Acne in babies seem unnatural but actually it is a common condition.
Babies are likely to get baby acne a couple of weeks after birth or they may be present at birth.
There is nothing to worry about these acne because acne don't trouble babies like they do to teens or adults.
Baby acne usually show up on the cheeks and sometimes on the forehead, chin or even the back.
Babies also tend to get scalp acnes and on the buttocks, arms and legs.
These acne disappear within a few weeks or it may take months also but there is no reason to panic over these bumps.
These acne may look like small whiteheads with red surroundings.
They may even be blackheads or pustules.
These baby acne become more prominent when the baby is fussy and hot or when the skin is irritated by saliva, spit-up milk or the material of the clothes on him/her.
The exact cause of baby acne is not known but search is on.
The only cause that is known so far is that baby acne are caused by the hormones that the baby receives from its mother just before birth.
These hormones stimulate the oil glands in the baby and causes acne.
These oil glands disappear soon and babies never get acne again until adolescence.
Baby acne are also associated with bad nutrition, and greasy or oily skin.
There is not much that has to be done for treating baby acne.
In fact nothing has to be done.
Acne sensitive skin treatment is not at all necessary for babies.
Parents should use mild cleansers to wash their babies and remember not to wash too frequent since it may worsen the acne for the babies.
These baby acne should not be scrubbed in any case.
Oils and creams are also best avoided when the baby have acne.
Babies are very sensitive and therefore the doctor's advice should be taken before any treatment.
Topical or oral treatments are not necessary in many cases but in case these are needed the doctor will guide you in choosing those medicines which are mild and won't do any harm to the baby.
Even homemade remedies can be harmful to the baby.
The medicines and acne products used by teenagers or adults should never be used on babies.
They can really aggravate the problem and cause the baby unnecessary discomfort.
The best treatment is no treatment at all.
Just wait for the acne to disappear naturally and the problem will be solved.
In case of persistent and spreading acne there are treatments like the use of benzoyl peroxide, hydrocortisone cream or ionic colloidal silver solution that are effective in treating baby acne.
But they should never be used without the guidance of the dermatologist.