Baby Acne

Newborn babies sometimes get small, bumpy skin on their faces and necks. This is called baby acne, or sometimes infantile acne or neonatal acne. It's a very common and usually temporary skin condition.

These bumps are small raised spots, similar to what some people get as adult acne. They're often found on the baby's face and the area around their neck. Don't worry, it's quite normal.

There's not much you can do to prevent baby acne. It's usually best to leave it alone. Most of the time, baby acne goes away on its own within a few weeks or months without leaving any scars. Parents shouldn't worry too much. Gentle, regular cleaning with a soft cloth and water is usually all that's needed. If you have concerns, always check with a doctor.

Newborn babies sometimes get small, red bumps on their skin, especially on their face, neck, back, or chest. This is often called baby acne. These bumps usually show up within a few weeks of birth.

Many babies also get tiny, white bumps on their faces. These are called milia and are perfectly normal. They usually go away on their own within a couple of weeks.

Sometimes, babies have small, pus-filled bumps, particularly on their head. This can be mistaken for baby acne, but it's a different condition called benign cephalic pustulosis (BCP). BCP is caused by a reaction to a type of yeast on the skin.

Important to note: Baby acne, milia, and BCP are all different from the acne that teenagers and adults get. They are not caused by the same bacteria. All of these conditions are usually harmless and go away on their own without treatment.

If you're worried about your baby's skin, talk to their doctor or other healthcare provider. It's important to discuss any concerns you have about your baby's skin health. This includes anything from unusual rashes or bumps to changes in their skin's color or texture. They can help determine if there's a problem and recommend the best course of action.

Babies can get acne-like skin issues due to hormones they're exposed to while still developing in the womb. These hormones, present during pregnancy, can sometimes affect the baby's skin after birth, leading to a temporary skin rash that looks similar to acne. It's a common, harmless condition.

Baby acne is a very common skin condition in babies. It's quite normal and usually nothing to worry about. There aren't any specific things that cause it, like a particular food or anything else. It typically goes away on its own within a few months as the baby's skin develops.

Baby acne is easily recognized. Doctors don't need to run any tests to figure out if a baby has it. You can usually tell just by looking.

Many babies get a bit of acne. Usually, this clears up on its own within a few weeks or months. The skin just needs time to heal.

However, if the acne includes spots that look like bumps (called cysts) or leaves marks (scars), or if it's not getting better gradually, your baby might need medicine from a doctor.

Before using any acne products you can buy over the counter, talk to your baby's doctor or other healthcare provider. They can tell you what's best for your baby.

Taking care of your baby's skin when they have acne can be simple. Here's how:

Daily Cleansing: Wash your baby's face every day with plain warm water. This is a good starting point. You can alternate this with a washcloth or soft sponge dampened with water and a tiny bit of a gentle, moisturizing facial soap the next day. This helps keep their skin clean and healthy.

Gentle Drying: Pat your baby's skin dry using a soft, clean cloth or towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can irritate the skin. Gently blotting the area will help.

Avoid Harsh Treatments: Don't pick, squeeze, or scrub the acne. This can make the problem worse, leading to more redness, irritation, or even infection. Gentle care is key.

No Lotions, Oils, or Ointments: Avoid using lotions, ointments, or oils on the affected area. Some products can clog pores and make the acne worse. Stick to simple, gentle cleaning methods.