Baby Acne – Red Bumps on Face and Body

If your baby has red bumps on their face or torso, it’s likely that they have baby acne. It’s a common and harmless skin condition that usually clears up within weeks.

Acne is a rash caused by clogged pores. The oily substance that clogs these pores is called sebum.

Cleanse Daily

Fortunately, nearly every case of baby acne clears up on its own within a few weeks, leaving your sweet little one’s skin looking as beautiful as ever.

But if your baby’s skin continues to flare-up despite daily cleansing with a gentle soap, it may be time to see your pediatrician. A bacterial skin infection is also possible, so it’s important to seek medical attention if you notice any signs of redness or pus on your baby’s skin.

In addition to daily cleaning, try to prevent the breakouts by avoiding harsh detergents that can dry out your baby’s skin and throw off their pH levels. Instead, use hypoallergenic and fragrance-free detergents and laundry products. Similarly, avoid using lotions on your baby’s face that may clog their pores and cause more breakouts.

Don’t Pick or Pop

Trying to pop your own pimples can increase the amount of damage done to your skin, and it may even lead to scaring. Plus, popping a pimple can spread germs, which can cause infections.

A better option for dealing with your baby’s acne is to take a soft, loving approach. Avoid picking or scrubbing your child’s skin, and try using a baby lotion that’s fragrance-free and nongreasy.

If you do decide to pick your baby’s face, use a soft, cotton-based towel rather than a rough washcloth or sponge. The abrasive quality of a washcloth can cause tearing, which could open up your child’s bumps and clog their pores.

You can also buy a pair of hydrocolloid bandages (they’re sold as blister bandages or pimple stickers) that act as a physical barrier to keep your hands off of a pimple while absorbing excess fluid and helping the healing process. The best part is that they look inconspicuous.

Avoid Oily Skincare Products

Baby acne, also known as neonatal acne, is a common skin condition that occurs in about 30 percent of newborns. It usually clears up within 3 months, without leaving scars.

Whether your little one has baby acne or another type of skin issue, it’s important to treat their complexion as gently as possible to prevent irritation and infection. This includes using a gentle cleanser like Mustela’s Gentle No Rinse Cleansing Water daily to clean their face and not dry out their sensitive skin.

It’s also important to avoid any oily skincare products on their face because they may clog their pores and cause an outbreak of baby acne. Instead, use a fragrance-free moisturizer that hydrates their delicate skin and won’t aggravate it.

You can also treat baby acne by adding probiotics to your diet or taking a supplement (see the list below in “How Is Baby Acne Treated”). It may take a few weeks for your little one’s acne to clear, but don’t worry because it’s totally normal and doesn’t have any major impact on their growth or development.

See Your Pediatrician

Newborns and infants are prone to baby acne because they still have many of their mom’s hormones circulating in their bodies in the first few weeks after birth.

This is usually harmless and clears up on its own within several months as the pores in your baby’s skin decrease in size and oil production. However, if your baby’s acne persists beyond 4 months, it is time to see your pediatrician.

Your doctor can diagnose newborn acne during a standard well visit and provide you with the best course of treatment for your child. He or she can also help you get on track with the vaccinations your baby needs to stay healthy.