X
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
EnglishFilipino
Product GuideSign in
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Becoming a Parent
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Pregnancy
    • Delivery
    • Losing a Baby
    • Project Sidekicks
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Toddler Years
    • Preschool Age
    • Kids
    • Preteen & Teen
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • News
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Health & Wellness
    • Diseases & Injuries
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Preschool
    • K-12
    • Special Education Needs
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Celebrities
    • Contests & Promotions
    • Home
    • Travel and Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
    • Money
  • Become a VIP
  • COVID-19
  • Press Room
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Awards
    • Parents' Choice Awards 2023

What are the differences between baby acne vs. eczema

8 min read

There are probably misconceptions between baby acne vs eczema that we need to clarify to point out their differences.

Newborn babies have delicately smoother skin and an adorable scent which is very lovely. However, your baby’s skin might turn or look like someone older than a teenager’s than only a few weeks or months old. Seeing some bumps on their skin will make you worried. So you will need to know the difference between baby acne vs eczema.

Before giving your bumpy baby with remedy or treatment, you just need to know what kind of skin condition your baby is dealing with. Fortunately, Dr. Amin claims to Romper.com that you can simply look at your baby’s condition to assess the skin issue.

She added that “babies have sensitive skin and some are way more sensitive than others”. Also, she said that acne tends to be more bumps or papules, similar to acne in puberty. Meanwhile, eczema is rougher, with reddish patches.

However, there is a possibility that your baby “might” experience both skin problems.

So, we should differentiate the two skin conditions to know the signs for each. We also need to know how to tell one from the other, how to treat both, and when to see a doctor.

Table of Contents

  • Difference between baby acne vs eczema
  • What is baby acne?
  • What is baby eczema?
  • How to tell if it is baby acne vs eczema
  • How to treat baby acne vs eczema

Difference between baby acne vs eczema

Rashes and minor skin issues are very common in babies and infants. While most blemishes disappear without remedy or treatment, other skin conditions linger, cause irritation, and become more concerning.

With the rise of childhood eczema cases, most parents are more aware of the symptoms. But, baby eczema has striking sameness with baby acne so it can be difficult to distinguish which is which.

With such an idea, we must first define each skin condition to closely learn the difference of baby acne vs eczema and be aware of each.

a baby with bumps or pimples in the cheeks - showing signs of baby acne

Image from | pinterest

What is baby acne?

Baby acne or neonatal acne is a common skin condition that affects a ratio of 2 out of 10 newborns. It commonly develops about two to four weeks after birth.

Tiny reddish or whitish bumps appear on the baby’s cheek, forehead, and nose. The cause is yet unknown. It typically clears up on its own without any remedy in about three to four months without any marks left.

Parents and caregivers should take the baby to consult a doctor if they had acne after 6 weeks after birth. This is when doctors may label it as infantile acne.

Infantile acne is rarer than neonatal acne, only affecting an estimated 2 in 100 infants. It might usually last for between 6 months and a year, but it may linger until the child’s teenage years.

Scientists and experts are not sure what causes baby acne. But, they believe that overactive oil glands, as well as testosterone and other hormones, may contribute to infantile acne.

Symptoms of baby acne

Symptoms of baby acne present similarly to adult acne. These are typically breakout spots and pimples that tend to show on the face, back, neck, and chest.

In other cases, a baby may also experience other symptoms like abnormal hair growth that might indicate an underlying hormonal issue.

reddish rash on babys cheeks - a possible symptoms of baby eczema

Image from | freepik.com

What is baby eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition that results in a dry, red, itchy, and sometimes painful rash. It is more common in children and infants and often develops in the first 6 months of life. The condition may continue as the child grows older, or they may grow out of it.

In 6 months old babies, eczema often shows on the cheeks or forehead. As your baby gets older, the rash may move to the elbows, skin creases, and knees.

Eczema develops when the skin is dry or if the skin comes into contact with an allergen or irritants, like:

  • pet dander
  • dust mites
  • detergent
  • household cleaner

Your baby who is drooling might also trigger irritation to eczema around the chin or mouth.

Types of eczema

There are several types of eczema. These are the following:

  • atopic dermatitis
  • seborrheic dermatitis, or cradle cap
  • contact dermatitis
  • dyshidrotic eczema

Additionally, eczema affects more than 30 million people in the US. Atopic dermatitis specifically affects approximately 10 million children.

However, about 8 in 10 children can outgrow it by the time they become teenagers or adults.

Symptoms of baby eczema

The symptoms of eczema that you might see in your baby’s skin include:

Partner Stories
Delightful Baon Pairings Your Kids Will Love
Delightful Baon Pairings Your Kids Will Love
From “Kulang” to “Lamang”: How Lactum 3+ Helps Provide Upgraded All-Around Development For Your Child
From “Kulang” to “Lamang”: How Lactum 3+ Helps Provide Upgraded All-Around Development For Your Child
This SPAMtastic™ Christmas Gift Idea Will Surely Be a Hit
This SPAMtastic™ Christmas Gift Idea Will Surely Be a Hit
Give Yourself the Care You Deserve!
Give Yourself the Care You Deserve!
  • dry skin that itches
  • reddish or inflamed patches
  • dark patches of skin
  • rough or scaly skin
  • crusty or oozing skin
  • areas of swollen skin

If you ever notice any of the baby acne vs eczema symptoms on your baby’s skin, you might need to seek immediate help from a doctor. They may seem benign, but it is always important to resolve any skin condition.

