Infant Skin Breakouts: Understanding Causes, Diagnosis, and Remedies
Newborn babies often experience various skin conditions, one of which is neonatal acne. Approximately 20% of newborns develop this condition, typically appearing around the second week of life but can occur within the first six weeks.
Baby acne presents as tiny red or white bumps, often with a slight redness around them, primarily on the cheeks, forehead, or nose. The rash usually resolves without treatment and is generally not itchy or painful, making it a cosmetic concern rather than a health issue.
However, it is essential to differentiate baby acne from other common newborn skin conditions. Here's a comparison table to help distinguish baby acne from other rashes:
| Condition | Appearance/Pattern | Location | Symptoms/Timing | |------------------|---------------------------------------|-----------------------------|-------------------------------| | Baby Acne | Small red or white bumps | Cheeks, forehead, nose | Appears in first few weeks; not itchy/painful[1][3] | | Milia | Tiny white bumps | Face (nose, cheeks) | Appears at birth or soon after; harmless[2] | | Eczema | Dry, red, itchy, rough patches | Cheeks, scalp, behind ears | Can come and go; may itch or be irritated[1][2] | | Drool Rash | Redness, tiny bumps | Mouth, chin, neck | From excess drool, especially during teething[1] | | Erythema Toxicum | Red blotches with white/yellow centers | Body and face | Can appear all over; harmless, resolves on own[2] |
Other conditions that may resemble baby acne include bacterial folliculitis, neonatal herpes, and eczema. Bacterial folliculitis appears as red spots with a red ring around them, while neonatal herpes is a rare condition that can cause a rash over the body and make babies very ill. Eczema is a group of conditions that includes atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis or cradle cap. It appears as a rash on the face, cheeks, chin, forehead, scalp, elbows, or knees.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises caregivers to be gentle with the skin, use lukewarm water, avoid oily or greasy skincare products, and never use acne wash or treatment on a baby's skin unless a doctor recommends certain treatments for infantile acne.
If a baby develops acne when they are older than 6 weeks, or if infantile acne is suspected, a doctor should rule out other skin conditions. In severe cases, infantile acne may lead to scarring. Antiviral medications are the most effective methods of treating cold sores caused by neonatal herpes, but they do not cure the infection itself, and cold sores will develop periodically for the rest of the child's life.
In many cases, infantile acne will not require treatment and will resolve by itself. However, a healthcare professional may recommend a cream or prescribe antibiotics in severe cases. If the rash is spreading quickly, becomes inflamed, crusty, or is accompanied by fever or discomfort, consult a healthcare provider to rule out infections or other serious conditions.
Anyone concerned about their baby's skin, or who suspects a condition such as chickenpox or eczema, should speak to a doctor. Neonatal acne tends to appear as red spots or white pimples on a baby's cheeks and nose, but can also occur on the forehead, chin, scalp, neck, upper back, upper chest, and back. The causes of neonatal acne are not fully understood, but testosterone overactivity in the skin's oil glands may contribute to the development of infantile acne.
References: [1] American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Baby Acne. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/kids/skin/conditions/baby-acne [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021, March 15). Baby acne: Symptoms, causes, and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/baby-acne/faq-20057611 [3] National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2020, September 24). Baby Acne. Retrieved from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/baby-acne
- The American Academy of Dermatology advises caregivers to treat newborn skin gently, using lukewarm water and avoiding oily or greasy skincare products, especially for babies with neonatal acne.
- Infantile acne may occasionally occur beyond the first six weeks after birth, and if this happens, medical advice should be sought to rule out other skin conditions and prevent potential scarring.
- Antiviral medications are the most effective way to treat cold sores caused by neonatal herpes, although they don't cure the infection itself, and cold sores will continue to reoccur for the rest of the child's life.
- Skin conditions like bacterial folliculitis may resemble infantile acne, presenting as red spots with a red ring surrounding them, while neonatal herpes, a rare condition, can cause a rash over the body and make babies severely ill.
- In addition to the cheeks, forehead, and nose, neonatal acne can appear on the scalp, neck, upper back, upper chest, and back, and its causes are not fully understood but may involve testosterone overactivity in the skin's oil glands.
- Mental health, skin-care, health-and-wellness, and science are all interconnected, as understanding various skin conditions in newborns helps caregivers assure their overall health and well-being.
