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Symptoms
Infantile acne usually is not a serious problem. The blemishes often clear up on their own. If they don’t, there are treatments that can help.
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There are two types of acne that can affect babies: neonatal acne and infantile acne. The primary difference between the types is when the acne develops.
Inflammatory vs. Non-Inflammatory Acne
Acne can be inflammatory or non-inflammatory. The key difference is what causes each type:
Excess oilplugs the pores and bacteria that are normally found on the skin begin to multiply in the blocked pore.This blockage, called acommodone, leads to irritation, skin discoloration, and swelling, which you see as an inflamed pimple.
Some experts think that children who have acne as babies are more likely to have severe acne when they’re teens.
Babies and Hormones
Instead, babies with infantile acne are just more sensitive to the hormones that cause acne.
Does Acne Run In Families?
If your provider is not sure about the cause, they might refer you to a pediatricdermatologist.
Rarely, acne in babies is a sign of a hormonal problem. One example is a condition calledcongenital adrenal hyperplasia.
What Causes Newborn Skin Peeling?
Similar Conditions
What to Know About a Stork Bite
Newborn Acne vs. Infantile Acne
Newborn AcneAppears within the first six weeks of lifeAffects up to 20% of newbornsDoes not last long; usually resolves on its own without treatmentDoes not leave scarsInfantile AcneTypically appears between 3 and 6 months of ageAffects less than 2% of infantsMay last two years or more; may require prescription treatmentCan cause scarring
Newborn AcneAppears within the first six weeks of lifeAffects up to 20% of newbornsDoes not last long; usually resolves on its own without treatmentDoes not leave scars
Appears within the first six weeks of life
Affects up to 20% of newborns
Does not last long; usually resolves on its own without treatment
Does not leave scars
Infantile AcneTypically appears between 3 and 6 months of ageAffects less than 2% of infantsMay last two years or more; may require prescription treatmentCan cause scarring
Typically appears between 3 and 6 months of age
Affects less than 2% of infants
May last two years or more; may require prescription treatment
Can cause scarring
The most common treatment for infantile acne is to watch and wait.
At-Home Treatment
The Best Soaps for Acne
Medications
Infantile acne can be treated with many of the same medications that are used to treat acne in teens, including:
How Is Acne Treated?
Summary
Infantile looks a lot like teen or adult acne: a cluster of pimples on the cheeks, chin, nose, and/or forehead.
In some cases, what looks like acne is actually another skin condition. While it’s not common, the blemishes can also be a sign of an underlying health condition—usually, one related to hormones.
Can You Catch Acne From Someone?
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Eichenfield LF, Krakowski AC, Piggott C, et al.Evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric acne.Pediatrics.2013 May;131 Suppl 3:S163-86. doi:10.1542/peds.2013-0490B.
Silva Santos G, Ianhez M, Miot H.Papulopustular infantile acne treated with oral isotretinoin.ABD. 2023 May;98(3):400-402. doi:10.1016/j.abd.2021.05.026
Solman L, Layton AM.Acne in childhood.Paediatrics and Child Health.2019;29(2):85-89. doi:10.1016/j.paed.2019.01.004.
Samycia M, Lam JM.Infantile acne.CMAJ. 2016;188(17-18):E540. doi:10.1503/cmaj.160139.
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