When Should I Call My Doctor
If your infants acne does not resolve on its own within 3 months, contact your doctor. Also seek medical evaluation if other symptoms arise such as skin blisters or peeling, fevers, fussiness, or poor feeding.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 07/01/2018.
References
- Bolognia J, Cerroni L, Schaffer JV, eds. Dermatology. Philadelphia: Elsevier Saunders 2018. p. 593.
- Eichenfield, LF, Frieden IJ, Mathes E, Zaenglein AL. Neonatal and Infant Dermatology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier Saunders 2014. p. 70.
Is Neonatal Milia The Same As Baby Acne
While neonatal milia and baby acne may look similar, theyre different conditions. Milia is present at birth. The condition causes cysts of dead skin cells to form below the surface of your babys skin. Baby acne causes small, red bumps or pustules on your babys face and scalp. Baby acne appears two weeks after your baby is born. Milia isnt a type of acne.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
You dont need to worry about small white bumps that form on your newborns skin. These are normal. Milia is a harmless condition that temporarily affects your appearance and the texture of your skin. The condition doesnt need treatment and usually goes away on its own after a few weeks. Talk to your provider if your skin or your babys skin isnt clearing up after several weeks.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/10/2022.
References
What Does Baby Acne Look Like
It can appear as small bumps around your newborn’s forehead, cheeks and chin. These bumps can be red, light pink, or the same colour as bub’s skin.
Sometimes patches of acne can develop on the back of the neck or the shoulders. They may seem worse in certain situations, such as in warmer temperatures and during crying episodes.
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Natural Remedies For Baby Acne
If youre eager to test out natural home remedies to treat babys skin, its smart to first check in with your pediatrician, who can assess your childs skin and make sure those treatments wont cause any additional harm. Most natural remedies arent well studied in children, so its hard to predict what side effects may occur, ONeill says. Particularly with something you may be putting on your babys skin, you might run the risk of causing further irritation or inflammation. Some natural remedies for baby acne that you may want to discuss with babys doctor include:
Coconut oil. Coconut oil is a tried-and-true baby acne treatment around the world and one Baker recommends to his own pediatric patients. This ultra-hydrating oil can help moisturize babys skinjust add a few drops to a cotton ball and swab over babys face.
Changing your diet. Nursing? It may be worth discussing your current breastfeeding diet with your pediatrician, who may recommend cutting back on certain foods, like dairy or citrus. While these arent the direct causes of baby acne, eliminating them may help improve babys overall skin condition, especially if theyre also dealing with eczema.
What Causes Baby Acne
Believe it or not, as with adolescent acne, hormones are believed to be mainly to blame. In the case of newborns, however, its not their own hormones that are probably prompting the pimple problems, but Mom’s which are still circulating in baby’s bloodstream as a holdover from pregnancy. These maternal hormones stimulate baby’s sluggish oil-producing glands, causing pimples to pop up on the chin, forehead, eyelids and cheeks, and, sometimes, the head, neck, back and upper chest.
What’s more, the pores in a baby’s skin are not yet fully developed, making them easy targets for infiltration by dirt and the blossoming of blemishes. And babies typically have very sensitive skin some more than others which can also be a factor.
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Is It Baby Acne Or A Rash
While its possible to confuse infant acne with that other common newborn skin condition, milia, the two arent the same. Baby acne looks like red pimples, while milia are tiny white bumps or whiteheads. But you need to treat both conditions the same: with washing, watching and waiting.
There are also a number of skin rashes and other skin conditions in newborn babies which, unlike newborn acne, are often itchy and uncomfortable for your little one and tend to spread beyond the face. A few of the most common:
- Baby heat rash: These clusters of tiny, moist, red bumps look similar to acne and often appear on babys arms, legs, upper chest and diaper area in addition to her face when its hot outside.
- Diaper rash: This rash caused by moisture, irritants and too little air appears as red, irritated skin in babys diaper area.
- Cradle cap: Also called seborrheic dermatitis, these tiny red bumps are smaller than acne and may be accompanied by yellow, flaky skin that looks like scales. While it usually appears on the head, it may spread to the eyebrows and upper body too.
- Infant eczema: Skin appears dry, flaky and red, usually in patches around the cheeks and on the scalp. The rash then spreads, often to elbow creases and behind the knees, and progresses to fluid-filled pimples that pop. If eczema is not treated, it can lead to scabbing and oozing.
Keep Irritants Away From Your Babys Skin
Weve already talked about rough fabrics like towels, washcloths, and clothing, but there are other fabrics that can irritate your babys sensitive skin. Keep your infant away from furniture covered in coarse fabric. Dont let your little one roll around on the carpet if its particularly scratchy.
You may even need to inspect your childs stuffed animals to make sure that none of them are too rough. And if you have pets, be extra vigilant about keeping your babys environment clean, because dander can trigger an allergic reaction in acne-prone skin.
