Newborn Acne

There are a lot of rashes that babies get that are common and perfectly normal. Some are thought to be due to changes in the skin as the baby transitions to living outside the womb, as well as the effects of maternal hormones on their skin. One common rash appears as bumps on the forehead and face and is usually called baby acne. For many years, it was thought to be a form of acne due to the high level of hormones that babies have through the placenta. However, it is now believed that this is a separate rash, and while a very few babies may get true acne, the common newborn rash is not acne and has been renamed neonatal cephalic pustulosis. Some also call it neonatal acne, to distinguish it from true acne which appears at several months of age and is called infant acne. Infant acne is a more serious condition than baby or newborn acne.

About 20-30 percent of infants get baby acne (neonatal cephalic pustulosis). Some, however, use this term to refer to a fungal infection of the skin in some infants, though some studies have shown no association between this yeast and baby acne. Experts differ on their opinion as to the cause and what names to call this common condition. It may be that there are multiple conditions/causes which appear very similar on the newborn’s skin.

Some think it is caused by maternal hormones, and the normal skin changes that infants go through as they transition from living in liquid to living in air. Others believe that it is due to a yeast on the skin (

All About Newborn Acne • Buddha Belly Doulas

), although studies are not consistent on the presence of this yeast in babies with newborn acne. (It may be that there is more than one cause/condition at work here).Rashes, pimples and spots are very common in little babies, and sometimes very different conditions can look pretty similar. So how can you tell what’s what?

The first thing to say is that if you’re worried about a baby, especially under one year old, you should always talk to a doctor. No one is going to think you’re wasting their time, becse little babies need careful attention when they’re so young. Any rash accompanied by fever should be checked out as soon as possible, but you can consult your doctor about any skin issue, even when unexplained spots appear without a fever.

About 20% of newborns develop neonatal acne, which appears on the face, chest, back and neck, often when the baby is about two weeks old, and looks like little pimples and spots. If it persists, or starts after the baby is six weeks old, it’s called infantile acne. It can last for a few weeks, months or even years.

Is It Baby Acne? Everything You Need To Know About Newborn Pimples

Childhood eczema is also very common in babies and young children, and can also manifest as spots and pimples, but is much more likely to be accompanied by itchiness, sore patches and inflammation. It’s an inflammatory condition associated with a fragile skin barrier, resulting in dry or cracked skin.

If your baby develops eczema, they will need to have emollients applied regularly to keep the skin hydrated and nourished, and you’ll have to identify the triggers that cse a flare-up, whether that’s pet hair, dust mites, detergent, food, soap or other toiletries.

Infantile acne should eventually clear up on its own. We don’t recommend any particular products to ‘treat’ it, except not to use grown-up acne products, don't pick the spots, and to stick to very gentle, soap-free, scent-free skincare.

Learn About Milia—little Bumps On Newborn Skin Like Baby Acne| Huggies® Us

To help manage flare ups of childhood eczema, first identify triggers (whether in diet, environment, toiletries, or detergents) and then find an unfragranced emollient for frequent application. For more information about managing eczema, see Top Tips for Managing Childhood Eczema in our Info Hub.Acne is the bane of teenage life, but babies can get it, too, which often comes as a surprise to parents. Many newborns have baby acne (also called newborn acne or neonatal acne). Less often, babies develop acne as infants (infantile acne).

Baby acne is usually harmless and typically clears up on its own. Still, it’s important to know how to avoid aggravating the baby’s skin and when to bring your baby to a dermatologist to make sure the condition doesn’t require treatment.

“Very early neonatal acne is more likely an inflammatory reaction to a yeast overgrowth, ” said Robin Gehris, MD , a board certified adult and pediatric dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology. 

Baby Eczema Vs. Baby Acne: How To Tell The Difference

It may start when hormones passed on from the mother just before she gives birth stimulate the glands that produce sebum, the oily substance that can clog pores. 

