Spotty skin (Milia or Acne neonatorum)
If you’ve spent your pregnancy reading baby magazines you’ll likely expect your baby to come out with a peaches and cream complexion but in fact, it’s common for babies to have pimples and white spots in their first few months.
Newborn milia
Tiny white pimples across the nose and cheeks are perfectly normal for newborns. Called milia, the harmless spots normally appear within the first three weeks of your baby’s life and may not clear up until he’s around six weeks old. They’re caused by your baby’s sebaceous glands (glands found under the skin which lubricate the skin and hair) not having matured enough to function properly. Your baby may develop similar white bumps on the roof of her mouth – these are called Epstein’s pearls and are also harmless.
The best way to deal with them is to leave them alone – they will clear naturally. Don‘t be tempted to pick or squeeze them, as this could cause scarring; and don’t apply any strong over-the-counter acne treatments that you might use on your own skin.
Baby acne
This too is common and is thought to be caused by maternal hormones still circulating around your baby’s body. You’ll notice tiny whiteheads that resemble adult acne on your baby’s cheeks, forehead and chin. They can take several months to clear but, again, leave them well alone. Don’t aggravate them by over-zealous cleansing or by using OTC acne treatments on them. Be patient and they will disappear.
Baby pimples and rashes aren’t usually serious but if you’re at all concerned they might signal an underlying illness, check with your pediatrician. Keep in mind that a more serious illness would probably be accompanied by a fever or your baby seeming unwell or unresponsive. A rash connected to illness is also more likely to appear on your baby’s chest and body and shouldn’t look like acne.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
Related Articles
Last Modified: 20/06/2007
Related Chat
You'll need to be logged in to post new Comments and Answers or to Chat.
Login or
Register