Various perfumes can also irritate your babys acne. Opt out of traditional perfumes or air fresheners and use Mustelas Musti Eau De Soin Spray instead. This natural, delicately scented spray is a versatile product that you can use on yourself, your baby, or your linens.
To ensure your babys environment is clean and free from allergens, use products that only contain natural ingredients.
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Causes Of Toddler Acne
Acne in both newborns and teenagers is very common and normally triggered by changing hormones.
Infantile acne, on the other hand, starts after about 6 weeks of age. Its much less common than the neonatal variety, but it can happen. It usually goes away by the time baby turns 1 year old, but it may last longer and be more severe than neonatal acne.
True acne starting in the toddler years is very uncommon. Often, youre dealing with something that looks like acne but isnt.
Lets take a look at the causes of both toddler acne and toddler acne look-alikes.
Viral Infections And Antibiotics
There are several illness and antibiotics which can play a critical role in the occurrence of the pimples. Sometimes the newborn gets ill, and right after using the medication, which is prescribed by the pediatrician, the newborn gets infected.
This infection leads to skin infection like pimples. These pimples can be of different sizes and shapes. Mostly these are circular. These pimples have heads, but the benefit for the newborn is that the blister does not leave the spots on the skin.
Small red spots start to appear on the skin of the baby and which results in the presence of pimples eventually. In such a condition as a parent, its your responsibility to tell pediatricians about allergy and pustules as well. These pimples are treatable, and they are not something to stress out. Babies suffer from such issues due to several reasons.
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What Causes Acne In Kids
If you are wondering if kids can get pimples, then the answer is yes. Acne is a common disorder, and there are many causes of acne in childhood. The level of hormones that spike during puberty is attributed to the appearance of acne.
Besides this, the following are the causes of acne in kids:
- Using hair care and skin care products that contain harsh skin irritants.
- Washing face too often, especially with hot water or strong soaps, can also result in acne.
- Pervasion and spreading occur rapidly with plucking or picking pimples.
- Stress-induced acne is a very common cause for child acne in 4-year-olds.
- Perspiring and dandruff on the hairline also increase the chances of acne on the face.
- Facial oil increases when hair falls on the face, increasing a chance for breakouts.
- Clothing accessories like tight straps cause hair follicles to get blocked.
- Equipment abrasion against the skin frequently can also aggravate acne formation.
- Helmets, turtlenecks, shoulder pads, headbands etc. can be a cause for acne formation.
- Use of cosmetics and cream can block pores and if the face is not cleaned properly, it may lead to acne formation.
- Humidity in the air can create pimples.
- Certain medicines like corticosteroids can result in the development of acne, too.
More Serious Hormonal Problems
Toddler acne that starts at age 2 or older can also be triggered by an abnormal change in hormones. This is more serious because the hormonal imbalance may also lead to other signs and symptoms that dont generally happen in toddlerhood, like:
- genital developmental changes
If your child has acne and other symptoms of a severe hormonal imbalance, see your pediatrician right away. Theyll likely order blood tests for hormonal screening.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Milia
Symptoms of milia include:
- White to yellow bumps on your skin.
- Bumps can appear in groups or clusters.
- Bumps are asymptomatic and dont cause pain or discomfort.
Depending on the type of milia, some can be itchy or form on a raised patch of skin.
Where will I have symptoms of milia?
Milia affects the skin on your body. Theyre often located on your face. The most common places to find milia on your body include:
- On your eyelid or under your eyes.
No, milia arent contagious and they dont spread from person to person.
Causes Of Small Bumps On Baby Face
Most of those blemishes go away without any medical intervention, and that is mainly because they are nothing but a mild form of acne. There could be other reasons too.
1. Baby Acne
As mentioned already, baby acne is a common problem and can cause small, red bumps to appear on your baby’s face about 2-4 weeks after birth. Those bumps may be visible on your baby’s nose, cheeks, and forehead. What causes baby acne is not clear, but it may have something to do with overall hygiene. Therefore, you may get good results by washing your baby’s face daily with a gentle soap.
- CAUTION! Never try to use any acne products that you use for yourself they are too harsh for your baby’s delicate skin and may do more harm than good. Talk to your doctor if the acne does not go away after several days.
2. Milia
These are tiny bumps usually appearing on your baby’s chin, nose or cheek. They look quite similar to acne, but they are usually the result of dead skin flakes becoming trapped in your baby’s skin. You usually do not require medical assistance to treat Milia. Wash your baby’s face daily using a gentle soap, but avoid lotions and other face products. Never try to pinch the irritated areas.
3. Eczema
4. Pustule Problems
5. Scaly Skin
6. Chicken Pox
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When To Consult A Doctor
Consult a dermatologist if your childs acne is getting worse or non-prescription drugs to lack efficacy. Also, consult a professional when your child is upset and emotionally affected by the acne problem.
