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Parentpedia
Acne - Babies
What Experts Say*
Written by Denise SchipaniOne of the sweetest things about newborn babies is their perfect, peach-soft skin. But wait, what's that on your baby's face? Pimples? Where did they come from, and why is your infant's face marred by bumps you thought you wouldn't see till he was a teenager? Relax. Infant acne (and related skin conditions) is actually very common, usually cropping up between three and four weeks, though some babies have it from birth.
You don't need a degree in dermatology to figure out which bumps and rashes are which. According to the Mayo Clinic, most infant facial issues fall into two easily recognizable categories.
The first, milia, are tiny, pearly white bumps on the baby's nose, cheeks, and chin. The second, baby acne, is characterized by red pimples on the cheeks and forehead. Milia, which happens when tiny flakes of shed skin get trapped under the skin's surface, may be present at birth, and usually disappear within three or four weeks. Acne -- which is more common with boys than girls -- emerges later and has a hormonal trigger.
That's right: hormones -- your hormones. Pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene calls it the final evidence of your newborn's once-intimate connection with you in the womb. Immediately before birth, your hormones pass to your child through the placenta. There's a good reason for this: they help your child's lungs mature. But they also stimulate oil glands in the baby's face, giving rise to acne.
What to Do
Never try to pick or scrub off either milia or acne. Gently wash your baby's face with plain water and a soft washcloth. You may use mild baby soap, but avoid lotions or oils, which may only aggravate acne.
Acne may worsen when your baby's hot or fussy, which causes increased blood flow to the skin's surface. It can also flare up if your baby comes into contact with a cloth that's been laundered in harsh detergents, or if spit-up milk stays on his skin.
Acne may come and go over the next several weeks and even months. Very rarely will it persist past six months. If is does, ask your pediatrician for advice -- she may prescribe medication to treat it.
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