Acne in babies

Description

Baby acne is a condition that causes small bumps on a newborn's skin — often on the face and neck. Baby acne is common-and temporary. There's little you can do to prevent it, and often goes away by itself without scarring.

Other names for this childhood disease of acne and acne neonatal.

Symptoms

Baby acne is a small, swollen bumps on a baby's face, neck, back, or chest. Often develops within 2 to 4 weeks of birth.

Many babies also develop small, pimple-like bumps on the face. These harmless points are called milia. Go away by themselves within a couple of weeks.

Another condition that may be mistaken for baby acne is benign cephalic pustulosis (BCP), also called cephalic neonatal pustulosis. A bad reaction to the yeast in the skin that causes BCP.

None of these conditions are caused by the type of bacteria that causes acne in teenagers and adults.

When to see a doctor

Talk with a member of your baby's health care team if you have concerns about your baby's skin.

Causes

Baby acne is caused by hormones that the baby is exposed to before birth.

Risk factors

Baby acne is common. There are No risk factors for this condition.

Acne in babies

Diagnosis

Baby acne can usually be diagnosed on the view. The test is Not necessary.

Treatment

Baby acne often disappears by itself after several weeks to months. If the acne appears to have cysts, scars, or is not improving, little by little, the baby may need a prescription medication.

Please consult with your baby's health care team before trying any medications for acne that you can get without a prescription.

Self-care

These tips are useful for the care of the skin of your baby while your baby has acne:

  • Clean your baby's face each day. Wash your baby's face daily with warm water. Alternating between the use of water a day and water with a mild detergent, moisturizing facial soap for the next.
  • Dry your baby's face gently. Pat your baby's skin dry.
  • Do not tighten or scrubbing the acne. Be gentle to avoid further irritation or infection.
  • Avoid the use of lotions, ointments, or oils. These products can cause acne in babies worse.

Preparing for your appointment

If you're following a standard well-baby exam schedule, your baby will probably have an appointment soon. These regular appointments allow you to talk about your concerns about the health of your baby. For baby acne, some basic questions to ask at the appointment are:

  • Is my baby's condition likely temporary or long-term?
  • What treatments are available?
  • What advice do you have for my baby care of the skin?
  • This will be the acne scar on my baby's face?

What to expect from your doctor

To know the severity of your baby's acne is, be prepared to answer these questions:

  • Do you have a family history of bad acne?
  • Has your baby been in contact with any of the medications that can cause acne, such as corticosteroids or iodine-containing medicine?
Symptoms and treatment of baby acne