Infant Acne

Infant acne occurs in approximately 20 percent of all babies. It generally resolves itself during the first few months. It may take the appearance of pimples, whiteheads or a minor rash. Small white pimples or spots called milia usually appear on the face, especially the nose and chin. They aren't itchy and won't bother your baby. They are just the result of immature sweat glands, and possibly hormones from your pregnancy, and will disappear without treatment.

Peeling

You may also notice during the first few days that your newborn's skin peels slightly - especially on the palms of her hands, soles of her feet, and her ankles. This is perfectly normal, especially if your baby was born past her due date. After a few days the peeling will go away. Just remember to apply a moisturizer made for babies to help maintain her soft skin.

Cradle Cap

Some babies have cradle cap or seborrheic dermatitis - a skin condition that looks like crusty or scaly patches on the scalp or eyebrows. This is a very common condition that may begin in the first few weeks and usually lasts several weeks or months. It usually resolves completely when your baby is between eight and 12 months old. To help alleviate cradle cap, you can gently massage a moisturizer like Baby Oil - Baby Skin Care onto the patches to soften the crust. Wait a few minutes, then comb gently to remove the flakes. Then you can shampoo with a gentle made-for-babies shampoo.

Other Ways to Protect

You can also keep your baby's skin protected by dressing her in loose-fitting clothing, to prevent chafing. Protect your baby's skin from all direct sun exposure with a hat and other forms of shade.

As your infant grows, her skin will adapt and grow with her. With your care and attention, you play an important role in keeping your infant, and your infant's skin, healthy. And whether you're bathing your baby's skin or smoothing on a moisturizer, you're doing more than helping to keep your infant's skin healthy. With your gentle hand, you're also forming a special bond with your infant through the power of your touch.

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