Acne in newborns: skin care

A newborn baby undergoes a number of changes in the body at all levels. They regulate the functions of organs, like settings. Hormonal rash in newborns (neonatal cephalic pustulosis) is one of the stages of adaptation to new environmental conditions. You need to be prepared for this, and not panic because of the appearance of a rash. The temporary phenomenon frightens young parents with its sudden development and unknown root cause. At an appointment with a doctor, you can determine the nature of the rash, eliminate the bacterial or infectious nature of the occurrence, and receive recommendations for caring for your baby. Hormonal rash on the face of a newborn is a common occurrence that does not carry hidden health threats.

What is newborn acne and what causes it?

Between two and five weeks of age, small pimples may appear on your baby's face (usually on the cheeks, nose, eyelids, chin and/or forehead). According to statistics, acne of newborns (or infant acne, neonatal pustulosis) occurs in 30% of babies. Experts do not agree on why acne occurs, but it may be due to one of the following reasons:

inflammation of the skin caused by fungi of the genus Melassezia, which are part of the normal human microflora and colonize the skin in the first weeks after birth
overactive sebaceous glands on the baby’s skin, caused by the specific action of maternal hormones (androgens)

Pimples on a newborn's face have nothing in common with acne in teenagers.

Pyoderma in a child

Vesiculopustulosis

The pathology is characteristic of the neonatal period. Vesiculopustelosis is an inflammatory process in the area of the mouth of the sweat gland. The formation of pustules in a child is preceded by prickly heat. As a result of infection, the elements of prickly heat become inflamed and transform into pustules with a milky-white secretion. The rash is located on the skin of the scalp, torso, and in folds.

Pemphigus of newborns

Neonatal pemphigus occurs on days 3-15 of a child’s life. It is characterized by the appearance of conflicts (bubbles) ranging in size from a pea to a walnut, filled with cloudy contents. The typical location of blisters is on the abdomen, perineum, and in the umbilical area. After conflict resolution, wet erosion remains. The general condition of the baby is usually disturbed: there is fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

Ostiofolliculitis. Folliculitis

Ostiofolliculitis is an infection of the mouth of the hair follicle; it has an acute onset: pustules penetrated by hair appear on an unchanged skin background. The favorite localization of rashes is the head, chest, and limbs. After a few days, the pustule resolves and becomes covered with a crust, which leaves behind a pink spot.

When the process spreads to the entire follicle, folliculitis develops. The area of inflammation increases in size and becomes painful. After a week, the abscess dries out without leaving a scar. If the infection penetrates into the subcutaneous layer, a boil forms. A conglomerate of boils is called a carbuncle. Opening a carbunculous pustule leaves deep scars.

Impetigo

There are several types of pathology. Streptococcal impetigo is characterized by the formation of conflicts on the face with a purulent-serous secretion, which open after 3-4 days without leaving a scar. Slit impetigo is also called “jam”. It represents maceration, linear erosions at the wings of the nose, in the corners of the mouth, and eyes. In the bullous form of pyoderma, pustular rashes are localized on the skin of the hands and lower extremities.

Papuloerosive streptoderma

Diaper dermatitis occurs only in children under one year of age, more often in the neonatal period. In the anogenital zone, on the inner surface of the thighs, dense bluish papules with an inflammatory halo form. Papules transform into blisters, then into erosions and crusts. The elements appear against the background of maceration, irritation of the skin by feces.

Intertriginous streptoderma

Often streptoderma occurs in children with lipid metabolism disorders. Rashes appear in the area of large folds: inguinal, cervical, axillary, buttock. The rash consists of blisters that, when resolved, leave weeping erosions with scalloped borders.

Erysipelas

The disease affects young children. The predominant localization is the neck, limbs, face. An erythematous area of irregular shape and different sizes appears at the site of inflammation. On palpation, local hyperthermia and pain are noted. In severe cases, erythema is accompanied by abscess formation and skin necrosis. The general condition is disturbed.

