Tips For Infant And Childhood Acne
Acne isn't just something that plagues teenagers. Infant and childhood acne usually appears on the just the cheeks and nose. In young babies, the breakouts are typically caused by the buildup of the mother's hormones from the recent time in the womb, while childhood acne is typically triggered by a premature release of some of the adolescent hormones. The following tips can help you cope with acne on a child without causing harm.
Tip #1: Skip the acne medications
Over the counter medications for acne are a definite no-no for the baby, since these can cause more harm than good to a young child. You also don't want to use these medications on a slightly older child, since they are formulated for teens that are in a nearly adult body. The side effects of these medications and creams, which can include light sensitivity or fevers, can be even more severe for a younger child.
Tip #2: Clean carefully
Although bacteria can worsen acne, the condition isn't really caused by dirty skin. Scrubbing will just make matters worse and it can lead to scarring. Instead, wash your baby or child's face gently with a soft cloth a mild cleanser. Tear-free cleansers are best for babies and younger children. Wash the face once a day to avoid drying out the skin, unless you must clean them up after eating.
Tip #3: Try a cold compress
If the acne is painful, place a cold compress or ice pack on your child's face for a few minutes. This will shrink the pores and bring down any inflammation, which can help relieve the pain and lessen the appearance of the acne. Although childhood acne can be painful, baby acne rarely is so you don't need to use cold compresses on an infant.
Tip #4: Keep It Clean
Change your child's pillow case nightly so they always have a clean and oil-free surface on which to lay their head. For babies, take the time to change their sheets in their crib regularly. If they have a different nap spot, such as in a playpen, also make sure to change the blankets there every day.
Tip #5: Contact a doctor
Your child's pediatrician may recommend that they see a dermatologist if the acne persists. The dermatologist may prescribe treatments, lotions, or dietary changes to help clear up the acne. It's important to follow their advice to make sure your child gets the treatment they need and doesn't suffer any long term affects from the acne, like scarring.
For a dermatologist, contact a business such as East Carolina Dermatology and Skin Surgery, PLLC.
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