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It can be quite alarming when your precious baby’s skin suddenly develops a rash or infection. One of the most common skin problems babies can have is baby acne. My extensive experience caring for infants has given me the chance to investigate and understand baby acne. The following are a few things I think that every care giver should know.
Baby Acne is Harmless
Baby acne lasts from 2 weeks up to 6 months. While this may sound and look alarming baby acne is natural and harmless and generally disappears on its own.
How to recognize it
Baby acne is characterized by pimply red bumps, white heads, black heads and rough patches of skin on his cheeks, forehead, chin and sometimes back. Most babies have this common rash at birth or develop it a few weeks after birth.
Why it looks the way it does
Baby acne is caused by a hormones released by the mother at the end of pregnancy that stimulate oil production in the baby's skin. Baby acne worsens when your baby is upset or irritated. The rash may swell and redden, so do not be alarmed.
How to treat it
I have found that using acne creams can actually worsen your baby’s acne. Instead, keep your baby’s skin clean with warm water and mild baby soap. Pat his skin dry instead of rubbing to reduce irritation, and wipe saliva, spit up and food off his face as soon as possible.
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