How Is Baby Acne Caused by Breastfeeding?

Baby Acne and Breastfeeding

Newborns commonly develop acne in the first few weeks of life. Acne neonatorum, as it is called, is a temporary condition related to breastfeeding. It usually does not require a doctor's treatment.

New mothers produce excess hormones, especially in the first weeks after giving birth. These excess hormones are transferred to the baby through breast milk. The hormones stimulate the baby's sebaceous glands to produce a fatty, oily substance called sebum. Sebum clogs the pores and causes pimples. It is more common in boys than in girls.

Baby acne looks like small red bumps or whiteheads. The pimples typically appear on the baby's cheeks and near the mouth but may also occur on the baby's forehead, chin, back or scalp. The acne typically appears about three weeks after birth, although it may occur sooner, and lasts three to four months.

Treatment

The acne will usually clear on its own. You may gently cleanse the baby's face once daily with mild baby soap. Do not use lotions or oils since they may worsen the acne, and avoid cleansers that are not specially formulated for a baby. You can use herbal skin cleansers, but be sure to use only those that are safe for babies. Severe or prolonged cases of baby acne may require a doctor's treatment. If necessary, your pediatrician may prescribe benzoyl peroxide or a topical cream. Do not use products containing benzoyl peroxide unless you have instructions from your pediatrician.

Although the acne looks unattractive, it is painless and does not irritate the baby.

Continue Breastfeeding

Although it stimulates acne, it is important to continue breastfeeding. The benefits of breast milk outweigh the temporary inconvenience of pimples.

Other Types of Acne

Other types of rashes mimic acne in newborns. Milia looks like small white bumps on the baby's nose, cheeks or chin. It is usually present at birth and vanishes within two to three weeks. Eczema appear as a scaly rash on the baby's face and body. Cradle cap resembles dandruff.

Baby acne does not necessarily mean the child will develop acne during adolescence, and a family history of acne does not predict whether a baby will have acne.