“Yeast that normally live on the skin, called Malassezia , flourish when sebum production increases in newborns. The yeast, in turn, creates inflammation that results in neonatal acne, ” said Dr. Gehris. “The condition is better termed neonatal cephalic pustulosis since the blackheads and whiteheads you see with true acne aren’t present, ” she added.

Neonatal cephalic pustulosis (NCP) may appear when babies are about two or three weeks old and typically peaks at four to six weeks.

Milia In Newborns

“Infantile acne is more what we consider to be true acne, ” said Dr. Gehris. It’s much less common than newborn acne, occurring in less than 2% of infants. Babies who develop infant acne usually get it when they are several months old.

The causes are unknown, but genetics may play a role. In some babies, the sebum-producing glands are overactive despite normal levels of androgens, the so-called “male” sex hormones. These hormones are a major factor in adult acne.

Newborn acne (NCP) can appear as small, greasy, red-pink pimples or red or white pustules (bumps filled with pus) and may include a rough, bumpy rash. Blemishes usually develop on the cheeks, though they can also appear on the nose, eyelids, forehead, chin, scalp, neck and upper torso. NCP does not normally cause blackheads or whiteheads.

Common Skin Conditions Your Baby May Suffer With And How To Treat It

Newborn acne is sometimes confused with baby milia . These small, pearl-like white or yellowish bumps are very common in newborns. One difference between baby acne and milia is the texture: Milia are firmer. They also tend to be tiny (almost the size of a pinhead), and they contain a white plug, whereas newborn acne looks pink, greasy and inflamed.   

Infant acne looks more like adult acne. You might see whiteheads and blackheads in addition to solid bumps (papules or nodules) and pustules. Infant acne usually affects the face but can sometimes appear on the chest and back.

While newborn acne usually goes away on its own in a matter of weeks or months, infant acne can take six to 12 months or more to clear. In some babies, the acne may cause scars if it isn’t treated.

Cradle Cap, Eczema, And Infant Acne Explained

“While NCP can resolve on its own, seeing a pediatric dermatologist can be helpful, ” said Dr. Gehris. “We can recommend topical therapy to help it resolve faster. We can also make sure it isn’t true infantile acne, which would also require therapy.”

“Infant acne does not always resolve on its own and deserves medical attention from a pediatric dermatologist, ” said Dr. Gehris. “Failure to treat it, especially if inflammatory lesions are present, can result in scarring.” 

Since infant acne is uncommon, the doctor will want to make sure the symptoms aren’t caused by another issue, such as baby eczema or a skin infection. Rarely, infant acne can be a sign of an endocrine disorder.

Is It Baby Acne, A Rash, Or Something Else?

If your baby has true acne and the dermatologist decides it should be treated, they may prescribe a topical acne medicine or,   if the acne is severe, an antibiotic.

Never use any acne treatment or acne wash on your baby unless the baby’s dermatologist recommends it. Acne products intended for teens and adults may be too harsh for babies.

Written by Jessica Brown, a health and science writer/editor based in Nanuet, New York. She has written for Water’s Edge Dermatology, Prevention magazine, jnj.com, BCRF.org, and many other outlets.All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. OurMedicalReview Board includes OB/GYNs, pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, doulas, lactation counselors, endocrinologists, fertility specialists and more.

Common Newborn Rashes

If you thought adolescent skin was exclusively for teens, think again! Here's what causes baby acne and what you can do about it.

Does your infant have more pimples than an eighth grader? Just when she seems ready for her close-up — head rounding out nicely, eyes less puffy and squinty — baby acne might be next. This pimply preview of puberty is incredibly common, usually beginning at 2 to 3 weeks of age and affecting about 20 percent of all newborns. Trusted Source American Academy of Dermatology Is That Acne on My Baby's Face? See All Sources

Believe it or not, as with adolescent acne, hormones are believed to be to blame. In the case of newborns, however, it's not their own hormones that are probably prompting the pimple problems, but their moms' — which are still circulating in the bloodstream as a holdover from pregnancy. Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Baby Acne See All Sources

Baby Acne (neonatal Acne): Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

These maternal hormones stimulate