Baby Acne Treatment

Baby acne is a harmless skin condition seen in infants under eight months old. With this condition, the skin has a blotchy appearance with red and white bumps called milia. More common in boys than girls, baby acne can be present from birth, although it most commonly appears in the first four weeks of the child’s life. While the condition usually clears on its own within a few weeks or months, due to its unusual appearance many parents want to know what kind of treatment is available for baby acne.

Baby acne treatment should be much gentler than the treatment of teenagers or adults with acne. Do not use any topical treatments or astringents on your baby’s skin and never pick at pimples or pop them.

Infant acne is thought to be caused by blocked oil glands. For this reason it is important to keep your child’s skin clean and dry. Wash his or her skin with a mild soap and, unless your baby has extremely dry skin, avoid using lotions and creams on the affected areas. Dress your child in hand mittens to avoid them scratching at the face, which could cause infection and worsen the condition.

If the condition has not cleared within three months, contact your doctor about alternative baby acne treatment. While doctors will initially be reluctant to prescribe medication, severe baby acne that does not clear can be treated with prescription cream. Remember that acne does not actually bother your child; be patient and let it clear. If you ever notice acne or rashes in any area other than your child’s face, it is advisable to consult a doctor as this could be a sign of another condition.