Published: Jan 13, 2024

Baby acne can worry parents fast.

You look at your baby’s face. You see tiny red bumps. You may see small white bumps too. You may wonder if it hurts. You may wonder if it is an allergy. You may wonder which cream to use.

Take a breath.

Baby acne is common. It is often harmless. Most cases clear on their own.

The best Baby Acne Treatment is usually simple: gentle washing, no scrubbing, no squeezing, and no harsh adult acne products.

This guide explains baby acne causes, safe care tips, what to avoid, how to tell it apart from other rashes, and when to call your baby’s doctor.

For more help, visit our Skin, Hair & Nail Health Hub, First Aid & Home Remedies Hub, Infections & Immune Health Hub, Medical Tests & Screenings Hub, and Health Hub.

Medical note: This article is for education only. It does not diagnose or treat baby acne, eczema, infection, allergy, impetigo, infantile acne, or any baby rash. Call your baby’s doctor if your baby has a fever, poor feeding, fewer wet diapers, looks very sick, has blisters, pus, swelling, a spreading rash, a rash near the eyes, or a rash that does not improve.

Quick Answer: What is baby acne?

Baby acne is a common rash in newborns and young babies.

It often looks like small red or white bumps on the face.

It often appears on the:

• Cheeks
• Nose
• Forehead
• Chin
• Scalp
• Neck
• Upper chest
• Upper back

It often starts in the first few weeks after birth.

Most baby acne clears without treatment.

The safest care is gentle skincare.

Baby Acne Treatment: What Parents Should Do First

Most baby acne does not need medicine.

Start with gentle care.

• Wash your baby’s face once a day.
• Use warm water.
• Use mild baby soap only if needed.
• Pat the skin dry.
• Do not scrub.
• Do not squeeze bumps.
• Do not pick at the skin.
• Do not use adult acne creams.
• Do not use oily lotions.
• Keep drool, milk, and spit-up gently wiped away.

Time is often the best treatment.

What does baby acne look like?

Baby acne may look like:

• Tiny red bumps
• Small white bumps
• Small pimples
• Mild red skin around bumps
• Bumps on the cheeks
• Bumps that look worse when the baby cries
• Bumps that look worse when the baby is hot
• Bumps that look worse after drool or milk touches the skin

Baby acne should not cause your baby to look very sick.

If your baby has a fever, blisters, pus, swelling, or poor feeding, call a doctor.

When does baby acne start?

Baby acne often starts around 2 to 4 weeks after birth.

Some babies have spots earlier. Some develop them later.

Newborn acne is often mild.

If acne starts after about 6 weeks or if it is severe, ask your baby’s doctor. This may be infantile acne or another skin problem.

How long does baby acne last?

Many cases improve in weeks.

Some can last a few months.

Baby acne often clears without scars.

Call your baby’s doctor if:

• It lasts several months
• It gets worse
• It looks painful
• It has pus
• It spreads a lot
• It starts at 6 weeks of age
• You see, blackheads
• You are not sure if it is acne

Baby Acne Causes

The exact cause is not always clear.

Potential causes may include:

• Normal newborn skin changes
• Hormone changes after birth
• Oil gland activity
• Skin yeast response in some babies
• Skin irritation from milk, formula, or drool
• Heat and sweat
• Rubbing from fabric
• Harsh soaps or products
• Oily lotions or ointments

Baby acne is not caused by dirty skin.

It is not your fault.

Is baby acne caused by breast milk?

Breast milk is not something to blame.

Some baby skin changes may be linked to normal hormone changes after birth.

This does not mean you should stop breastfeeding.

If you are breastfeeding and worried about your baby’s skin, talk with your baby’s doctor or lactation professional.

Is baby acne painful?

Baby acne rarely hurts.

Your baby may not notice it.

But if the rash looks painful, swollen, crusty, infected, or very itchy, it may not be simple baby acne.

Call your baby’s doctor.

Is baby acne contagious?

No.

Baby acne does not spread from baby to baby.

It is not caused by poor hygiene.

Baby Acne vs Milia

Milia are tiny white or yellow bumps.

They often appear on the nose, cheeks, or chin.