How to get rid of acne in newborns

There are no home remedies to get rid of newborn pimples on the face. You need to wait until they disappear on their own. Typically, newborn acne goes away in about three to four months without leaving any traces. Here's how to take care of your baby's delicate skin if he has pimples:

Wash him every day with warm water and mild baby soap, then pat dry.
Try to avoid any rubbing of the affected areas of the skin, as this can make the process worse or even lead to infection.
Do not apply lotions or oils to your baby's face.
There is no need to follow a diet, since neonatal acne has nothing to do with the mother’s diet

What types of allergies are there?

Food

Allergies can occur in both bottle-fed and breast-fed newborns. Many scientists note that there is a hereditary predisposition to allergies, therefore, if a child’s relatives suffer from this problem, then it can also manifest itself in the baby.

The risk of developing an allergic reaction in infants can be increased by unreasonable supplementary feeding in the maternity hospital with formula milk, while the mother has not yet produced her milk. Therefore, breastfeeding consultants do not recommend doing this. They advise putting the baby to the breast more often to stimulate the production of breast milk by the mammary glands.

In most cases, food intolerance and food allergy to formula in newborns is caused by cow's (or goat's) milk protein. Some medications prescribed to a newborn can also cause food allergies.

Contact

In some cases, allergies in newborns appear upon contact with various external factors. Most often, a negative reaction from the body can be caused by:

dust and mites living in it;
household chemicals (soap, washing powder, dishwashing and plumbing cleaners);
pets (an allergic reaction can occur not only to fur, but also to saliva and other biological fluids of the animal);
plant pollen;
cosmetic and hygiene products (shower gels, shampoos, parental perfumes, wet wipes, cosmetic oils, creams, etc.);
toys (some rattles are made of toxic materials and therefore can provoke allergies; it is also advisable to remove soft toys that accumulate dust from a baby who is prone to allergic reactions);
clothing (poor quality items can cause allergic reactions when in contact with the child’s skin, so it is advisable to purchase clothing that comes into contact with the skin, in soft colors, made from natural fabrics).

Allergies are directly related to the functioning of the immune system, but in many cases it is impossible to determine the exact cause of the reaction in a newborn.

When to see a doctor

If you are concerned about your baby's complexion or if you are concerned that the condition is not improving after three to four months, consult your pediatrician. Your doctor may prescribe a special cream to treat acne in a newborn. Do not use over-the-counter creams or any other medications for acne without first consulting your pediatrician as they may harm your baby. Contact your pediatrician if your newborn has any of these symptoms:

blisters on the skin
peeling skin
heat
uncharacteristic tearfulness
poor appetite

Should neonatal rash be treated?

There is no need to treat a three-week rash in an infant. There are times when a baby damages pimples and introduces an infection into them. In this case, ointments are used that have an antiseptic effect. To prevent your baby from scratching the rash, you need to carefully trim your nails and wear special anti-scratch mittens.

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Treatment is prescribed only if the rash progresses very quickly or lasts more than 3 months. Sometimes there is a severe blockage of the duct. In this case, the doctor will prescribe special ointments (Bepanten, Ketoconazole).

It is necessary to monitor the hygiene of the baby’s skin, bathe him regularly, give him baths with medicinal herbs (decoction of chamomile, string, calendula). You can use a weak solution of manganese or Chlorophyllipt for bathing. For washing, use regular baby soap.

For skin problems, herbal baths are deservedly popular.

The baby needs to regularly take sun and air baths and go for walks more often. A nursing mother should follow a hypoallergenic diet. After the hormonal levels normalize, the rashes will disappear, and no trace will remain on the skin.

Treatment of allergies in infants

When allergic symptoms occur, it is necessary to take a comprehensive approach to eliminating the problem. First, it is recommended to identify the allergen and eliminate it, after which the child can be prescribed medications.

If an allergic reaction occurs due to an inappropriate formula, the pediatrician will help you choose the most optimal nutrition option for the baby.

