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Acne Treatment and Prevention

Is it baby acne or something more?

I'm trying to determine if my 5.5 week old daughter just has a bad case of baby acne or if it's something more then that. She has it all over her face, some on her head, on her ears, and on her neck and throat. My other 2 never had much acne when they were little - they were both formula fed whereas this one is breastfed. I don't know if it makes a difference or not in this case.

Sometimes the rash or acne or whatever it is turns very very red, other times it isn't nearly as noticeable. What do you think it is? And what can I do for it?
I haven't had any milk to drink in awhile, but I have had other sources of dairy.

As for when it's the most red, that's typically when she's awake, it's the least red when she's sleeping.

If it were a reaction to what I've eaten wouldn't it be all over her entire body?

Public Comments

1. Could be, or ecxema. Another thing could be what YOU are eating... affects her skin. Allergic reactions? Try not to eat too spicy. Talk to your doctor. Sometimes changing your diet is all it takes. Try not to drink milk yourself for a few days and see if there are any improvements on her.

2. This is just my opinion, but if it is baby acne, then it will go away on its own and there isn't anything you can do for it. However, if this is bothering HER (she's crying more when it's red than when it's not, scratching herself more, etc) then perhaps a doctor can help her discomfort.

Regardless, you seem concerned, and what you describe sounds like more than the baby acne I've seen...go to the doc anyway and set your mind at ease!! :)

3. Baby acne is very common. It can be present at birth, but more often it shows up after a couple of weeks, usually on the cheeks and sometimes on the forehead, chin, and even the back.

These small whiteheads might be surrounded by reddish skin. They can become more pronounced when your baby is hot or fussy or if his skin is irritated by saliva, spit-up milk, or fabric that's a little rough or that's been washed in strong detergent.

By the way, if your baby had tiny bumps on his face at birth that disappeared within a few weeks, these are called milia and they're unrelated to acne. If the irritation looks more rashy or scaly than pimply or it appears elsewhere on his body, your baby may have another condition, such as cradle cap or eczema.
The experts aren't sure what causes it, some think it is hormones released by the mother, in late pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Baby acne usually clears up within a few weeks, but it can linger for months. If it doesn't clear up within three months or you're concerned about it, talk with your baby's doctor.

Well, there are some things you should not do. Don't put creams or oils on your baby's skin, because these can make the acne worse. Don't use over-the-counter acne medicines. And don't scrub. Baby acne isn't caused by dirt.

In fact, too much washing can further irritate your baby's skin, so don't overdo the cleansing. Simply wash your baby's face with mild baby soap and water once a day. Gently pat it dry.

Patience is usually the best course of action. Your baby's acne doesn't bother him in the least, so try not to let it bother you, either.

4. Sounds like baby acne to me. My daughter had that too. She was breastfed and she had it all over her ears, neck, face, eye lids, head...... It lasted from 5 weeks - about 8 weeks.
if she would cry it would flare up and be all red. But it goes away after a few weeks.

5. I don't know if this is the same thing, but my baby was really rashy and had dry, bumpy skin when she was just a new born, I asked my DR what would make it go away and he suggested using a 1% Cortisone Cream (I used Cortaid)... it seriously went away in the next day or two... you might ask your DR what he thinks, or if this could help. I was surprised at how quickly it went away, hopefully this helps... or hopefully it goes away soon! Good luck!

6. My son is 4 weeks old and he also has baby acne. I am breast-feeding as well. I read on babycenter.com that the cause baby acne is from a hormone the baby is receiving from the mother’s milk. I also read that your not supposed to put anything on their skin to help it heal. It will heal on its own. If you are really that concerned talk to your childs pediatrician.

7. just try petroleum yell--(Vaseline) and don't worry