Changes In Hormonal Levels Thought To Lead To Baby Acne

One in every five infants is likely to have acne, about 15 days subsequent to birth, which can last for up to a maximum of twelve weeks. The outbreak is generally minor and extends only over a few weeks in the majority of cases. The sebaceous glands becoming active and commencement of the production of hormones is currently accepted as the predominant cause of the acne that the babies suffer from, even as there are other theories as well that have been formulated to explain its occurrence. Hormones lingering in the mother is thought to be another possible cause.

Nursing mothers’ or pregnant women’s diet is thought of as another possible reason for baby acne. Dead cell accumulation on the skin, being genetically prone to the skin condition and stress are more likely to lead to acne among adults, although diet is likely to be one of the ‘triggers’. The causes of acne among adults are well documented and, therefore, the chances of the mother’s diet being the cause of baby acne do not appear to be very high.

The most significant contribution that the parents can make towards helping clear baby acne from an infant’s body is to ensure the cleanliness of the skin. The neck, chin and cheeks are generally where baby acne is likely to make an appearance.

Skin Of A Baby Requires Gentle Treatment

The process of recovery from baby acne may not only be slowed down, but the acne may also worsen if any strong creams or oils are used on the baby’s skin. Usually, the acne clears up by itself and over-the-counter products are not required for treatment of baby acne. In fact, it is not advisable to use such products for the purpose.

Parents may, at times, confuse conditions like eczema and cradle cap with baby acne. So, it is important that a pediatrician should be consulted, in case the pimples do not clear up within a period of about twelve weeks, since acne is not known to last longer than that, in order to find out whether the cause is different from baby acne.

The baby’s overall health should be of greater concern to the parents, rather than the pimples that baby acne may cause to appear on a baby’s face, in general. At the most, antibiotics may have to be prescribed in low doses. The area affected by baby acne may develop irritation on account of clothing that is rough or food or regurgitated milk that is not cleaned immediately off the skin of the child.

A strong breakout of hormonal acne may be prevented if the signs of warning are recognized, although treating hormonal acne permanently is not really possible. The condition is more likely to affect women, rather than men, even as it may affect various age groups. Greater activity of hormones is likely to cause a flare up in the condition. Young adults and those who are in their teenage years are more likely to be affected, especially those who are pubescent, since they are more likely to experience higher activity of hormones in their bodies.

Technical Information

Pimples are formed when dead skin and sebum are accumulated. The cells of dead skin join with accumulated sebum, which is the oily material produced by the sebaceous glands. When these glands are excessively stimulated, hormonal acne is likely to occur. These glands expand on account of production of a certain kind of hormones. These hormones are called androgens and, as explained, are responsible for flare ups of acne. These specifics, as should be clear by this point, provide the details about the most basic causes of hormonal acne.

Factors Affecting Development

Hormonal acne’s development can be promoted in a major way in the bodies of those who have stress. Those women who have diseases that affect their ovaries, those who are going through menstruation or those who are pregnant and, so, are undergoing changes in hormonal levels, are at greater risk of suffering from hormonal acne. The age group that is at the greatest risk, obviously, is comprised by those who are in their teenage years.

Warning Signs

Infertility, growth of hair that is excessive, the voice becoming deeper than before, the menstrual cycle becoming irregular and obesity are some of the effects that, if these accompany an outbreak of acne, can be taken to indicate that the acne has been caused on account of hormonal changes rather than anything else.

A Process That May Be Frustrating

Hormonal acne is different from other forms of acne in the sense that though other forms respond to treatment using retinoids, benzoyl peroxide or antibiotics, hormonal acne may not be easily treatable through treatment that is of the traditional kind. This can turn out to be frustrating for the few men who suffer from it, along with the women and teenagers who are at far greater risk.

The problem can often be solved through the use of hormone therapy, since the levels of hormones in the bodies of those suffering from hormonal acne is generally much higher than normal. Treatment through hormone therapy, research has demonstrated, has a high probability of success.

Reduction In Stress Levels

The activity of hormones tends to increase on account of stress, so those suffering from hormonal acne should try and limit their stress levels, as far as possible.

Upper arms, chest, shoulders, face and the back are the parts of the body where acne may occur. It may appear in the form of cysts, pimples or plugged pores. Around the world, millions of people are affected by acne and it is one of the common skin problems.

The effect on the self-esteem of those suffering from severe acne can be quite serious and some of them might prefer staying put at home until having recovered to a significant extent. On the other hand, others might suffer from a milder version that is not so noticeable.

What Leads To Acne?

Acne is not caused by the intake of foods that are sugary or fatty. There are several reasons that could lead to the skin condition, but this is definitely not one of those. The causes are, obviously, a matter of great concern.

The development of pimples takes place, generally, though not always, in cases of acne. Debris and dirt start getting deposited and blocking of pores occurs on account of excessive production of oil by skin glands. These pores normally open into canals called follices and the clogging of these is the basic reason that leads to acne.

Acne may also be exacerbated by humidity levels that are quite high, pregnancy or menstrual cycle-related changes in the levels of various hormones in the body, the intake of certain drugs, in addition to products related to cosmetic use that have high oil content. The history of the occurence of the problem amongst other family members is also of significance to determine whether some one is likely to have acne or not.

Scars, whiteheads, skin eruptions that are crusted, blackheads, redness and cysts are among the symptoms of acne.

A method of treatment can be decided upon after a dermatologist examines the skin and determines the degree of affliction. Treatment may be required in case the acne is severe and it is important to seek medical advice at the earliest possible. Although any doctor may be able to help, it is best to see a dermatologist.

Any drugs for the treatment of acne should be taken only after consulting a doctor. The acne can also be controlled through the use of different lotions and creams that may be suggested by the dermatologist. Generally, though, the doctor is likely to recommend certain modifications in lifestyle at first, before prescribing any lotions, creams or medicines for acne treatment.