Question

What are the causes of neonatal acne?

Answer

Neonatal acne typically occurs due to maternal hormones passing through the placenta to the baby. These hormones may lead to excessive oil secretion by the baby’s sebaceous glands, blocking pores and causing red bumps with white pus heads. This condition usually appears within a few days or weeks after birth and resolves on its own within a few weeks to several months. To alleviate neonatal acne, the following measures can be taken:

  1. Keep the baby’s skin clean, but avoid over-cleaning to prevent further skin irritation.
  2. Maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and avoid overheating; the baby’s clothing should not be too thick.
  3. Open windows regularly for ventilation to keep the indoor air circulating.
  4. If the situation does not improve or worsens, consult a doctor promptly.