When a baby gets a rash, it can be very frightening.
However, rashes are common in babies; two of the most common among them are eczema andacne.
Baby eczema and acne both produce red skin with raised areas.
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But eczema causes dry, itchy patches, whereas acne causes non-itchy bumps.
This article will discuss the similarities and differences between baby eczema and acne.
It will also cover treatments and preventative measures to help restore the baby’s soft skin.
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Symptoms
Baby acneand eczema are both commonrashes in newborns.
The primary similarity between the two conditions is a red rash.
Below are the causes of baby acne and eczema.
Experts believe the mother’s androgen hormones are one of the causes of baby acne.
When the baby is still in its mother, it receives androgen hormones.
These hormones stimulate oil production on the skin.
After the baby is born, itsadrenal glandsstart producing androgen hormones producing more oil which can result in acne.
Baby Eczema
Issues with the skin’s barrier cause baby eczema.
Some people witheczemado not have enough of the protein filaggrin on the outer layer of their skin.
Filaggrin helps form a barrier between the skin and the environment.
Other causes include a baby’s genes and environment.Eczematends to run in families and those with allergies.
Diagnosis
There are no specific diagnostic tools to diagnose baby acne andeczema.
Baby acne and eczema are diagnosed in similar ways by visual observation.
A healthcare provider will look at the baby’s rash.
They may ask the guardians questions about the baby’s health history and the health history of family members.
Treatment
Baby acne and eczema have very different treatments.
Therefore, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis to avoid mistreating the rash.
Baby acneis typically self-limiting and does not cause harm to the baby.
It can be upsetting for some guardians, who may ask their healthcare providers for treatment.
There is no cure for eczema, but many treatments are available to help manage the symptoms.
Treatments may include:
Other treatments may include ableach bath, phototherapy, or wet wraps.
However, it is always best to talk to a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment.
Prevention
There is nothing that can preventbaby acne.
It just needs to run its course.
If it does not get better on its own, then a healthcare provider may suggest treatment.
They both cause redness and rashes.
However, baby acne tends to stay on the baby’s face and also causes pimples.
Eczema is different and causes itchy, scaly patches that can show up almost anywhere on the skin.
Baby acne usually goes away on its own.
But eczema can stick around for a while and require treatment.
A Word From Verywell
Baby acne can feel like a cause for concern.
So many conditions cause rashes, making it hard to know the difference between them.
You should contact your healthcare provider whenever your baby has a rash.
OConnor NR, McLaughlin MR, Ham P.Newborn skin: part I. common rashes.Am Fam Physician.
2008;77(1):47-52.
HealthyChildren.org.Eczema in babies and children.
Nemours KidsHealth.Eczema (atopic dermatitis).
National Eczema Association.Understanding eczema in children.
Acne.org.Baby acne: what is it, and what causes it?
American Academy of Dermatology.Is that acne on my baby’s face?
