Acne vs Eczema: How To Identify, Prevent And Treat

work on treating the acne. 

RELATED: Why Treating Acne Correctly is Important for Blacks

Here are a few natural treatments you can try for both baby acne and eczema:

1. Eliminate climate dirt, bodily triggers such as sweat and drool from the baby’s skin
2. Use fragrance-free cleansers and lotions from your baby’s skin regime
3. Limit your baby’s bath time by avoiding hot water, use lukewarm water instead to prevent over-drying out the skin.
4. Avoid using laundry detergents, wipes, fabric softeners, soaps and shampoos that contain fragrances and chemicals.
5.  Consult with your dermatologist to see if topical corticosteroids or ointments can be used to reduce inflammation and itching to provide relief.
6. Consider applying mittens to the baby’s hands to prevent excessive scratching, which can worsen the condition.
7. Take notice of fabric choices when you are purchasing clothing for yourself and your child. Sometimes the material may irritate the skin causing you to have breakouts.

Just remember baby acne normally will disappear on its own in due time but do not use adult medications on children to address the symptoms because some acne treatments depend on the severity of the condition and may have adverse reactions on a young child’s skin. 

From our partner

How do you feel about pharmaceutical companies? Click here to let your voice be heard...

For example, many over-the-counter (OTC) medications like steroidal and non-steroidal gels and creams are effective in treating adult acne however these remedies are determined by your skin type. If you have oily skin, using alcohol-based gels is best to dry out and break down blackheads/whiteheads and kill bacteria on the skin.

You can look for the following active ingredients to assist you with this process: 

1. Benzoyl peroxide 
2. Retin-A 
3. Azelaic acid
4. Sulfur
5. Resorcinol

Both adults and babies with sensitive, delicate and dry skin can benefit from creams to soothe and reduce itching and inflammation. You may want to consider all-natural and unscented ingredients such as Emily Skin Soothers for Itchy Eczema – “Baby & Adult Soother”. This product can be used to treat cradle cap, seborrheic dermatitis and provide relief for rashes and eczema. 

From our partner

If You or Someone You Love has Kidney Cancer, Learn More About These Studies

Some dermatologists also recommend using the following products to assist you with itching and eczema but before you do, consider consulting with your physician first to make sure these products address your individual needs.

1. Aveeno’s Baby Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream 
2. Aquaphor Healing Ointment 
3. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
4. CeraVe Skin Renewing Gel Oil
5. First Aid Beauty Anti-Redness Serum

Many environmental conditions such as pet dander, pollens, tobacco smoke and dry air can trigger eczema and acne conditions according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. However, it’s best to treat and address these concerns immediately when they first appear to prevent the condition from worsening. If you have a skin condition that reoccurs and you can not easily identify it, don’t self-treat. Make an appointment with your dermatologist who can assist you with the best plan of action for your skin.