Why Does My Toddler Still Get 'Baby Acne'?

Most of us live comfortably under the misconception that acne is only a part of our pre-teen and teen years. But sadly, acne is not a symptom that affects adolescence alone. It can occur at any age, including newborns. While baby acne mostly recedes in a couple of weeks after the birth, the persistent rashes often worry parents as to why the bumps won’t leave the baby even when they have stepped into the toddler years of their life. Here in this article, we will discuss why some kids have acne that linger for longer than usual and what should be done if the acne grows on your kids. Read on!

Note: Please consult a medical professional before using this information or making any decisions about your child’s health.

In This Article

What Is Baby Acne?

What Is Baby Acne
share button

Image: Shutterstock

Acne, as many parents will attest, is an epidermis condition characterized by the appearance of red bumps. Sometimes it is filled with white pustules, and even with the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. Acne develops when oil and old skin cells build up in the hair follicles. The face, back, and shoulders are the most common areas for acne, especially in infants. Newborn babies frequently experience acne, but this is completely normal and safe and usually goes away on its own. Although the precise reasons why some infants develop acne are unknown, postnatal hormone fluctuations are a popular theory.

Why Do Pimples Occur In Children?

Why Do Pimples Occur In Children
share button

Image: Shutterstock

Acne in infants usually goes away after a few months and isn’t anything to worry about, but acne in toddlers is more severe and often requires an appointment with the doctor to identify the cause. Food allergies and sensitivities to cleaning agents or cosmetics are just two potential triggers for acne in young children. If you’re trying to figure out what’s causing your toddler’s acne, switching to gentler cleaning products like detergents or comforters might help. However, if switching cleansers doesn’t work and the acne doesn’t seem to be getting better, you should check with your child’s pediatrician. Your doctor may ask for a blood test to rule out infections or other conditions if your toddler has persistent acne.

Not All Bumps Are Baby Acne

Not All Bumps Are Baby Acne
share button

Image: Shutterstock

All red bumps and rashes are not acne; if it is persistent, it could be another epidermal problem. Cellulitis, eczema, molluscum contagiosum, and hives due to an allergy are all possible diagnoses that your doctor will want to rule out (1). If your child develops a severe infection in an area or is experiencing a measles outbreak, you should seek medical attention without delay. The bumps on your child’s skin will be flat red and spread all over the body. The child must be kept away from any younger sibling as it is highly contagious and fatal to anyone who has not received the vaccinations.

When And How To Treat Acne In Young Children

When And How To Treat Acne In Young Children
share button

Image: Shutterstock

Your child’s doctor can tell you if over-the-counter creams or antibiotics are sufficient to treat acne. Being gentle when caring for your toddler’s skin at home is essential. To prevent further irritation, use a clean and a warm damp cloth to gently cleanse the skin. Any harsh cleanser, soap, or detergent containing perfumes or dyes must be avoided. Likewise, you need to resist the urge to squeeze that whitehead. Squeezing a pimple will not only cause your toddler pain, but it also has the potential to leave a scar. Also, depending on the origin of the bumps, it can start making the acne worse. Many over-the-counter acne treatments contain harsh chemicals that aren’t suitable for use on young children’s skin.

You should also keep your baby’s hands clean and discourage them from touching the acne, as this can aggravate the condition and cause scarring. Unfortunately, acne is annoying at any age, but when it appears on a toddler’s face, it’s time to make an appointment with the doctor to learn more and get individualized treatment recommendations.

Acne on the baby is easy to cure as they don’t move about or touch their sensitive skin, but a toddler is just the opposite, and chances are that they will try to scratch the red bumps out and create grounds for infection. You need to reach out to your pediatrician the right way to make sure the bumps are treated at the very base stage. A little care and using the right products for cleansing can help you avoid all kinds of skin problems. Also, make sure you do a patch test on your kids before changing their shampoos, as they can be sensitive to the product’s ingredients.

Was this article helpful?
thumbsupthumbsdown
The following two tabs change content below.