Baby zits vs eczema: Knowledgeable on distinction between the 2

Acne in new child is not unusual and about 20% of the infants can develop neonatal zits generally at beginning. Acne could be noticed on brow, chin, again, neck or chest of the newborn. While pimples and redness on the face shouldn’t be a reason behind concern normally, it will possibly at instances be symptom of eczema or atopic dermatitis and you will need to get the precise prognosis because the inflammatory situation can unfold to different components of the physique. (Also learn: Baby Massage Day: Health benefits of massage for your babies)

“The skin of a newborn baby is very sensitive and vulnerable to the external environment as compared to that of an adult. Not all babies have soft, clear skin, and some of them have bumpy and red patches on the skin called neonatal acne. Commonly known as baby acne, neonatal acne causes pimples and redness on the baby’s face and area around the neck. However, it can also be a symptom of eczema or atopic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy patches to appear on the baby’s skin,” says Dr Poonam Sidana, Director Neonatology and Pediatrics, C Okay Birla Hospital Delhi.

Baby zits generally begins round 2 weeks of age, and typically, it will get resolved by 6 weeks of age with none therapy. However, in instances of eczema, the newborn could get redness, swelling and scaling on the pores and skin.

“This inflammatory condition usually occurs in babies between 3 to 6 months and starts with the face and scalp. It slowly spreads to other parts of the body, particularly the elbows and knees. For new mothers, it can be quite challenging to distinguish between baby acne and eczema,” says Dr Sidana.

Dr Sidana shares methods that may assist determine the variations between the 2 circumstances:

• Age: Neonatal or child zits normally happens in age group of 2-6 weeks. An analogous situation known as childish eczema can occur after 6 weeks or later as much as early a part of second yr. Baby eczema typically does not seem till the kid is 3 to six months outdated.

• The look of the pimples: Both eczema and child zits could seem bumpy on the pores and skin. But child zits is extra like small pimples, alternatively eczema seems to be a dry, flaky patch on the pores and skin. If the toddler is itchy, it may also be an indication of eczema.

• Areas of the physique: Baby zits normally seems across the neck, again, and chest. However, eczema could prolong to the elbows and knees. However, you will need to be aware that each child zits and eczema can seem on the face, chin, and scalp.

• Genetics: There could also be household historical past of allergy in atopic dermatitis.

Understanding the therapy

In most instances, child zits doesn’t require any medical therapy and resolves by itself after a couple of months.

“If the baby has neonatal acne, the skin needs to be kept clean and free of any oily products. The affected area must be gently patted, not rubbed. On the other hand, infantile eczema or atopic dermatitis is characterized by dry skin with scaling, inflammation, sometimes cracking, and weeping,” says Dr Sidana.

“While there is no permanent cure for eczema, it is possible to minimise the symptoms. Ways to minimise symptoms include keeping the skin well-hydrated with an appropriate moisturising lotion, avoiding hot water baths, and gently patting the skin after bathing. Moisturising should be done on damp skin to ensure better absorption. Keeping the baby’s nails trimmed is important to prevent scratching of itchy lesions, and dressing the baby in loose, soft cotton clothes can be helpful. Atopic dermatitis or eczema may be associated with other conditions. It is advisable to consult your baby’s doctor for a long-term management plan,” concludes Dr Sidana.