Does your little one not have that famous "baby skin"? If they have spots on their face, it could be acne. Infant or newborn acne is a skin rash that appears on your child's face (forehead, cheeks, and chin). Don’t panic! We’ll help you understand this non-serious skin condition a little better.

What are the causes of infant acne?

There are two slightly different forms of infant acne . They are distinguished by your baby's age. Neonatal acne is present during the first few months of life, while infantile acne typically appears around 9 months of age. The reasons for its appearance are generally related to hormonal changes that infants experience from birth.

When a baby is born, they go through significant hormonal changes for several reasons. First of all, until their first birthday, the adrenal zone of your little wolf's brain is very active . This part of the brain is responsible for hormone production in our body (which is essential). The intense activity of this area of a baby's brain can lead to certain bodily manifestations, such as acne.

Whether male or female, babies produce androgens, which are male steroid hormones. In your little one, they are physiological, meaning they are normal and natural. This presence of androgens can also be the source of infantile acne.

Conversely, when a baby is in their mother's womb, they are in contact with her female hormones. After birth, they undergo hormonal withdrawal. This hormonal drop leads to certain upheavals in babies, such as neonatal acne.

In the case of infantile acne, it has been shown that the appearance of acne is not related to hyperandrogenism, in other words, an over-stimulation of androgens. It is also not correlated with medication. It is more linked to normal hormonal changes in your little one and probably to the nature of their skin.

What are the symptoms of newborn acne?

When it comes to your little adventurer's health, it’s easy to worry. A bump, a bit of redness, and suddenly you’re on high alert. But there’s no need to panic: even if it looks impressive, newborn acne is harmless. Some cases are a bit more severe, but they only have a temporary character . It is also quite rare, so it is recommended to consult your doctor or a dermatologist.

Neonatal acne: harmless skin eruptions

Your adorable little one with such soft skin may start to develop small red bumps on the face (forehead, cheeks, and chin). You might be dealing with neonatal acne. It is characterized by pustular lesions and closed comedones () There are very few open comedones in very young children, in other words, few blackheads.

These rashes can sometimes look alarming. Very red and swollen, they may resemble what a teenager might have on their face. On your infant, it can seem serious, but don’t worry: that’s not the case. .

Infantile acne: skin eruptions to watch out for

Around the age of 9 months, your baby may also develop acne, which is then called infantile acne. It is mainly located on the cheeks . Like neonatal acne, these are inflammatory lesions. They are characterized by large comedones and, unlike juvenile acne, they are rarely nodulocystic (inflammatory cysts).

Infantile acne differs from its neonatal cousin in that it can be slightly more severe. However, it remains without significant severity. It is mainly unsightly and, in very rare cases, can leave some marks, like chickenpox.

Other skin conditions in infants

In reality, neonatal acne is quite rare. There are other skin infections that have <...> similar symptoms and are often difficult to tell apart. These conditions are very diverse and more or less rare.

There are dozens of dermatological conditions, especially in babies. They are mostly benign and temporary. . Among the most common, often confused with infant acne, is Milium. It is characterized by small granular bumps on the nose. There is nothing to do; you will just have to wait. It is related to your baby's sebum secretion.

Infantile acne is also often confused with cephalic papulo-pustulosis. It is mainly located on the facial grass zones of your child and is not serious. It is probably the result of a fungus. As with previous skin rashes, medication treatments are often not considered the solution.

Of course, these are just a few clues to help you understand and, above all, put things into perspective and feel less stressed about your baby's skin issues. The names of these conditions don’t exactly make them sound more reassuring. But under no circumstances does this replace the advice of a doctor, pediatrician, or dermatologist. And if the skin rashes are accompanied by fever , it may no longer be just dermatological. In that case, request an appointment with your baby's doctor.

What are the treatments for infantile acne?

Infant acne is, most of the time, temporary. There are a few simple tips to know. If it persists, it may sometimes be better to opt for medication treatment. Your little one will regain their lovely baby skin. And while infant acne can be impressive, it is not serious. Moreover, infant acne does not predict juvenile acne. According to the French Society of Pediatric Dermatology, no link has been proven between these two forms of acne.

Infant acne is mainly caused by hormonal fluctuations. It is also characterized by an excess of sebum, resulting in an oily film on your little one's skin. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using rich creams, greasy soaps, or liniment. You can choose gentle soaps and water, or products that are gentle and respectful of your little one's skin.

When your baby has dry skin, it is advisable not to wash them too often. For young children with acne, since their skin is oilier, it is possible to wash them every two days, or even daily.

When drying your baby's skin after the bath, use a soft cloth and do not rub the skin; gently pat it dry. You should especially avoid touching or popping the baby's pimples. This can leave scars.

In some cases where acne persists for several weeks or worsens, your doctor may recommend a medication treatment.

In any case, infant acne is temporary. It may not look very attractive, but it is harmless. Your little love will quickly be back to looking like the most beautiful on earth.