If small red spots or pimples appear on a baby's delicate skin in the first few weeks of life, parents often worry about what they could be. But we can immediately put their minds at ease: so-called baby acne, or neonatal acne, is a very typical, common, and harmless rash in infants.
With this blog post, we want to provide clarity and give you helpful tips.
Content:
2. How do I recognize baby acne?
4. How long does baby acne last?
5. Does breast milk help with baby acne?
6. When should you see a doctor?
What is baby acne?
In baby acne ("Acne neonatorum"), small pimples and red spots suddenly appear on your baby's face in the first few weeks of life due to a physiological hormonal change. Hormones generally control your baby's growth and metabolism and significantly affect the skin's appearance - just like in adults. In baby acne, a temporary increase in androgens, i.e., the so-called male sex hormones, which are also present in women and stimulate the sebaceous glands and, for example, hair growth, leads to many small pimples and pustules, especially on the head, neck, and face.
How do I recognize baby acne?
It's absolutely understandable if you're unsure about the correct diagnosis. Not every skin irritation on the face is baby acne. We have compiled the most important points to help you recognize baby acne:
- Small pimples that appear in the 2nd to 3rd week of life
- White to yellowish spots in the middle of the pimples (filled with sebum)
- Fine pustules on a red base
- Mainly affects the face, head, and neck; rarely on the back/abdomen
But don't let this irritate you. Neonatal acne is a common, usually harmless phenomenon and therefore harmless. Moreover, your baby may not even be affected by it. Only about 20% of newborns develop the small pimples in the first few weeks of life - some more, some less. :)
What helps with baby acne?
Here, the principle "less is more" applies! Don't forget, the pimples are caused by a hormonal change and are not actual impurities. You should never try to squeeze the pimples or treat them with excessive care. These measures can even worsen your baby's acne. Trust that the small pimples will gradually subside on their own. However, the following two tips can help you:
- Focus on gentle cleansing with water! You can gently wash the affected areas with lukewarm water. You don't need any care products. If you wish, you can gently moisturize dry skin areas; our med Basic Cream or Baby Cream are suitable for this.
- Avoid further skin irritations! Make sure you use a baby-friendly detergent, good indoor air, and breathable clothing.
How long does baby acne last?
You can breathe a sigh of relief here. Baby acne reaches its peak after 2-3 weeks and then gradually subsides. Within four months, the small red pimples usually disappear completely. Don't worry! Scarring is generally not an issue here.
Does breast milk help with baby acne?
Breast milk is known to be THE miracle cure for newborns. It can also be used here as an effective remedy to soothe skin irritations. You could gently dab the affected areas with breast milk. However, in any case, consult your midwife or doctor here.
When should you see a doctor?
Although baby acne is harmless and non-concerning in most cases, there can still be situations where you should consult your midwife or doctor. For example, if:
- The pimples still don't disappear after several months.
- The pimples get bigger, become inflamed, and blisters form on the skin.
- The rash itches or the skin begins to peel.
- Your baby has a fever and feels unwell.
- Other skin problems occur or you are unsure.
It is not uncommon for baby acne to be confused with so-called seborrheic infantile eczema (cradle cap), or sometimes both conditions even occur simultaneously. Here, too, it is important to remain calm and clarify whether it is cradle cap or milk crust. You are also welcome to click through our skin care guide for babies - you might find more specific answers here!
O U R E X P E R T
Dr. med Michaela Hagemann I boep founder, doctor & mother of 3
