New parents are often alarmed to find that their new babies are not always the picture of smooth-skinned perfection that they have seen on diaper or baby food commercials. Infants develop rashes, bumps, discolorations and even acne in some cases. If your child has a rash of bumps that appear to be pimples across his nose and forehead, he is probably suffering from infant acne.
Identification
Infant acne may appear to be a miniature version of teenage acne. Your baby may have small red bumps with a white or yellowish green head. These bumps occur on his face, and may even extend to his shoulder, back or chest in severe cases. Like teenage acne, the pimples will come to a head and then disappear. Infant acne can be distinguished from a rash by its appearance as well as by the fact that it does not arise due to illness or an environmental stimulus and it does not disappear suddenly.
Causes
Infant acne appears at approximately two weeks of age and usually ends when the baby is between eight and 10-weeks-old. While researchers don't know for sure what causes infant acne, they believe that is it the result of being exposed to the mother's hormones in the uterus. These hormones might stimulate the sebaceous glands and cause the acne. The acne goes away after the effects of the hormones have worn off.
Treatment
In most cases, your child's acne will not require treatment. Do not apply lotions or attempt to pop or squeeze any of the pimples unless your pediatrician directs you to do so. You could irritate your baby's delicate skin or cause breaks in the skin that will leave her skin vulnerable to infection. The acne may look painful to you, but it probably doesn't bother her or cause her discomfort, according to Janet Rand, N.D., author of "Smart Medicine for A Healthier Child."
When to Consult a Pediatrician
If the acne appears to bother your infant or if it doesn't clear up after 10 weeks of age, you should consult a pediatrician. Your baby might have a different condition, such as a rash in reaction to food or a cream, or even a problem with his adrenal glands or endocrine system. Your pediatrician can rule out the possibility of a more serious condition and help alleviate any discomfort your baby is experiencing as a result of his pimples or rash.
