Acne is generally considered a teenage skin problem, although individuals of any age can be affected, even newborn infants. Baby acne most often occurs in infants that are between 4 weeks and 6 months of age. Treatment is the same for infants of any age while specific symptoms and breakouts may vary.
Symptoms
Baby acne most often appears first as a rash consisting of small red pimples on the cheeks and face. Infant acne can come and go and may often appear worse under certain circumstances. When infants are upset or their body temperature rises significantly, the acne may worsen or appear to darken.
Cause
Baby acne results from the mother's hormone levels when she gives birth. Just before and during childbirth, hormones pass through the placenta from mother to baby. These hormones stimulate final physical development to prepare the child for birth, but can also stimulate oil production in the baby's skin. Increased oil production can lead to acne in infants, just as it does in teenagers and young adults.
Treatment
Infant acne is not harmful to the child and generally clears up on its own in a short period of time. Hormone levels will return to normal, allowing oil production to return to normal as well. Washing an infant's face with a mild soap appropriate for babies may help clear up symptoms. In the event that a breakout lasts for an extended period of time, a pediatrician can assess the severity of the symptoms and offer appropriate guidance. A mild medication may be prescribed to aid skin clearing in the most severe cases.
Prevention
Due to the cause of baby acne, there is no solid method of prevention for the condition. Regularly washing an infant's face with warm water can help keep the skin clean and free of oils that can lead to acne. Avoiding the use of lotions and oils on the infant's skin can also help decrease the incidence of baby acne.
