Pediatric Acne

Occurring commonly in newborns and young infants, pediatric acne, also known as baby acne or neonatal acne, brings about much distress in new parents. Caused due to maternal hormones that linger in the baby's body for a few weeks after birth, the condition manifests itself in the form of angry red pimples and whiteheads on a baby's cheeks, forehead and chin. While nothing can be done to prevent it, most cases of acne pose no long-term health risks for the baby and resolve on their own without treatments.

Features

• Seen more often in boys than in girls, the condition is as harmless as it is common, according to the Mayo Clinic. Characterized by fleshy bumps, red pustules and whiteheads, the acne crops-up commonly on a baby's cheeks and sometimes on the chin and the forehead as well. It often appears worse when the baby cries, or when the skin gets irritated due to drooling and spitting up. Appearing in the first three to four weeks of birth, it usually lasts for several weeks and sometimes for a few months.

Significance

• Hormones produced during late pregnancy by the mom pass through the placenta into the fetus. In addition to important functions such as maturing the baby's lungs in preparation for birth, the hormones stimulate the oil glands of the skin of the fetus. As a result of increased oil production, the baby's immature oil glands get clogged and erupt in pimples and whiteheads.

Treatment

• In most cases, baby acne clears on its own with minimal intervention. Simple home remedies such as keeping the baby's face clean by washing it with warm water and baby soap and drying gently with a soft, clean towel help clear the acne within a few weeks. Although rare, some doctors prescribe a diluted version of benzoyl peroxide to clear up the lesions.

Expert Insight

• Dr. Alan Greene, author of Raising Baby Green, recommends cleansing gently once a day with water and baby soap, avoiding contact with fabrics laundered in harsh detergents and staying away from oils and lotions to treat baby acne. He suggests consulting a pediatrician if the acne looks severe and lasts for more than six months.

Warning

• Squeezing or scrubbing the acne may aggravate the condition and cause irritation or even an infection, says the Mayo Clinic. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a consultation with a pediatric dermatologist or endocrinologist for severe cases of acne that do not resolve on their own even after several months.