Milia are also common in newborns.

They are not acne.

They often clear on their own.

Do not squeeze milia.

Baby Acne vs Eczema

Eczema differs from baby acne.

Eczema often looks dry, red, rough, itchy, or cracked.

Baby acne looks more like small pimples or bumps.

Ask a doctor if the skin is dry, cracked, itchy, oozing, or bleeding.

Baby Acne vs Heat Rash

Heat rash can happen when a baby gets too warm.

It may appear in folds, neck, chest, back, or covered areas.

Heat rash may look like small red bumps.

It may improve when the baby is cooler.

To help:

• Avoid overheating.
• Use light clothing.
• Keep the room comfortable.
• Use breathable fabrics.
• Keep skin dry.

Call a doctor if your baby has a fever or looks unwell.

Baby Acne vs Cradle Cap

Cradle cap is a scaly skin condition.

It often appears on the scalp.

It may also appear near the eyebrows, ears, or face.

It can look yellow, greasy, or flaky.

Baby acne looks more like tiny pimples.

If you are not sure, ask your baby’s doctor.

Baby Acne vs Infection

Some infections can look like a baby rash.

Call your baby’s doctor if you see:

• Pus
• Blisters
• Open sores
• Yellow crust
• Fast-spreading rash
• Skin that feels hot
• Swelling
• Fever
• Baby looks sick
• Baby is not feeding well

Do not treat a baby's infection at home with random creams.

Baby Acne vs Allergy Rash

An allergy rash may look different.

It may include:

• Hives
• Swelling
• Itching
• Red raised welts
• Vomiting
• Wheezing
• Trouble breathing

Trouble breathing or swelling of the lips, face, or tongue is an emergency.

Call emergency services.

Infantile Acne: When Acne Starts Later

Infantile acne is acne that starts later than newborn acne.

It may appear after 6 weeks of age.

It can last longer.

It may include:

• Red bumps
• Pimples
• Pustules
• Whiteheads
• Blackheads
• Larger bumps

Infantile acne should be checked by a healthcare provider, especially if it is severe or has blackheads.

Treatment may be needed in some cases.

Best Baby Acne Treatment Tips

Use gentle care.

1. Wash Once a Day

Wash your baby’s face once a day with warm water.

You can use plain water. If needed, use a mild baby cleanser.

Do not wash many times a day. Too much washing can irritate the skin.

2. Pat Dry

Use a soft towel.

Pat the skin.

Do not rub.

3. Keep Drool and milk off the Skin

Drool, spit-up, and milk can irritate skin.

Gently wipe the face after feeds.

Use a soft cloth.

Do not scrub.

4. Avoid Oils and heavy ointments

Oils and thick ointments can make baby acne worse.

Avoid:

• Baby oil on the face
• Coconut oil on acne
• Petroleum jelly on acne unless a doctor says to use it
• Heavy face creams
• Adult moisturizers

5. Do Not Squeeze Pimples

Do not pop baby acne.

Squeezing can irritate the skin.

It can also increase infection risk.

6. Avoid adult acne products

Do not use adult acne treatments on a baby unless a doctor tells you to.

Avoid:

• Benzoyl peroxide
• Salicylic acid
• Retinoids
• Acne scrubs
• Peel products
• Alcohol toners
• Tea tree oil
• Essential oils

Baby skin is delicate.

7. Use soft fabrics

Rough fabric can rub the skin.

Use soft cotton when possible.

Change bibs if they are wet with drool.

8. Use gentle laundry products

Some babies react to fragrance or strong detergent.

Try fragrance-free detergent if skin seems irritated.

Avoid fabric softeners if they seem to trigger a rash.

9. Keep Baby Cool

Heat can make bumps look worse.

Use light clothing.

Do not overbundle your baby.

Keep the room comfortable.

10. Keep nails short

Babies can scratch their faces.

Keep nails short and smooth.

Use mittens only when needed and safe.

Can you use cream for baby acne?

Most baby acne does not need cream.

Do not use acne cream unless your baby’s doctor says it is safe.

If acne lasts for months, is severe, or looks like infantile acne, a doctor may prescribe a treatment.

