Most of us think that acne is only faced by teenagers or adults. But we are somewhat mistaken here. You will be startled to know that acne can occur in infants as well.
Newborns may have acne eruption initially on the nose or cheeks. This can be caused by hormonal changes that occurred during developmental phases. This outbreak is usually cleared within a few days. If acne persists for more than a few weeks or becomes severe, endocrinologist and a pediatric dermatologist should be consulted as soon as possible. There can be several causes for infantile acne. Doctors usually investigate following points to know the root cause:
1. Doctors study the family history of infants. Acne may be hereditary in few a families. This hereditary factor is a high risk for an acne outbreak in infants.
2. It should be investigated whether the acne was caused by some drug induction in the infant. Some iodine consisting drugs can cause acne in infants.
3. Is there any indication of mental or physical developmental abnormality? Very early acne can also be a warning of a developmental abnormality.
Sometimes acne can be developed between 2 to 6 years. Acne erupted at birth is usually vanished by the time the child reaches 2. If acne develops between 2 to 6 years a dermatologist should be consulted as soon as possible because this is unusual. An acne eruption at this age may be the cause of some type of disease.
It is normally believed that acne cannot occur between 2 to 6 years because Sebum production is very slow at this age. So there is no chance of acne eruption. In children acne can occur as papules or comedones on the cheeks and chin. It is interesting to note that acne is more common in baby boys as compared to baby girls.
Acne treatment in infants is similar to that of adults and teenagers. A child’s skin is very thin and sensitive so we cannot treat it with antibiotics or very strong ointments. It generally consists of cleansing the skin gently with a tropical agent. Antibiotics are prescribed only when the case gets worse and is not cured by tropical lotion. This treatment is discontinued immediately when acne vanishes.
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