Baby Whiteheads

If bub has baby acne, chances are they have whiteheads too. Newborns are prone to developing bumps on their skin as they adjust to their new surroundings.

What are whiteheads?

Whiteheads look like tiny pimples and are white in colour.

It is a little different to acne – whiteheads are comedones, which are blocked hair follicles in the skin. When oil glands in the skin create more sebum than normal, they can block these follicles. Since they only have a microscopic opening on the skin surface, the material in the pores are not oxidised, giving it a white appearance.

Whiteheads usually appear on the tip of bub's noses and around their forehead and cheeks.

Causes of Whiteheads

In babies, whiteheads are caused by blocked oil glands in the skin that are activated by mum's hormones. It is not caused by dirty skin and is very common in babies.

Treatment of whiteheads

The best treatment for whiteheads in your baby is to maintain a healthy baby skin care routine.

Whiteheads usually go away on their own, but removing excess sebum and dead skin cells can help:

• Gently cleanse bub's face once a day with a soft cloth and water, or with a hypoallergenic baby wipe that is safe to use on their face.
• Do not scrub bub's skin, or scratch and pop the whiteheads. This may irritate their skin further and cause scarring.

Sometimes it may take a few weeks or months for whiteheads to disappear on their own. If the whitehead becomes red or inflamed, consult your baby's doctor or childhood nurse.

Baby skin care tips for whiteheads

• Use mild laundry cleansing products that are soap and fragrance free on your baby's clothes and other items that their skin may come in contact with.
• Cover bub's hands with soft mittens at night to prevent them from scratching their face.

Read more baby skin care tips and find out about other baby skin conditions such as heat rash, dry skin: and bumps.