Use only what the doctor prescribes.

Can you use breast milk on baby acne?

Some parents put breast milk on their baby's acne.

There is not enough powerful evidence to call it a proven baby acne treatment.

If you use it, keep the skin clean and watch for irritation.

Do not use it instead of medical care if the rash looks infected, severe, or unusual.

Can you use coconut oil on baby acne?

It is better to avoid oils on baby acne unless your doctor says otherwise.

Oils can block pores and make acne look worse.

If your baby has dry skin or eczema, the care may be different. Ask your baby’s doctor.

Can you use Aquaphor or Vaseline?

Thick ointments can help some dry skin problems.

But they may make baby acne worse if placed on acne-prone areas.

Ask your baby’s doctor if you are not sure whether the rash is acne, eczema, drool rash, or dryness.

What Not to Put on Baby Acne

Avoid harsh or risky products.

• Adult acne creams
• Retinoids
• Salicylic acid
• Benzoyl peroxide unless prescribed
• Alcohol wipes
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Toothpaste
• Lemon juice
• Vinegar
• Essential oils
• Tea tree oil
• Coconut oil
• Heavy lotions
• Baby oil on the face
• Scrubs
• Peels

If it is too harsh for a newborn’s skin, do not use it.

When to Call the Doctor

Call your baby’s doctor if:

• Your baby is under 3 months and has a fever
• Your baby is feeding poorly
• Your baby has fewer wet diapers
• Your baby looks very sleepy or very unwell
• The rash spreads fast
• The rash has blisters
• The rash has pus
• The rash has a yellow crust
• The skin is very swollen
• The rash is near the eyes
• The rash looks painful
• The rash is very itchy
• The acne starts at 6 weeks of age
• You see, blackheads
• The rash lasts several months
• You are worried

Trust your parental instinct.

If your baby seems unwell, get help.

Emergency Red Flags

Get urgent care now if your baby has:

• Trouble breathing
• Blue lips
• Face or tongue swelling
• High fever
• Seizure
• Very sleepy and hard to wake
• Stiff body or floppy body
• Purple rash that does not fade when pressed
• Signs of dehydration
• Fewer wet diapers
• No tears when crying
• Very dry mouth

These signs are not simple baby acne.

How doctors check baby acne

A doctor may:

• Look at the rash
• Ask when it started
• Ask where it appears
• Ask about fever
• Ask about feeding
• Ask about wet diapers
• Check for infection
• Check for eczema or allergy
• Check for infantile acne
• Ask about skin products

Most cases need no test.

Tests may be needed if the rash looks infected or unusual.

Can baby acne leave scars?

Newborn baby acne usually clears without scars.

Scarring is more of a concern with severe infantile acne.

This is one reason why later acne should be checked.

Do not squeeze or pick bumps. Picking can irritate the skin.

Can baby acne be prevented?

You cannot always prevent baby acne.

But you can reduce irritation.

• Use gentle washing.
• Avoid oily face products.
• Wipe drool gently.
• Keep baby cool.
• Use soft fabric.
• Avoid harsh soap.
• Do not scrub.
• Do not over-wash.
• Keep nails trimmed.

Simple 7-Day Baby Acne Care Plan

This is a gentle care plan. It is not a medical treatment plan.

Day 1: Stop harsh products

Stop oils, adult creams, scrubs, and scented products on the acne area.

Day 2: Wash Gently

Use warm water once a day. Pat dry.

Day 3: Wipe Drool and Milk

Use a soft, damp cloth after feeding. Do not rub.

Day 4: Check Heat and Fabric

Use light clothing. Change wet bibs. Avoid rough fabric.

Day 5: Trim Nails

Keep baby's nails short to reduce scratching.

Day 6: Watch the Pattern

Note if the rash is better, worse, spreading, or irritated.

Day 7: Call if worried

Call your doctor if the rash is severe, infected-looking, starts after 6 weeks, or your baby seems unwell.

Baby Acne Parent Checklist

• Is the baby feeding well?
• Are wet diapers normal?
• Is there a fever?
• Is the rash only minor bumps?
• Is there pus?
• Is there yellow crust?
• Is there swelling?
• Is the rash near the eyes?
• Did it start after 6 weeks?
• Is the baby acting normally?

