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updated June 12, 2012

Baby acne

Filed under: Beauty & Plastic Surgery
Baby acne is acne that develops on a newborn's skin. Baby acne can occur anywhere on the face, but usually appears on the cheeks, nose and forehead. Baby acne is common — and temporary. There's little you can do to prevent baby acne. The best treatment for baby acne is usually none at all.

©1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Terms of use.
Read this article on Mayoclinic.com.

Baby acne is usually characterized by small red bumps or pustules on a baby's cheeks, nose and forehead. It often develops within the first two to four weeks after birth. Baby acne may look worse when your baby is fussy or crying.

Many babies also develop tiny white bumps on the nose, chin or cheeks. These are known as milia.

When to see a doctor
Consult your baby's doctor if you're concerned about any aspect of your baby's complexion. Baby acne usually clears up within three to four months.

©1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Terms of use.
Read this article on Mayoclinic.com.

It's not clear exactly what causes baby acne.

©1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Terms of use.
Read this article on Mayoclinic.com.

If you're following a standard well-baby exam schedule, your baby will likely visit with your family doctor or pediatrician soon. These regular appointments offer a good opportunity to discuss concerns about your baby's health. For baby acne, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

  • Is my baby's condition likely temporary or long lasting?
  • What treatments are available?
  • Are there any skin care restrictions I need to follow?

What to expect from your baby's doctor
In order to determine the seriousness of your baby's acne, your baby's doctor may ask you:

  • Do you have a family history of severe acne?
  • Has your baby come into contact with any medications that can cause acne, such as corticosteroids or iodine-containing drugs?

©1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Terms of use.
Read this article on Mayoclinic.com.

Baby acne can usually be diagnosed on sight. No specific testing is needed.

©1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Terms of use.
Read this article on Mayoclinic.com.

Because baby acne typically disappears on its own within several months, no medical treatment is usually recommended. In some cases, however, baby acne lingers for months or even longer. If your baby's acne is particularly stubborn, your baby's doctor may recommend a medicated cream or other treatment. Don't try any over-the-counter medications without checking with your baby's doctor first. Some over-the-counter products may be damaging to a baby's delicate skin.

©1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Terms of use.
Read this article on Mayoclinic.com.

In the meantime:

  • Keep your baby's face clean. Wash your baby's face with warm water daily. For babies with acne, use a mild moisturizing facial soap several times a week and rinse with warm water.
  • Dry your baby's face gently. Simply pat your baby's skin dry.
  • Don't pinch or scrub the acne. You may cause more irritation or an infection.
  • Avoid using lotions or oils on your baby's skin.

©1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Terms of use.
Read this article on Mayoclinic.com.

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