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.
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.
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.
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:
- 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.
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.
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