Baby acne is more common than one might think. However it is important to know that there is a difference between baby acne and eczema. Here is how to tell the difference.
What is baby acne?
Baby acne resembles whiteheads and is usually found on the infant’s face. Parents shouldn’t freak out because this type of acne usually clears up on its own during time.
What is eczema?
Aside from having red, irritated skin your infant will most likely suffer from patches of rough, dry skin scattered around different parts of the body. Some of these dry areas will be scaly and become inflamed and itchy. Baby eczema is commonly found in skin creases and located in places such as inside the elbows, in the folds of the neck, behind the knees, on the hands, wrists, and feet. Something important to know is that baby eczema does not however affect any area covered by a diaper, so if your infant is suffering from a rash in that region you can rest assured that it is most likely just a rash and not eczema.
In more serious cases of baby eczema you may notice that the irritated areas located within the skin creases flare up and become raised and red. Sometimes they may even begin to ooze. It is common for these types of rashes to begin in early infancy however they can occur at any stage up to 5 years of age. Another main difference between baby acne and eczema is that eczema cannot be cured. It can be controlled so that it doesn’t cause discomfort however it can and probably will flare up again from time to time.
