Some parents are dismayed when their newborn’s perfect face suddenly breaks out in tiny red bumps, which is called baby acne. While the condition may look painful, it usually doesn’t bother the baby at all. And like many other difficult stages of infancy, this one, too, shall pass.

What it Looks Like:
Baby acne, also called infant or infantile acne, looks like a rough, red rash. It’s most common on the infant’s cheeks and nose, although it can appear anywhere on the face and back. Comedones and papules will be present, and possibly some small pustules. Baby acne may come and go, and tends to look worse when the baby is fussy or crying.

Baby acne is usually seen on the cheeks, chin, and forehead. It can be present at birth but usually develops around 3 to 4 weeks of age. Baby acne occurs when hormonal changes in the body stimulate oil glands in the baby’s skin. The condition can look worse when the baby is crying or fussy, or any other instance that increases blood flow to the skin. Baby acne is harmless and usually resolves on its own within several weeks.

If you suspect your baby has acne, you should check with your pediatrician. Many other conditions common in infants, such as eczema, erythema toxicum, and heat rash, can resemble baby acne.

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