Babies can sometimes have a form of acne after birth known as infantile acne. The red bumps on the facial skin usually disappear after a few weeks. It is caused by levels of hormones changing from when the baby was in the womb. In some cases, infantile acne may indicate more serious disease, but it is usually harmless and is quite common.
Three weeks to a month after birth is the typical age for babies to develop infantile acne. The cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead are the most commonly affected. The baby will have red lumps on the skin, which may look more severe when he or she is upset or crying. Some babies also have whiteheads, or milia, on their skin. More boys than girls develop the condition.
After three months, the condition usually clears up on its own and does not usually necessitate any treatment. If a parent wishes to treat the child, a three-times weekly wash with a moisturizing soap can help. Scrubbing the face or squeezing the spots can worsen the acne. A gentle pat dry is sufficient. Parents should also not use lotions on the baby's face unless a doctor has recommended a particular cream for a severe case.
If the baby's acne has not cleared up after three months, parents can consult a doctor. The infantile acne may be a symptom of an underlying medical issue. The acne is usually caused by fluctuating hormone levels during pregnancy, but the symptoms may also indicate that the baby has a hormonal imbalance.
Genetics can also play a role in the development of infantile acne, and if family members have a history of acne, this can increase the chance of the baby developing the condition. This acne may therefore be a more medically significant case of acne than common infantile acne. Certain drugs can also bring on acne attacks in babies, such as corticosteroids or drugs that contain iodine.
More serious causes of infantile acne are issues that could result in disability. If a baby begins producing certain hormones early in life instead of at puberty, he or she may be at risk of abnormal sexual development. Certain conditions that cause abnormal mental or physical development may also produce acne as a symptom. Early detection can be helpful in prevention or effective management of these conditions. Infantile acne is common and, in the majority of cases, does not indicate the presence of any of these severe problems.