Baby Acne

If you've seen a newborn baby, you've probably been a witness to baby acne.  Although it can be very startling to see such a thing, it is actually very common.  This is not a serious issue, nor one for which you should have a great deal of concern.

When some babies are born or very young, they may have some small bumps on their face.  Although this may look like acne, it is actually a condition called "milia" and will disappear in a couple of weeks.  Acne, however, can appear during that same two week period and will look like small white-heads.  These will usually be surrounded by red, irritated skin and can appear on face and back.

On older children, such as teenagers, or adults, acne is typically a result of hormones or oily skin.  It is typically thought that this is the same reason for acne in babies, with hormones being transmitted through the placenta.  There is no real known cause for it, and normally no treatment for the short period of time a baby may have baby acne.

These breakouts may get irritated if they are located where the baby might spit up, rub against a sheet or blanked or drool.  Be sure to use a mild detergent and keep the baby's skin clean.  Just use a damp cloth to wipe any areas that appear to be aggravated.

Try to steer away from creams or oils that might irritate the baby's skin. Except to clean up drool or spit-up, the only cleaning necessary should be a gentle washing once a day with some mild baby soap.

If the baby acne appear to get really irritated or widespread, your pediatrician may recommend or prescribe a cream or other medications.  It is important at the time you visit your doctor to let him/her know about any medications or vitamins you may be taking to make sure that is not what is triggering the baby acne through breast milk.