What is newborn acne? Doctor’s advise for parents on how to take care of their baby’s skin

A newborn baby’s skin is very delicate and extra care has to be taken. While usually parents oil baby’s face and skin but it may be harmful for them.Dr. Deepa Aggarwal shared harmful effects of over oiling and moisturizing a baby. Recalling an incident, she shared on social media, “A mom in OPD brings a 1 month old baby who has a lot of red spots on her face. She is really concerned and worried that there are so many acne rashes and we have applied a cream for acne but it is not going away. The main point that is seen during the examination is that there is a lot of oil on the forehead and head. Now I asked why did you apply so much oil? She said, ‘Everyone at home says that oil should be applied on the forehead’.”The doctor shared what is newborn acne, what needs to be done and what should not be done.Here are things she advised on what is not to be done?She said, “You should not apply oil on the forehead and head. Because the more oil you apply on the forehead and head, the more acne will increase. And secondly, you should not apply any over-the-counter cream or lotion or any adult acne cream on the baby's face.”Speaking about the occurrence and how one can recover, she said, “Newborn acne is very common. It occurs in 30% of newborns. Usually, in 2-4 weeks, babies get some red spots on the face. And they automatically recover in 3-4 months. They are completely harmless. We do not know the exact reason but it is usually seen that it is due to maternal hormones or due to over-stimulation of the oil glands.” She further said, “In skin care, you have to keep the baby's skin clean. You should not wash it too much. If you wash it, then wash it with hypoallergenic baby cleanser and do not rub it. Pat dry it. And a gentle baby lotion can be used on the baby's skin. When do you have to meet the doctor? If the acne is very extensive and extends below the nipple line. The baby is becoming restless or irritable due to acne. Or you see some yellow discharge in it. Or you see big inflamed acne. Then you have to meet your doctor. In that case, your doctor might prescribe a steroid cream, which is a very mild steroid cream for the treatment of newborn acne. Otherwise, there is no need for any treatment for mild newborn acne. They resolve on their own.”Lastly, she advised, “No oil on the scalp and face. And newborn acne is completely harmless and normal.”