Drug treatment

Drug treatment consists of several stages, which are used depending on the complexity of the rash and unpleasant symptoms in the infant.

Absorbent preparations

The use of sorbent drugs helps reduce intoxication of the body and naturally remove compounds that can cause unpleasant symptoms.

The following medications can be used for a newborn:

Smecta;
Polysorb;
Enterosgel;
White coal.

The dosage of the drug is prescribed in individual cases. The course of treatment is no more than three days.

Smecta

Polysorb

Enterosgel

White coal

Antihistamines

Antihistamines - prescribed to reduce itching and redness, used in acute cases of the body's reaction to an allergen.

The most commonly prescribed medications are:

Suprastin;
Diazolin;
Tavegil;
Diphenhydramine;
Fenistil drops.

Antihistamines are prescribed for newborns only after reaching one month of age.

It is necessary to grind a quarter of the tablet into powder and add it to the liquid, use it once a day. Drops are taken based on body weight. The course of treatment is no more than three days.

Suprastin

Diazolin

Tavegil

Diphenhydramine

Fenistil

External preparations

Non-hormonal drugs for external use - the absence of hormones allows the drug to be used for a long course until the symptoms completely disappear. Medicines can reduce swelling and redness.

The most commonly used types of products for external use are:

Bepanthen cream;
Fenistil gel;
Elidel cream;
Wundehil ointment.

The medicine is applied in a thin layer to the previously cleansed skin of the newborn twice a day. The course of application is up to 5 days. Recommended age: from one month.

Bepanten

Fenistil

Elidel

Wundehill

Local hormonal drugs are highly effective, however, they are prescribed very rarely. Only in cases where complex therapy has not brought the necessary results.

Hormonal ointments include:

Advantan;
Mometasone;
Lokoid.

The use of drugs that contain hormones is carried out only after reaching three months. The product is applied in a thin layer to the skin once a day. The duration of treatment is prescribed by the pediatrician in individual cases.

Advantan

Mometasone

Lokoid

Preparations for restoring intestinal microflora

Probiotics - Used to restore normal intestinal microflora and improve digestion.

The most commonly used:

BioGaia drops are a unique probiotic isolated from breast milk, produced in Sweden;
Bififom Baby - the preparations contain special Baby bifidobacteria and enterococci, enriched with vitamins B6 and B1, as well as plant fibers inulin, produced in Denmark;
Linex - the drug contains enterococci, bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, produced in Slovenia.

The use of such medications is recommended from 2 months. The substance is diluted with water or milk and given to the newborn. Used once a day, the duration of treatment is individual for each baby.

BioGaia

Bifiform Baby

Linex

Other drugs

If necessary, special drops can be prescribed that drop into the eyes and nose to eliminate allergic-type symptoms.

The most commonly prescribed include Vibrocil and Ophthalmol, such drops are aimed at relieving swelling and eliminating the symptoms of the disease. Used from the first days of life on the recommendation of a doctor.

Treatments with folk remedies

Traditional methods of treatment are used in the presence of minor allergy symptoms. It is very important to know that before using any method, you must first test for adverse reactions.

Decoction of string

For newborns, a decoction of the string is most often used - it eliminates inflammatory formations on the skin of a newborn. Allowed to be used from the first days of life.

To prepare the decoction you need:

Pour 10 grams of dry grass with 4 glasses of water;
Place over low heat and bring to a boil;
Leave for 2-3 hours;
Strain the resulting infusion through a double piece of gauze;
Add to bathing water.

Recommended use three times a week.

Aloe juice

Aloe juice – helps reduce itching and eliminate rashes.

To prepare, you must perform the following steps:

Cut off the aloe leaf that grows near the root. It is most suitable for such a process;
Grind and pour a glass of warm water;
Leave for three hours;
Strain the resulting mass using gauze;
Dilute the liquid with a glass of boiled water;
Wipe allergic rashes twice a day.

Used in diluted form from the first days of a newborn’s life.