Baby Acne

Baby acne is acne that develops on a newborn's skin. Baby acne can occur anywhere on the face, but usually appears on the cheeks, nose and forehead. Baby acne is common and temporary. There's little you can do to prevent baby acne. Baby acne usually clears up on its own, without scarring. Symptoms are usually characterized by small red or white bumps on a baby's cheeks, nose and forehead. It often develops within the first two to four weeks after birth. Many babies also develop tiny white bumps on the nose, chin or cheeks. These are known as milia.

Because baby acne typically disappears on its own within several months, no medical treatment is usually recommended. If your baby's acne lingers for much longer, your baby's doctor may recommend a medicated cream or other treatment. Don't try any over-the-counter medications without checking with your baby's doctor first. Some of these products may be damaging to a baby's delicate skin.

It is very common. Between 3 and 7 in every 10 babies develop it. It seems to be more common in babies born at full term (between 37 and 40 weeks of gestation) compared with premature babies.