Dr. Komarovsky on acne in newborns

Many parents find it surprising when they see newborns with acne. Some babies get tiny red or white pimples on their skin within a few weeks of delivery; these are typically on the cheeks, forehead, or chin. Although this may cause concern, many infants actually suffer from this common, transient condition.

Renowned pediatrician Dr. Komarovsky provides comforting guidance on managing acne in newborns. He claims that it’s a benign problem that usually goes away on its own without the need for special care. Parents can feel more at ease if they know what causes it and how to treat their baby’s sensitive skin.

This post will discuss Dr. Komarovsky’s professional opinions on what causes newborn acne, how long it usually lasts, and how to maintain your baby’s skin health during this stage. Let’s examine the information you require in more detail.

What is it?

Neonatal cephalic pustulosis, or newborn acne, is not an uncommon occurrence. About 30% of all newborns experience it. The baby gets white or yellow pimples on the scalp, cheeks, chin, forehead, and area surrounding the nose. These are the locations where acne appears most frequently.

In the vicinity of the ears and neck, rashes are much less common. Reassuringly, Evgeny Komarovsky says that special treatment is usually not necessary because this acne rash is typically of a physiological nature.

The truth is that the baby is impacted by the mother’s lingering hormonal background, which was normal for him during his nine months in the womb. In this instance, the mother’s body produces enormous amounts of the hormone estrogen during the last trimester of pregnancy and during childbirth, which is the "instigator" of pimples. It also makes acne more likely to appear and permits the baby to acquire subcutaneous fat.

Additionally, the newly formed person’s sex glands become active after birth, which is also the reason why newborns develop acne. especially in light of the fact that the child’s sebaceous glands are still developing and cannot yet operate in their proper, "tuned" mode.

Such a rash typically develops within the first six months of the child’s independent life after birth, or it may be present from birth. Pediatricians generally agree that infant acne is a baby skin’s attempt to adjust as best it can to a highly aggressive environment full of bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens.

According to Dr. Komarovsky, newborn acne is a common, benign condition that usually doesn’t need to be treated. It arises during the initial weeks of life as a result of postpartum hormonal fluctuations. Parents may find the rash concerning, but it usually goes away on its own in a few months. Parents are reassured by Dr. Komarovsky that patience and gentle skincare are the best approaches, so they shouldn’t worry or use harsh treatments.

How to distinguish from other diseases?

Komarovsky claims that vigilant parents can quickly determine whether a newborn’s skin rash or pimples are the cause of the condition. When a baby has acne, it only affects the face; however, when there is a food allergy or other allergic reaction, the rash covers the entire body.

Now, Dr. Komarovsky will explain what baby acne is, why it occurs, and how to take care of your skin.

Generally speaking, an allergic rash gives birth to a baby who experiences a great deal of unpleasant symptoms, including itching and scratching as well as restless, erratic, and unexplained crying. Newborns with acne do not experience any unpleasant or compulsive side effects from their acne.

Papules, or reddish seals, comedones, or pustules, which are whitish and resemble "closed" rashes, are three possible forms of acne in babies. An allergic rash lacks purulent "heads" or whitish tops, and the rash and surrounding tissues have a distinctly red color.

When a rash appears, Dr. Komarovsky advises examining the area of the baby’s bottom that is usually covered by the diaper. It does not come into contact with any allergens, so discussing a food allergy is pointless if there is no rash there. If there is, then we are probably talking about an actual allergic reaction rather than innocuous pimples.

We would like to draw your attention to yet another intriguing Dr. Komarovsky program theme issue.

Acne can occasionally be mistaken for prickly heat. The rash on the face will initially resemble acne (also known as facial bloom) if the baby is overwrapped and not given enough attention to daily bathing. Its prevalence will tell you; generally speaking, prickly heat does not have purulent heads and spreads throughout the body more quickly than acne.

Dermatitis and acne can often be misdiagnosed. Since only a medical professional can distinguish between the two, Komarovsky advises showing the infant to a pediatrician in any scenario.

Advice from Dr. Komarovsky

As we’ve already mentioned, acne in newborns doesn’t require special care, but Evgeny Olegovich advises all new moms to be aware of a few subtleties.

• Squeezing pimples on a baby is strictly prohibited! Firstly, it is painful, and secondly, pathogenic bacteria can get into the wounds and cause an inflammatory process. Then, in place of such “complicated” wounds, there will be ugly scars that are impossible to get rid of.
• If parents use cosmetics for children, they should be labeled “From the first days of life”. It is not necessary to cauterize acne with brilliant green, iodine, alcohol and alcohol-containing solutions. Ointments with antibiotics and even regular baby cream are prohibited, because it is quite greasy. You should not try to solve the problem with powder, it is useless. If there are many rashes, you can use zinc ointment or Sudocrem, they effectively "dry up" the pimples.
• If acne does not go away for a long time, the rash becomes larger and more and more areas of the baby"s face are covered with it, be sure to consult a doctor. Such pimples may not have a hormonal root cause, but an infectious one.
• A mother who breastfeeds a child should worry less so that the stress hormone cortisol does not enter the milk. It also contributes to the appearance of skin problems in the child. In addition, a nursing mother should reconsider her diet.
• A child with newborn acne needs sun and air baths, hardening. In the warm season, a baby with problem skin should be outdoors more often. Phytotherapy is acceptable – bathing in water with the addition of a decoction of chamomile and string. You can wash your baby with chamomile several times a day, avoiding the decoction getting into the eyes, nose and ears.
• With the right approach, according to Evgeny Komarovsky, acne disappears without a trace on its own in a fairly short time – from several weeks to 3 months.

Parents are reassured by Dr. Komarovsky that newborn acne is a common and benign condition. It typically shows up in the first few weeks of life and doesn’t hurt the infant. Little red or white bumps that usually go away on their own without the need for medical attention are often the result of hormonal changes that occur after birth.

Parents should refrain from picking or squeezing their child’s acne because this can lead to infection or irritation. To keep the skin clean, a baby just needs to receive gentle care, such as washing their face in warm water. Using harsh creams or lotions is superfluous and may exacerbate the condition.

Newborn acne usually goes away on its own in a matter of weeks or months. For peace of mind, parents should see a pediatrician if the acne appears severe or if they are concerned. All things considered, this is a transitory stage that doesn’t need much assistance and shouldn’t worry you.

Video on the topic

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