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Why is my breastfed babys face breaking out?

Understanding Baby Acne: A Common Concern for Breastfed Infants
If you’ve noticed your breastfed baby’s face breaking out, you’re not alone. Many parents encounter this issue, often referred to as baby acne, which is a common and typically harmless condition affecting newborns.
What is Baby Acne?
Baby acne usually manifests as small bumps or pimples on the face, particularly on the cheeks, nose, and sometimes the forehead and chin. This condition can be alarming for new parents, but it’s important to understand that it is generally a temporary skin condition that resolves on its own within a few weeks to months.
Causes of Baby Acne
The exact cause of baby acne is not entirely understood, but it is believed to be linked to maternal hormones. During pregnancy, these hormones can stimulate the baby’s oil glands, leading to the development of acne. Additionally, factors such as skin irritation, exposure to certain products, or even the baby’s own skin adjusting to the outside world can contribute to breakouts.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While baby acne is usually benign, parents should monitor the condition. If the acne appears to be severe, persists beyond a few months, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or unusual behavior, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician.
Caring for Your Baby’s Skin
In most cases, no special treatment is required for baby acne. Keeping the baby’s face clean and avoiding harsh soaps or lotions can help. Gentle cleansing with water and a soft cloth is often sufficient. It’s also important to avoid squeezing or picking at the acne, as this can lead to irritation or infection.
Conclusion
In summary, if your breastfed baby’s face is breaking out, it is likely a case of baby acne, a common and temporary condition. Understanding its nature can help alleviate concerns, allowing you to focus on enjoying those precious early moments with your little one. If you have any doubts or if the condition worsens, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.

Does breastfeeding affect mothers skin?

During the postpartum period, hormonal fluctuations and increased water demand by the body due to breastfeeding may change the skin texture and cause dry skin.

How do I know if my breastmilk is upsetting my baby’s stomach?

If symptoms occur such as fussiness, irritability, crying, gas, increased spitting up and/or drawing their legs up due to tummy pain, write down everything you ate that day. This lets you carefully look at your diet instead of getting rid of foods that may not be the cause of your baby’s distress.

What is the best skin care for acne while breastfeeding?

Azelaic Acid or Hydrocolloid Patches for Acne
While many standard acne treatments should be avoided by those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, azelaic acid, which derives from wheat, offers a safe and more natural solution.

How do you treat breastfeeding friendly acne?

Proactiv is considered compatible with breastfeeding and is a more preferable acne treatment for nursing moms than oral antibiotics. The active ingredient in the Proactiv products is benzoyl peroxide (see the above paragraph).

Does baby acne mean milk allergy?

If you notice red bumps on your baby’s face or body after six weeks of age, you may be dealing with a skin infection, eczema, or cow’s milk allergy. Telltale signs of these conditions include inflammation and areas of dry or cracked skin, as well as extreme fussiness, excessive spit-up or even fever.

Why does my baby’s face flare up when breastfeeding?

Maternal hormones play a role in baby acne, triggering bumps in some infants. Babies are exposed to fluctuating hormones before birth while in the womb, as well as after birth due to breastfeeding. Infants also have sensitive skin. This means their pores can easily clog, thus causing acne.

What causes baby acne in breastfed babies?

Providers suspect that baby acne is the result of hormonal changes that affect your newborn during birth or the first few weeks of their life. Hormones in the placenta can affect how your baby’s skin produces sebum.

What does it look like if baby is allergic to breast milk?

Even a baby who has never been formula fed, and has never had any food besides breast milk may show signs of food allergy including: diarrhea, bloody stools, vomiting, colic, eczema, constipation and poor growth.

Why is my face breaking out while breastfeeding?

These zits result from changing hormone levels. They usually get better as hormones go back to pre-pregnancy levels. If postpartum pimples don’t clear up after a few weeks, talk to your provider. There are several safe treatments, even if you’re breastfeeding or chestfeeding.

How do I get rid of breast milk rash on my baby’s face?

How to manage a rash

  1. Avoid rubbing and scrubbing the baby’s delicate skin.
  2. Use a soft washcloth to gently wipe away any milk, formula, or spit-up to avoid it sitting on the skin.
  3. Keep skin cleaning to a minimum to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils.
  4. Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products.
Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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