Infantile acne
| This is a rare type of acne which is more common in male babies and may last up to three years. It is possible that it may be an indicator of acne in adolescence. The cause of baby acne is due to the mother's hormones passing through the placenta at birth, causing a stimulation of the adrenal glands with ensuing increased oil production in the skin which can lead to baby acne. |  |
Outbreaks usually occur at around four weeks after birth and may well disappear spontaneously. The appearance is rather like small whiteheads surrounded by a red rash which becomes more pronounced when the baby is hot. The most common area for the acne to appear is the cheeks and more rarely the forehead, chin and back.
See your GP who will advise you on what to do and may prescribe some medication.
Information written by the talkhealth medical panel
Last Reviewed: 3 March 2011
Next Review Date: 1 November 2013
