap and water at least once a day. Do not scrub the baby’s skin and always pat it dry instead of rubbing. However, be sure not to over-wash the baby’s skin too much. Remember, baby acne is not caused by dirt, so over-washing can irritate it further. It is also recommended that parents avoid applying any type of lotion or oil to the baby’s skin, as those products could possible worsen the baby acne problem.

Additionally, washing anything that the baby may come in contact with, including the baby’s clothing, blankets, towels and bed linens in a mild detergent is also important.

If baby acne is more severe, some pediatricians will recommend over-the-counter drugs such as hydrocortisone cream, to treat the skin condition. The most effective over-the-counter treatment for baby acne is actually an ionic colloidal silver solution. It is safer than other creams and kills the bacteria that can cause baby acne. The ionic colloidal silver solution can also promote healthy skin growth and reduce the uncomfortable itching caused by baby acne.

It is important that you do not use any over-the-counter medications for adult or teenage acne problems on the baby’s skin. These medications are too strong for the baby’s tender skin and can even further irritate the baby acne.

The occurrence of baby acne is not necessarily determined by a family history of acne. Baby acne is simply a hormonal reaction within the baby’s body shortly after birth of the baby’s hormones reacting to maternal hormones. Additionally, the occurrence of baby acne will not affect or influence the onset of acne in adolescence.