If any answer worries you, call your baby’s doctor.

Questions to Ask Your Baby’s Doctor

• Is this baby acne or another rash?
• Is this newborn acne or infantile acne?
• Does my baby need treatment?
• What cleanser is safe?
• Should I stop using a lotion or oil?
• Could this be eczema?
• Could this be an infection?
• What signs mean urgent care?
• How long should I wait for improvement?
• Should I see a dermatologist?

FAQ

What is baby acne treatment?

Baby acne treatment is usually gentle care. Wash the face with warm water, pat dry, avoid scrubbing, avoid squeezing, and avoid oils or adult acne products. Most baby acne clears on its own.

What causes baby acne?

The exact cause is not always clear. It may be linked with normal newborn skin changes, hormone changes after birth, oil glands, skin yeast response, heat, drool, milk, or skin irritation.

How long does baby acne last?

Many cases improve in weeks. Some may last a few months. Call your baby’s doctor if it lasts several months, gets worse, or starts after 6 weeks of age.

Is baby acne dangerous?

Most baby acne is harmless. But fever, poor feeding, blisters, pus, swelling, yellow crust, spreading rash, or a baby looking sick needs medical care.

Can I put lotion on baby acne?

It is best to avoid lotions, oils, and heavy ointments on baby acne unless your baby’s doctor says to use them. They can make acne worse.

Can I use adult acne cream on baby acne?

No. Do not use adult acne products on a baby unless a doctor prescribes them. Baby skin is delicate and can be irritated or harmed.

Should I pop baby acne?

No. Do not pop, pinch, or squeeze baby acne. This can irritate the skin and may raise infection risk.

Is baby acne the same as milia?

No. Milia are tiny white or yellow bumps. Baby acne often has red or pimple-like bumps. Both often clear on their own.

When should I call the doctor for baby acne?

Call if your baby has a fever, poor feeding, fewer wet diapers, blisters, pus, swelling, yellow crust, rash near the eyes, severe rash, rash after 6 weeks, blackheads, or your baby looks unwell.

Can baby acne be prevented?

Not always. You can reduce irritation by gentle washing, avoiding oils, wiping drool softly, keeping baby cool, using soft fabrics, and not scrubbing the skin.

Related Reading

• Skin, Hair & Nail Health Hub
• First Aid & Home Remedies Hub
• Infections & Immune Health Hub
• Medical Tests & Screenings Hub
• General Wellness & Lifestyle Hub
• Health Hub
• Self-Care Habits: Simple Steps for Better Daily Health
• Healthy Lifestyle Roadmap: 14 Practical Tips for Better Health
• Mental Health Self-Care Tips: 7 Simple Steps to Boost Mood

Key Takeaway

Baby acne is common.

It often starts in the first few weeks of life.

Most cases clear on their own.

The best baby acne treatment is gentle care: warm water, soft patting, no scrubbing, no squeezing, no oils, and no adult acne products.

Call your baby’s doctor if the rash looks infected, spreads fast, starts after 6 weeks, has blackheads, lasts for months, or your baby has fever, poor feeding, fewer wet diapers, or looks unwell.

References and Sources

• American Academy of Dermatology — Is That Acne on My Baby’s Face?
• HealthyChildren.org / American Academy of Pediatrics — Newborn Rashes and Birthmarks
• HealthyChildren.org / American Academy of Pediatrics — Baby’s First Month
• Mayo Clinic — Baby Acne Symptoms and Causes
• Mayo Clinic — Baby Acne Diagnosis and Treatment
• Cleveland Clinic — Baby Acne
• Nationwide Children’s Hospital — Understanding Baby Acne
• Healthier Together NHS — Rashes in Babies
• DermNet — Acne in Children
• DermNet — Infantile Acne
• NCBI Bookshelf — Infantile Acne

Adel Galal

Health & wellness writer with 30+ years of experience in nutrition, fitness, and healthy aging. Founder of NextFitLife.com — evidence-based health guidance.