Preventive care and timely treatment of acne can go a long way in helping a child maintain a good self-image and be interactive in social situations. Help your child by being thorough and clarifying doubts during a consultation. Make sure to keep up with follow-up appointments, and educate your child about the importance of a healthy lifestyle in reducing the formation of acne.
Herpes Simplex: Serious Newborn Rash
- Appearance. Several water blisters or pimples grouped in a cluster. They look like the cold sores that adults get on their lip. After several days, they crust over.
- Location. Just one part of the body, usually the scalp or face.
- Redness. The base can be pink. The pinkness does not extend beyond the cluster of vesicles.
- Onset. Within the first 2 weeks of life.
- Importance. Early treatment with anti-viral drugs can prevent serious problems. If you think your newborn’s rash looks like herpes, call your child’s doctor now.
- Imitator. Although herpes can be confused with erythema toxicum, they look very different.
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Other Baby Acne Notes
Baby acne can be confused with infantile acne. Infantile acne will last until about 6 months old and contain pustules and possibly cysts, not just whiteheads and blackheads. It is also more red and inflamed than baby acne. Infantile acne is linked to genetics. Your child is more likely to experience it if you or your partner had severe acne as a teenager. While baby acne is not linked to breakouts later in life, infantile acne is linked to more extreme teen acne.
Pat Your Baby Dry After A Bath
Towels can be notoriously coarse…especially on your babys tender skin. And if they suffer from baby acne, the feeling can be even worse.
To keep bath towels from wreaking havoc on your babys acne, always pat their skin dry instead of rubbing. Rubbing with a rough cloth like a towel or washcloth can remove skin cells , which, in most cases, is a good thing. But for your babys already-irritated skin, it can cause more problems.
Similarly, the heat created by rubbing your little one dry can contribute to the discomfort caused by baby acne. Always gently pat your babys skin dry.
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Try The Breast Milk Remedy
There is no research to back up these claims, but many moms swear by the power of breast milk to clear up babys acne. Breast milk has high antimicrobial properties that can help keep your baby healthy. Those same antimicrobial properties can, theoretically, do just as much good when applied topically as they do when ingested.
Using a finger, just dab a small amount of breast milk on your babys inflamed skin several times a day. A great time to try this is during feeding periods when your baby is happy and content.
Dont Use Oily Creams Or Lotions
Acne be it baby, adolescent, or adult is caused by clogged pores. Dirt and oil get stuck around a hair follicle and create a plug that irritates surrounding skin. Visually, this is the redness and swelling that are so commonly associated with acne. Because acne is caused by a buildup of oil and dirt, its best to avoid using oily creams and lotions on acne-prone skin.
To keep your babys acne-prone skin as healthy as possible, whether theyre having an outbreak or not, we suggest regularly cleansing the area with Mustelas No Rinse Cleansing Water or Mustelas No Rinse Soothing Cleansing Water for very sensitive skin.
These products contain micellar water, which works to keep your babys skin clean because the micelles in the water are attracted to the dirt and oil that can clog pores. The micelles are thus able to draw out impurities without irritating sensitive skin.
After you cleanse your babys skin, follow up with a sensitive-skin product, like Mustelas Soothing Moisturizing Body Lotion. This daily, light textured baby body lotion is specially designed for newborns with very sensitive, rashy, or reactive skin.
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Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis
Transient neonatal pustular melanosis is a common skin condition in newborns. It appears as small pus-filled spots. It is harmless and will go away by itself.
This skin condition is more common in newborns with black skin. The spots usually disappear within , but they may leave dark marks on the skin for several months.
The spots usually appear on the following body parts:
- small of the back
How To Get Rid Of Baby Acne
Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do about infant acne, besides being patient. A few baby acne treatment tips:
- Dont squeeze, pick or scrub acne.
- Cleanse the area with warm water two times a day. Pat skin dry gently.
- Dont use soap or lotion on affected areas.
- Avoid acne or other skin care products meant for adults.
- Try natural baby acne home remedies to treat it: Some moms suggest that dabbing the affected area with breast milk can help speed the healing process.
- Ask your doctor about prescription or over-the-counter medication that might help and be safe for your baby.
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How Is Baby Acne Diagnosed
Your babyâs healthcare provider will be able to determine if it’s baby acne or some other form of baby rash such as heat rash or eczema after examining your little one.
The healthcare provider may prescribe a medicated ointment or some other treatment for the baby acne. But be sure not to use any over-the-counter creams or medications without consulting the healthcare provider first, as these can damage your baby’s delicate skin.
Caring For Acne On Your Babys Skin
If your baby has acne, dermatologists recommend that you:
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Never put acne medicine or acne wash on your babys skin, unless your childs dermatologist or pediatrician recommends it.
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Be very gentle with your babys skin, and avoid scrubbing the acne.
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Wash your babys skin with lukewarm water.
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Stop using any oily or greasy skin care products.
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