How to tell if it is baby acne vs eczema

Although baby acne and eczema may look quite similar, they still require differences in management. Due to this concept, it is important to understand how to distinguish one from another.

Baby acne vs. eczema

Neonatal acne tends to appear in the first 6 weeks of baby’s life. While, infantile acne usually develops between ages 3 to 6 months old.

It typically shows as whitish pimples or reddish spots. Infantile acne may include blackheads and whiteheads, as well as pimples and spots. Also, it may cause cysts.

Meanwhile, eczema commonly appears in children between 6 months and 5 years old.

People might mistake eczema for a different type of rash on the baby’s skin. For babies under the age of 6 months, eczema may usually present as reddish and weepy. If it becomes infected, the skin may develop a yellow crust or small lumps with pus.

Affected areas of the body: Baby acne vs eczema

The two skin conditions tend to affect different areas of the body. Although, there could be some overlapping instances.

Baby acne breakouts tend to appear on:

  • forehead
  • chin
  • scalp
  • neck
  • upper back
  • upper chest
  • cheeks

In the first 6 months of life, eczema will usually appear on the:

  • face
  • cheeks
  • chin
  • forehead
  • scalp

Eczema usually develops on your baby’s elbow and knees between 6 and 12 months of age.

Sometimes, it will also spread to other parts of the body. But, it does not affect the diaper area. A rash in this area can be a diaper rash.

baby bathed with a shampoo or soap for eczema treatment

Image from | Photo stock

How to treat baby acne vs eczema

Of course, if baby acne and eczema require a difference in management, they also require different treatments.

Baby acne treatment

Neonatal acne may usually go away on its own within a few weeks or months. Generally, it does not need any treatment.

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests the following skin care tips for babies with neonatal or baby acne. A person should:

  • never use acne wash or treatment unless your doctor prescribes it
  • be gentle and avoid rubbing or scratching the affected part
  • use lukewarm water instead of hot water in cleaning the part with acne
  • avoid any oily or greasy skin care products.

Infantile acne also clears up on its own, but it may take significantly longer. It can linger for 6 months to a year, and some children will experience acne up until their adolescent years.

In other cases of infantile acne, a healthcare professional might prescribe an antibiotic cream or gels to avoid scarring.

Eczema treatment

Meanwhile, there is no exact cure or treatment for eczema. But, several treatments or remedies may help ease the symptoms. The most appropriate treatment depends on the type, location, and severity of the skin problem.

It is essential to regularly consult with the doctor before using home remedies and other treatments for babies.

A doctor may suggest moisturizers to treat mild eczema. These can relieve itchiness and protect your baby’s skin from germs and substances that can irritate it. Avoid letting your baby in an environment with too much pollution or laundry detergent.

In more fatal cases, a doctor may recommend special soaps, shampoos, or steroid creams.

Learning to identify triggers and avoiding exposure to what causes them can play a significant role in managing your baby’s acne or eczema. Always seek your doctor’s help.

 

Romper, Scratch Sleeves, Healthline, Medical News Today

Here at theAsianparent Philippines, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advise or medical treatment. theAsianparent Philippines is not responsible to those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend to consult your doctor for clearer information.

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Nathanielle Torre

Become a Contributor

Edited by:

Marhiel Garrote

  • Home
  • /
  • Health
  • /
  • What are the differences between baby acne vs. eczema
Share:
  • How to count menstrual cycle? 4 phases of menstrual cycle

    How to count menstrual cycle? 4 phases of menstrual cycle

  • Trina Candaza sa co-parenting nila ni Carlo Aquino: "Hindi ko pinagdadamot, it's just that hindi siya pumupunta."

    Trina Candaza sa co-parenting nila ni Carlo Aquino: "Hindi ko pinagdadamot, it's just that hindi siya pumupunta."

  • PCOS symptoms: What you need to know about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

    PCOS symptoms: What you need to know about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

  • How to count menstrual cycle? 4 phases of menstrual cycle

    How to count menstrual cycle? 4 phases of menstrual cycle

  • Trina Candaza sa co-parenting nila ni Carlo Aquino: "Hindi ko pinagdadamot, it's just that hindi siya pumupunta."

    Trina Candaza sa co-parenting nila ni Carlo Aquino: "Hindi ko pinagdadamot, it's just that hindi siya pumupunta."

  • PCOS symptoms: What you need to know about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

    PCOS symptoms: What you need to know about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Baby Names
    • Delivery
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Advice for Parenting Kids
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Local celebs
    • Celebrities
    • Money
    • News
  • FAMILY & HOME
    • Couples
    • Weekend & Holiday Guide
    • Health
  • Building a BakuNation
    • More
      • TAP Community
      • Advertise With Us
      • Contact Us
      • Become a Contributor


    • Singapore flag Singapore
    • Thailand flag Thailand
    • Indonesia flag Indonesia
    • Philippines flag Philippines
    • Malaysia flag Malaysia
    • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
    • India flag India
    • Vietnam flag Vietnam
    • Australia flag Australia
    • Japan flag Japan
    • Nigeria flag Nigeria
    • Kenya flag Kenya
    © Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
    About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
    • Tools
    • Articles
    • Feed
    • Poll

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    theAsianparent heart icon
    Nais naming magpadala ng notification sa'yo tungkol sa latest news at update sa pag-aalaga ng baby at kanilang kalusugan.