Red bumps on baby’s face can be because of baby acne which is most common in the very first month of birth. Baby acne are because of the baby’s exposure to mother’s hormones during pregnancy. Usually this condition does not require any treatment as acne heal up on its own within few weeks.
Baby acne is very common in new born babies. Actually acne is present at the time of birth but they show up only after few weeks of birth. Baby acne looks much similar to teenage acne. In simple words, baby acne is characterized by red bumps or pimples which are usually surrounded by reddish skin.
Acne appear on cheeks, chin, forehead and sometimes also at the back. Red bumps are more common among hot or fuzzy babies or their skin is irritated by split-up milk, saliva and if the baby’s face is exposed to a rough or dirty fabric. Generally baby boy are more vulnerable to red bumps or baby acne than baby girl.
If the baby has developed acne, then wash his face with a mild soap twice a day. However if the acne does not seem to improve within a month’s time then you should immediately take your baby to the doctor.
Sometimes people mistake milia and acne. The biggest difference between the two is that in milia white bumps appear on the baby’s skin while in acne they are red in colour. Milia is nowhere related to acne and disappear within few days. In another scenario, if red rash occur on body part other than face then this can be some other disease such as eczema, heat rash and cradle cap.
Causes
Experts say that baby acne is associated with the maternal hormones which baby receives at the time of birth. But researchers have continued to experiment to explore reason of baby acne and have always concluded the same fact that baby acne is because of maternal hormones which baby gets at the time of birth.
Baby acne can become worse if baby takes certain medications or pregnant mother is given certain medications at the time of nursing. Baby acne can also occur if baby’s skin reacts to certain skin products specifically the oily products. Sometimes soap used for baby might be the problem. Discontinue use of same soap for some time and look for some results. If acne seems to reduce then it might be the soap that is posing problem.
How long does baby acne last?
In most of the cases, baby acne disappears within few moths but sometimes they linger on for several months. But if red bumps on baby face do not go away in three months, take baby to the doctor. The doctor may prescribe certain mild topical medications if acne become severe or do not disappear within a month or two.
If the acne is long lasting then it could be a sign that the child will most likely develop acne in his teenage.
How to prevent red bumps
Baby acne should not be treated like teenage or adolescent acne. There are some points that should be kept in mind to avoid red bumps on baby face:
- Refrain from giving over-the-counter medications to the baby even if medication is mild.
- Do not wash baby’s face much because red bumps on baby face are not due to dirt and too much washing might irritate baby’s skin.
- If the baby skin is sensitive or has red bumps then avoid using oily product. Use of oily product triggers the formation of red bumps. On the contrary some parents have reported that use of oils or certain creams have reduced red bumps. If so, then monitor baby’s skin and if acne worsens stop using immediately else contact the baby’s doctor to know which product will best suit your baby.
- Wash baby’s face just once or twice a day with a mild soap and normal water. Avoid using cloth on baby’s face as it may worsen baby acne.
- Do not try to pick or pinch red bumps because baby skin is very soft and doing this will prove to be more harmful that imagined.
- It is important to keep the baby skin clean and dry until red bumps disappear.
- As a general point, it is important to have patience. This is because red bumps do not go away within a day. It might take a week or months for red bumps to heal up.
If your baby has developed red bumps on the face, do not panic. It is a common condition which should not be much worried about. Baby acne is a harmless skin condition and baby from infancy to 6 months are most likely to develop this condition. Keep in mind the points listed above and follow them patiently. You can always go to the baby’s doctor to treat red bumps on your baby’s face.
