What is baby acne?
Baby acne is a skin condition called neonatal acne that newborns develop within two to four weeks of birth. It is characterized by red bumps, sometimes white bumps on the forehead and cheeks. Baby acne is not itchy or uncomfortable for the baby. This acne is caused by the mother’s hormones flowing through the baby's body. Baby acne usually clears on its own within a few weeks to sometimes months.
What about acne after 6 weeks of age?
Acne that develops after 6 weeks of age can be a bit more worrisome. Typically, this form of acne, called infantile acne, usually starts between 3 to 6 months of age. When this happens, it’s a good idea to see a board certified dermatologist to be sure of what is going on.
Infantile acne takes longer to go away and can cause permanent scarring.
How to treat baby acne?
- Wash the skin with a mild soap, taking care to avoid scrubbing the skin.
- After cleansing, apply a thin coat of our signature body butter.
- Use lukewarm water not hot when cleansing your baby’s skin.
- Avoid pore clogging, greasy ointments like petroleum jelly, & mineral oil.
- If acne worsens, contact your healthcare provider.
Hang in their mama, it’s going to get better.
References
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/really-acne/baby-acne
Eichenfield LF, Krakowski AC, et al. “Evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric acne.” Pediatrics. 2013;131 Suppl 3:S163-86.
Serna-Tamayo C, Janniger CK, et al. “Neonatal and infantile acne vulgaris: An update.” Cutis 2014;94(1):13-15.
Zaenglein AL and Thiboutot DM. “Acne vulgaris.” In: Bolognia JL, et al. Dermatology. (second edition). Mosby Elsevier, Spain, 2008:500.
