Skip to main content

Is that acne on my baby’s face?

Newborn with acne: In newborns, acne often clears on its own without treatment.

It’s possible. Acne usually begins in one’s teen’s, but some babies have acne. Here’s what parents should know.

Newborn acne is generally nothing to worry about

About 20% of newborns have a type of acne called neonatal acne. You’ll usually see it at about 2 weeks of age; however, it can develop any time before 6 weeks of age. Sometimes, a baby is born with acne.

If your newborn has acne, you’ll usually see breakouts on your baby’s cheeks and nose. Acne can also appear on a baby’s forehead, chin, scalp, neck, back, or chest.

Neonatal acne is generally nothing to worry about. It rarely causes a scar and tends to go away on its own in a few weeks to months.

Acne is more worrisome after 6 weeks of age

When acne develops after 6 weeks of age, it’s called infantile acne. This type of acne is likely to begin between 3 and 6 months of age.

If your baby develops acne after 6 weeks of age, you’ll want to see a board-certified dermatologist or pediatric dermatologist. This can be helpful for several reasons. You can:

While a dermatologist should examine a child who develops acne after 6 weeks of age, this type of acne often clears on its own. Clearing usually takes about 6 months to 1 year. Some children, however, have acne for a longer time. It’s possible for acne to continue through the teen years.

Never apply acne wash or any acne treatment to your baby's skin unless a dermatologist recommends it.

Caring for acne on your baby’s skin

If your baby has acne, dermatologists recommend that you:

A dermatologist can tell you when to treat your baby’s acne

Seeing acne on your baby’s skin can be worrisome. A dermatologist can tell you whether you need to treat it. When acne requires treatment, you can rely on a dermatologist’s expertise to treat your baby safely.


Images
Image of newborn acne used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides.

Image of baby being bathed, Getty Images

References
Eichenfield LF, Krakowski AC, et al. “Evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric acne.” Pediatrics. 2013;131 Suppl 3:S163-86.

Serna-Tamayo C, Janniger CK, et al. “Neonatal and infantile acne vulgaris: An update.” Cutis 2014;94(1):13-15.

Zaenglein AL and Thiboutot DM. “Acne vulgaris.” In: Bolognia JL, et alDermatology. (second edition). Mosby Elsevier, Spain, 2008:500.

You Might Also Enjoy...

What is Mohs surgery?

Used to treat skin cancer, this surgery has a unique benefit. During surgery, the surgeon can see where the cancer stops. This isn’t possible with other types of treatment for skin cancer.

Should I get genetic testing for melanoma?

If you’re worried about getting melanoma, the most-serious skin cancer, you may be wondering whether you should have genetic testing. After all, genetic testing is now used find a person’s risk for many diseases.

Melanoma strikes men harder

Researchers have found yet another way that men and women differ. Melanoma, the most-serious skin cancer, affects the sexes differently.

Your best defense vs. another melanoma

If you’ve been treated for melanoma, you may never get another melanoma. Many people don’t. But it’s important to know that you have a greater risk of getting another one. Anyone who has had melanoma has this risk.

Skin Cancer Prevention

Follow these tips to protect your skin from the damaging effects of sun exposure and reduce your risk of skin cancer ...