Is Eczema and Acne the Same in Babies

Apr 6
18:25

2016

Sudish Menon

Sudish Menon

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During the initial months of a baby’s birth, it is prone to all types of rashes ranging from baby acne, eczema, diaper rash, cradle cap, Milia, prickly heat or Seborrhea also known as seborrhoeic dermatitis.

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Baby acne and eczema are the most common skin issues that a newborn baby is prone to develop. Regular home care during this period is essential for the baby to prevent this condition from aggravating.

 

Baby acne or Newborn Acne

Baby acne is a commonly occurring temporary rash. It starts soon after a baby is born which can be as early as when the baby is around 3 months old.

  • Appearance

Red bumps,Is Eczema and Acne the Same in Babies Articles resembling pimples, will be seen on the forehead, cheeks and the temples due to the hormonal changes in the baby after its birth.

  • Cause

In the final stages of the mother’s pregnancy, hormones from the mother cross over to the baby through the placenta and stimulate the oil glands. Acne during the first few months, known as infantile acne, can be pus-filled pimples accompanied by whiteheads and blackheads. Though these are signs of hormonal imbalance in the baby, they can also be due to particularly sensitive sebaceous glands.

  • Taking Care

The baby bears no discomfort and these neonatal acnes disappear on their own in a few weeks. In the meantime, the mother can take a few precautions so as not to aggravate the condition.

  • Clean the baby’s face gently during bath-time with gentle baby soap.
  • Avoid scrubbing hard or pinching the rash.
  • Keep the area dry.
  • Avoid thick moisturizers, lotions, oily products or any other acne products, which will damage the tender skin of the baby.
  • If the pimples refuse to go away, visit your pediatrician.

 

Infant Eczema

Another rash which is also common is infant eczema which usually starts when the baby is between 1 to 5 months old.

  • Appearance

These too appear as red, inflamed bumps and patches that may be scaly, oozy or crusty. Though infant eczema usually affects the face as red bumps and patches, bad cases of eczema may spread all over the baby as the baby grows older affecting the folds of the arms, legs, and the neck.

  • Cause

Eczema is inherited skin sensitivity, which causes the skin to become extremely dry. The eczema flares up if the skin is dry or even when it comes in contact with some allergen like dust mites or pet dander. Babies having eczema are at a greater risk of developing respiratory allergies, asthma or food allergies.

  • Taking Care

Eczema usually disappears as the children grow due to the fact that the skin thickens and becomes less sensitive.

  • Trim your baby’s nails so that it does not end up scratching the rashes. You can also put soft cotton gloves on your baby’s hands to avoid scratching of the rash.
  • Use lukewarm water with gentle cleansers and make the baby’s bathing time short.
  • Apply a thick cream or ointment, which is fragrance-free. Use a moisturizer twice a day.
  • Also, ensure that you use laundry detergents which are fragrance-free.
  • Keep the baby’s skin free from drool and messy food items, which might irritate the skin further, by using bibs or by applying petroleum jelly before feeding time.

These skin conditions of a baby usually disappear on their own and need no treatment. If you’re concerned, you can visit your pediatrician.