Many new parents spend hours admiring their newborns' flawless skin, so it can be disconcerting when that once-perfect skin is suddenly covered with pimply red bumps. Newborn acne may be unattractive, but it's very common and perfectly normal, says the BabyCenter website. Still, most parents are curious to know exactly why their babies' skin breaks out and when they can expect it to clear up.
Time Frame
Some new babies are born with acne, but more often it develops when newborns are 3 or 4 weeks old, according to Dr. Alan Greene of the DrGreene website. In most cases, the bumps go away anywhere from a few weeks to a few months after they appear. Some babies may experience acne that comes and goes continuously until they're 4 to 6 months old.
Identification
Newborn acne shows up as red pimples or whiteheads surrounded by red skin that may become more distinct when your baby is crying, fussy or hot or when the skin has been irritated by spit-up, milk, rough fabric or clothing that has been washed in strong detergent. The bumps are most often on an infant's cheeks, but can also appear on the forehead, chin and back. Although newborn acne may look painful, it causes your baby no discomfort.
Cause
The exact cause of newborn acne is not known. One popular theory is that it arises from the surge of hormones babies receive from their mothers' bodies at the end of pregnancy and the hormonal changes infants undergo in the early weeks of life. But researchers can't agree on a single cause and continue to study the phenomenon, says BabyCenter.
Treatment
Baby acne typically clears up on its own within a few weeks, so treatment is rarely needed. You can wash your baby's face with mild soap formulated for infants once a day, but be aware that washing too often or too vigorously can irritate a newborn's tender skin and aggravate her acne. Don't use oils or lotions on her skin and resist the temptation to squeeze or pick the bumps.
Considerations
If your baby's acne hasn't disappeared after several months or you're concerned about its appearance, bring it up at your next appointment with the pediatrician; he can prescribe a mild medication if the acne is severe or lasts longer than six months. In rare cases, newborn acne can be a sign of an underlying problem that requires its own treatment, says the Mayo Clinic.
