Baby acne is the presence of small red spots on the skin of newborn babies, usually on the face, neck and back, and can lead to irritation and itching. Here are some remedies that can be used to prevent baby acne.
A commonly observed problem among newborn babies is baby acne or acne neonatorum. It is marked by red spots on the skin. The red spots may appear on the face, chin, neck, hands, and back of the body. Baby acne is a perfectly normal condition that occurs due to the passage of maternal hormones into the baby’s body. The presence of maternal hormones in the baby’s body triggers the sebaceous glands of the baby, causing red pimples and skin rashes on the forehead. Some babies even suffer from blackheads.
Remedies for Baby Acne
Some doctors are of the opinion that baby acne may be caused due to an allergy or unhygienic living conditions in the initial months of birth. Before going in for any remedies, make sure that you follow proper hygiene standards while taking care of the infant.
» Do not try to wash or touch the skin of the baby with an untidy cloth.
» If your baby is showing signs of baby acne during winter, then it is possible that you might have wrapped him or her in too many clothes. If that is the case, then let the child be comfortable instead of wrapping it with too many clothes.
» Since the baby is still in its infancy, avoid the use of lotions and other hard medications.
One of the best remedies is mixing honey and lime juice together, and applying the paste on the baby’s body. Take 1 tsp honey and 1 tsp lime juice. After mixing them, slowly apply it on the baby’s body with a cotton swab. After half an hour, wash the body with lukewarm water.
» Applying breast milk on the affected part of the baby’s body is another effective remedy. With the help of a cotton swab, gently apply the breast milk on the baby’s affected part.
» The mother should also exercise control on her diet. Eating too much oily food can affect the quality of milk, and this can indirectly cause baby acne. Mothers should have fresh fruits and juices, so that the nutrients are passed on to the baby.
» Other remedies include washing the clothes of the baby regularly and maintaining proper and regular hygiene.
Baby Acne Facts
Baby acne usually shows its presence in the third week of the baby’s life. According to statistics maintained, male babies are more prone to baby acne than female babies. In most of the cases, treatment is not required as the acne automatically reduces and fades away. It is a common myth that baby acne needs some serious treatment. The fact is, baby acne must be dealt with patience. With time, the acne disappears on its own. In case it continues even after six months of birth, taking your doctor’s opinion is essential, as such a condition may lead to further complications.
Parents should not needlessly run for creams and ointments that claim to heal baby acne. Always consult your doctor before treating your child with any type of skin cream.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for information purpose only. Do not use the information presented herein as a substitute for medical practitioner’s advice.
