Rashes and skin conditions are common in newborns, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says. Although the red marks can be a great cause of concern for parents, many are harmless and resolve in a short time without need for medical intervention. The little red bumps on your baby's face have more than one cause, and some conditions may require treatment from your child's pediatrician or dermatologist.
What To Worry About
Common conditions that cause red bumps to erupt on your baby's face can include baby acne, erythema toxicum and certain types of dermatitis, the National Institutes for Health says. The conditions typically won't harm your baby, and most cause no discomfort. However, if other symptoms are present such as fever, extreme itching, blisters or bumps that appear to be infected (these ooze or look wet), contact your infant's pediatrician. Call your child's doctor any time a rash is present that extends past the area of the buttocks (diaper rash).
Erythema Toxicum
Erythema toxicum is the most common cause of pustular lesions in babies, according to a January 2008 report in the "American Family Physician" (AFP). Between 40 and 70 percent of babies get it, although those weighing in at more than 5.5 lbs. are more at risk. Erythema toxicum presents as pustules surrounded by blotchy red areas similar to those noted in flea bites, the AFP says. The lesions can affect not only the face, but the trunk and proximal extremities. Babies may be born with erythema toxicum, but it can also show up two or three days after birth. Erythema toxicum goes away after five to seven days, and there's no need to treat it, the AFP says. The cause of this particular skin condition is unknown.
Baby Acne
Baby acne can also cause little red bumps on a baby's face. This is also a common skin condition among newborns, affecting some 20 percent, the "American Family Physician" says. Pimples and whiteheads on the forehead, cheeks and nose that appear three to four weeks post-birth are characteristic of this skin condition--although it can show up on other parts of an infant's body. Baby acne is caused by the mother's hormones, which are passed to the infant in utero. These trigger increased oil production in the baby's skin. Baby acne is also self-resolving, usually after a matter of weeks, the American Academy of Dermatology says. The AAP suggests washing your baby's face with water and a gentle soap every day but applying no other topical treatments. When baby acne lingers longer than a few weeks, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests a consultation with the infant's pediatrician or a dermatologist.
Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, develops between 2 and 6 months, says the AAP. It's more common in babies with a family history of eczema or allergies. Small red, itchy bumps erupt on the cheeks, forehead and other parts of the head. The AAP cautions that if atopic dermatitis is not treated, other parts of the body such as the arms and trunk will be affected. About 60 percent of infants with atopic dermatitis outgrow the condition, the AAP says. When atopic dermatitis is a possible cause of skin rash, the infant's pediatrician may advise a consultation with a dermatologist. Treatments for atopic dermatitis include frequent moisturizing using a fragrance-free cream and other creams such as topical steroids, and antihistamines to control itching. Contact dermatitis may be problematic if your baby is exposed to an irritant such as bubble bath. Avoiding the irritant will usually clear up this skin rash, the AAP says, but a pediatrician may recommend cortisone ointment and the application of warm compresses to treat the condition.
Other Rashes
Milia is another common skin rash that can present on your baby's forehead, cheeks, nose and chin, the "American Family Physician" says, as well as on other parts of the body. This rash presents in the form of white or yellow papules no bigger than 2 mm in diameter. Milia also self-resolves without the need for treatment the first month, post-birth. Seborrheic dermatitis, sometimes called cradle cap because it generally affects the scalp, may appear markedly similar to atopic dermatitis, the AFP says. It can also affect the face, ears, neck and sometimes the buttocks. This rash, which shows up during the first month of life, usually resolves on its own after several weeks or months, the AFP says.
