Your Baby Today: New Baby, New Mom: Expert Q&A: Pediatrics: Baby Acne

Lillian M. Beard, M.D, a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, is an associate clinical professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C. She is a frequent guest expert and spokesperson on national television programs, discussing issues related to children's health. Dr. Beard practices pediatrics in Washington, D.C.

Q: My 2-month-old has a bad case of baby acne. What causes this and can I do anything to help clear it up?

A: Acne, characterized by pimples, whiteheads and blackheads, is frequently associated with the teen years although it's not uncommon for it to occur at any age, even during infancy.

Infant or "baby" acne, though unsightly, is not a serious skin disorder. Sebum, a waxy substance secreted from the oil glands within the skin's hair follicles, works to lubricate the skin. When sebum clogs a hair follicle channel, that follicle expands into a visible lump, known as a comedone (pimple). A combination of factors, including clogged channels from baby's sebaceous (oil) glands, or applied baby oils, lotions, plus varying amounts of any remaining circulating estrogens (hormones) from you (mom), may contribute to the development of clusters of acne.

To help clear up pimples and prevent further breakouts, I suggest daily gentle washes with a mild soapy solution (no scrubbing or squeezing) and that you discontinue any applied oils or lotions on your baby's face. Acne during infancy eventually clears and is not predictive of a later occurrence.