Newborn Acne

Newborn acne is also called by acne neonatorum. This skin disease affects about 20% of newborn babies and infants. During the immaturity, acne is associated when the sebaceous glands clog the pores of the skin. Mother passes the hormones to newborn babies. These hormones develop oil glands into the skin of baby or infant.

Newborn acne appears on the cheeks, forehead, chin and face of the newborn babies. In some cases, newborn baby is also affected by whiteheads (types of acne).

The newborn babies get acne very frequently and this acne happens in some patterns, like:

  • Male babies are affected by neonatorum acne more as compared to female babies.
  • Acne can occur on the baby’s skin within a month from the birth of baby.
  • Papules and pustules are the main types of acne in newborn babies or infants.

This type of acne appears on the cheeks, scalp, face and other parts of body. There is no need of treatment for newborn acne as this acne can resolve them. Newborn acne is caused by fussy, hot or irritation of the skin. This type of acne is developed when baby’s skin contact with the dirty clothes and when the baby’s clothes have become wet from saliva or milk.

Therefore, parents should wash the baby face gently with the mild soap and Luke warm water regularly. Do not use the lotions and oils on the affected area of baby skin as it can help to increase acne and make acne worse.

Avoid scrubbing the baby face, because it can be irritated the skin. This type of acne can be disappeared in 2-4 weeks. This is not a serious skin problem for babies or infants. And it can fade away within a few weeks. The trend of causing baby acne can continue between the ages of four to six months. If newborn acne does not remove within six months, go to the pediatrician immediately.

Topical creams like Keratolytic or retinoids agents or benzoyl peroxide is suggested for severe form of newborn acne. It is not necessary that any form of acne will be affected to newborn babies after the time of delivery.

Thus, parents should wash the baby clothes in a detergent that does not contain any chemical and harsh ingredients. Natural products, Aveeno baby washes and soothing lotions are prepared for newborn babies or infant to treat acne and delicate prone skin. Babies, who have acne, use vinegar solution to treat any form of newborn acne.