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how do babies get baby acne?

Our second baby has acne all over it's head. She is 6 weeks old. Our first daughter had none. What causes it, and is there any way to stop it. The baby has only been breast fed. Does it have something to do with mom's hormones?

Public Comments

1. its not the same acne as teenagers would get, more like a little rash than anything. Baby acne looks like little white pimples surrounded by red skin, the baby acne is mad worse or aggrigated by saliva, rough fabrics, and spit-up can also aggravate the look of the condition. Plus, the use of harsh detergents on fabrics, clothing, and blankets that come in contact with the baby's skin can also worsen the look and feel of this condition. An exact reason as to what causes it has yet to be discovered, but many people think it is due to hormone changes and levels shortly after birth or while in the womb. It will eventually clear up on its own.

2. My baby had it too, our Doctor told us it was from my hormones due to the fact I was breastfeeding. It cleared up itself but I used a bit of sudocrem to ease the redness.

3. that's we call "melia". i used to see many babies born with melia.
i dont think it have something to do with mom's hormone

4. It is all caused by hormones. When you carry the baby, your hormones go through his body through the placenta. Once the baby is born, and lives on his own, the hormonal balance is disrupted and within few weeks pimples show up. It's also described as mom's hormones leaving the body.
EDIT: Most likely it is not milia, like the other person said. Milia are hard, white bumps, that form from oil glands. They can stick around for longer then baby acne, but are also completely harmless and will go away on its own.

5. This is normal. Both of my kids went through a little phase with baby acne. It goes away on it's own. Don't touch it too much. Keep it clean.

6. First of all, there is no known cause of baby acne, lots of theories, but no definite cause. It will usually clear up on it's own. If it doesn't clear up, or gets worse, you can talk to your baby's doctor about treatments.

It probably bothers you more than it bothers her. Just keep the area clean with a mild baby soap, no more than once a day. It most likely will clear up in a few weeks and you will forget all about her having the acne.

Here is a great baby center article that talks about baby acne.

7. Do you mean the scalp but not the face and neck?

If so, that would be cradle cap, probably. This is natural and will go away by itself. It has to do with the hair folicles and sebacous glands temporarily going into overdrive because of mom's hormones. Cleanse gently, use Cetaphil if regular baby shampoo proves too harsh.

Secondary possibility is an allergic reaction. If it spreads or worsens, see your doc.

If it is all over the head and face/neck, and is not an allergic reaction (see above), then it is usually excess moisture. Either the baby is sweating into the bedclothes and they are remaining damp long enough to be a problem, or perhaps you have the baby in a cap or hat too much. Do what you can to keep those areas dry and it should lessen substantially and rapidly.

Incidentally, the most frequent allergy is to food. So if breast feeding, try a formula. If using formula, switch from milk-based to soy or vice-versa.

best luck!

8. My daughter, who was also breastfed, had the same thing at 6 weeks. It lasted a few weeks and then cleared up and has not reappeared since (she is now 13 months old).

I was told that it is a reaction to the mom's hormones, but not necessarily through the breastmilk. I think it's more of delayed reaction to the hormones they experienced in the womb. However, I don't think anyone really knows exactly why it happens or why some babies get it and others don't.

Doctors say there is no treatment, but some moms use creams and/or breastmilk on the skin to help it clear up faster. In the end, it doesn't bother your baby and is really a cosmetic problem. I know it was hard for me to see my beautiful baby's face marred with acne! But if you wait it out, she'll be back to normal before you know it.

This article on BabyCenter.com is helpful.