Breast Milk For Baby Acne? Myth Or Fact

There is nothing purer and innocent than a baby’s face. However, you will often notice bumps and red rashes on that innocent face. What are those? Some might say those are baby acne.

So, what is the solution to get rid of these bumps? People often tell you breast milk is one of the best medicines for baby acne. But breast milk for baby acne? Does that work, or is it just another myth? Let’s find out.

What Is a Baby Acne?

Baby acne is also known as neonatal acne, which appears in the first few weeks after the child’s birth. They are identified as white or red bumps and mostly appear on the chin, cheeks, or forehead.

This is common in most newborns and does not happen from clogged pores. Even though you might get worried and find it concerning, baby acne is harmless and goes off occasionally.

Symptoms & Appearance of Baby Acne

Baby acne generally looks like white or red bumps and mostly appears on the face within a few weeks of birth. This acne looks similar to adult acne. It might also develop whiteheads, and the skin often turns reddish surrounding the bump.

They can develop acne anywhere on their face, but it mostly happens on their cheeks. Some even get acne on the neck and upper back. These get more highlighted when the baby is crying or when they get fussy.

Sometimes, you will notice acne during birth, but this happens rarely. A baby develops acne in the first few weeks after their birth. It could last for a few days or even weeks and, in some case last several months.

Causes Of Baby Acne

What causes baby acne? Various factors contribute to the formation of baby acne. The common causes are mentioned here.

• Maternal Hormones: When you are pregnant, you pass your hormones to your baby through the placenta. These hormones often stimulate the sebaceous glands, which cause baby acne.
• Immature Poses: The skin pores in newborns are underdeveloped, and these pores get easily inflamed and irritated, causing acne.
• Skin Irritation: Milk, spit-up, saliva, and rough fabrics irritate their sensitive skin. This is what triggers acne and makes it worse.
• Medications: A mother takes a lot of medication during pregnancy, which gets to the baby and causes acne. Also, the baby takes medicines after birth, which can cause acne.
• Family History: Genetics plays an important role here. If one of the parents has experienced acne, the baby will likely get it, too.
• Coming In Touch With Greasy Or Oily Substance: If the baby comes in contact with a greasy or oily substance, like hair oil, it can clog the pores and cause baby acne.
• Yeast Infection: There are often reactions to Malassezia, a yeast that causes inflammation on the baby’s skin and causes an acne-like outbreak.

Breast Milk For Baby Acne: Does It Work?

Is breast milk good for baby acne? It might seem odd using breast milk for baby acne. Some people say that is the absolute remedy. However, let me clarify that there is no research-based backed data that breast milk helps reduce baby acne.

Breast milk has antimicrobial properties and this can reduce microbes like bacteria. So, if this baby’s acne was caused by contact with a bacteria, then this can heal that.

Breast milk can kill the bacteria and clear out the impurities that can clog the pores.

This reduces the redness, skin irritation, and inflammation caused by acne. One of the major benefits is that this is a natural remedy, and it is readily available. It is gentle on their sensitive skin.

Just dab a little breast milk after feeding your baby, or you can also dip a small piece of cotton in breast milk and rub it over the acne. As this is a natural remedy, you can try this multiple times on your little one.

Baby acne mostly clears up in a few weeks. However, if you want to speed up the process you can consult a pediatrician, and they might suggest some tropical medication. However, it lasts more than that, or if it has been several months, then consult your pediatrician again.

Other Care Tips & Baby Acne Treatment Options (Alternatives)

Even though breast milk is a natural remedy, there are some other baby acne self-care treatments you can avail to get rid of your baby’s acne. Here are some of the alternatives mentioned.

Keep your baby clean

It is not necessary to bathe them daily. However, it is important to keep them clean. So, use a mild baby soap and provide them with a bath with warm water to clean their pores. It will be delicate on their skin and will not irritate the skin.

Do not put lotion on their face

Clogged pores often cause acne. So, only use moisturizers designed for the baby’s skin. Use those which are fragrant-free and will not irritate the skin. Do not just put any lotion on their face.

Never scrub their bumps

Do not scrub the bumps When applying or bathing lotion or breast milk. If you accidentally pop the acne bump, there is a chance that it might cause skin infection or scar your baby’s face. Moreover, cover their hands with mittens so they do not pop it themselves.

How To Prevent Baby Acne

To have to incorporate different strategies to prevent baby acne. All this is done to maintain healthy skin for the baby and reduce irritation as much as possible. Here is what you can do.

Regular Washing

Even if you don’t bathe them regularly, clean their face with lukewarm water and gentle soap. Gently dab their face with a washcloth to clean any impurities, milk residue, and dirt from their face. Ensure that there is no soap residue left on their skin.

Breastfeeding Benefits

There are various benefits of breastfeeding, and a few significant advantages are that it provides nutrients and antibodies for their overall health. The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial policies help in managing acne. It will contribute to healthier skin.

Soft Fabrics

Always dress your baby in soft fabrics. This reduces skin irritation. Natural fibers are gentle on their skin and help with air circulation. Avoid tight-fitting, scratchy, and rough clothing, as it can aggravate acne.

Keep Nails Trimmed

Keep their nails trimmed. They might pop out acne while sleeping or scratch themselves while playing. So, it is better to keep their nails trimmed, as it will prevent them from causing harm to themselves.

Avoid Excessive Heat

Keep your baby in a cool environment. If they are exposed to excessive heat, they will sweat, and that might clog the pores which can irritate the skin and cause acne. Dress them appropriately, considering the temperature, and use an air conditioner or fan to keep the room cool.

Use Gentle Products

When you are choosing skincare products, you must make sure you are picking something that would be gentle on the skin. Protect them from harsh chemicals and fragrances which are used in regular skin care products.

Reduce Exposure to Irritants

Take care of the potential irritants that can possibly irritate their skin. Strong detergents, pet hair, and dust cause skin irritation. So, keep the surroundings clean and use baby-friendly detergents for your baby.

Content gap – alternatives

FAQs

Since there is no research-backed data on the topic, people often ask some questions while discussing this. Here are some of the questions mentioned.

Wrapping Up!

Breast milk for baby acne has been a remedy for quite a while. Even though there is no data backing the statement or proper scientific research, people find this useful. Moreover, it is a natural remedy.

Henceforth, there is no chance of any reaction or irritation to the skin. It is a common problem among infants and mostly goes away without any need for medication. However, discussing everything with a doctor before you try anything else is best.