We’re often taken by awe with the flawless and supple skin of a baby. We envy the resiliency and youthful glow of these bundles of caboodles. And you find one with rashes that resemble acne, how did that just happen? A cute little baby getting afflicted with those critters that you just thought would plague a lanky adolescent? Impossible. Not.

What kind of parents won’t feel distressed upon knowing that their tiny little tot is suffering from baby acne? Informed parents! So, to avoid fretting over those tiny bumps that make your innocent baby’s life a little harder, here’s a rundown of what you should know about baby acne:

What is baby acne? Also known as neonatal acne, baby acne, are small spots or red bumps found on the cheeks, forehead, and chin of your sweet baby. As early as upon birth, they may be found on your baby’s face but commonly develops within three to four weeks of age. One thing more, whiteheads may also be seen with baby acne! No, your baby is not suffering from progeria as you think he is for having a skin that seems to mature so quickly.

Baby acne is a skin disorder that occurs when an infant’s body undergoes hormonal changes that increase oil secretion of the baby’s oil glands in his skin. It was even reported that baby acne is a result of the baby’s exposure to the mother’s hormones during pregnancy. Oftentimes, on their first few weeks, baby boys are more afflicted with this kind of skin disorder than baby girls. Others observe this skin problem with their babies when these cute bundles of joy are in their peak gas production. What could be more bothering than that? Baby acne may look worse when the baby bursts into fits of crying or when this poor baby throws tantrums. Those seem to aggravate baby acne since it allows blood to rush on the baby’s face making it look really red with irritation.

How harmful is baby acne? It is usually considered harmless and may heal on its own within just a few weeks. So, that means baby acne won’t spoil your baby’s fun time that much, right? This skin condition may only aggravate when your baby’s skin comes in contact with clothes washed with hash detergent, his saliva and milk gets on his face. Bacteria will surely rub shoulders with baby acne. Thus, parents with babies that have baby acne must take extra care of their babies by avoiding those circumstances to happen. Baby bumps or baby acne may come and go until your sweet little tyke reaches four to six months. Baby acne is not as scarring as adolescent acne but still needs treatment to reduce your baby’s discomfort from itching and irritation.

What can you do to alleviate your baby’s irritation from baby acne? Cleansing your son’s or daughter’s face with water and a mild baby’s soap will inhibit the proliferation of those bad bacteria on your baby’s sweet face. Applying various kinds of lotions and oils recommended by your neighbors or just about anybody might only aggravate your baby’s acne. Surely you don’t want this happen, right? But many over-the-counter medications such as hydrocortisone creams may help in making your baby endure more the annoying itchiness of his baby acne. Some recommends a certain ionic colloidal silver solution. This is reported to be a lot safer to babies’ skin and may even reduce the itchiness. This silver solution is said to kill the bacteria that thrive on the excess oil on your baby’s skin. Pediatricians don’t usually prescribe medications unless the baby acne seemed severe enough to scar. The sensitivity of your baby’s skin attributes to this cautious attitude of his doctor. So, relieved yet?

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Copyright 2005 Nora P. Dyson, acne-treatment-insider.com