Baby Acne
The phenomena of a baby showing a skin condition that looks like the same acne teenagers and even adults experience is pretty common. But it is important to understand what those bumps are because the way to go about treating the acne you see on your newborn child is dramatically different than how you would handle it in an older child or adult.
The important thing is not to panic when it looks like your new baby has a case of acne. In most cases, it is very common and it will clear itself up in the first month of life. Acne in a baby is not caused by bad foods or bad hygiene the same as teenage acne is. Mostly it comes from hormones that pass to the newborn through the placenta naturally or as a result of medications given to the mother before birth or to the newborn directly. It is not an unnatural condition and it can be treated through routine care of the baby. So don't get too upset when you see those bumps on the baby's face, neck or upper body where they usually occur. They will not scar and it is just as common in a new born as colic or other minor ailments that happen when a baby comes into this world.
Probably the two biggest problems that happen when you find this kind of skin problem on your child are worry and irritation. It is easy to get upset anytime it seems that your newborn is having a problem and when it is something so evident, it is easy for friends and family to panic as well. But our discussion here is on target so everybody should get an understanding that this too shall pass and it is a natural part of infancy. But the irritation that the acne condition in babies can cause to the newborn is something worth attending to because you want your infant to rest comfortably and not suffer with the itchiness that comes from this condition.
The treatment for the acne you find on your baby is to simply rinse wash the little one's skin gently with warm water and a very mild baby safe soap. Don't scrub the condition and do not use harsh soaps or soaps that contain abrasives or perfumes. You are just keeping the skin clean and cared for until the metabolism and immune system of the baby catch up with her and clear up the problem.
By keeping the baby clean and not irritating the affected area, it will heal naturally and there will be no adverse affects. Also, continue to keep the youngsters clothing and bedclothes clean and dry and to wash them in mild detergents designed for newborn. These are normal steps you would take for any newborn so these steps will do fine at helping this skin condition to clear up. If you continue to be concerned, go ahead and consult your pediatrician. If the acne is cause for concern, he or she will know what to do.