Why Does My Toddler Still Get ‘Baby Acne’?

As some parents remember all too well, acne is a skin condition that can include red bumps, bumps with white pustules, and blackheads or whiteheads. Acne happens when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Acne, especially baby acne, is most likely to occur on the face and sometimes back, chest, and shoulders.

Acne in newborn babies is common and harmless, and it generally clears up on its own. While the causes of baby acne aren’t known, there is some speculation that it may be caused by hormone shifts after birth.

While baby acne usually clears up on its own in a few weeks and isn’t generally a cause for concern, toddler acne is more serious and usually warrants a visit to the doctor to determine the underlying cause. Acne in toddlers can be caused by a variety of things, including food allergies and sensitivity to detergents or skin care products. A helpful first step to understanding the cause of toddler acne may be to switch to milder cleaning products to see if that reduces the irritation. If detergent changes don’t make a difference, or if the acne doesn’t seem to be improving, that is a cause for concern. Persistent toddler acne can also be a sign of a hormonal imbalance, which is why your health care provider may opt to run some blood tests to determine if there is an infection or other condition.

A visit to the doctor can also help determine if your toddler’s red bumps are actually acne or another kind of rash or skin condition. Your doctor may want to rule out conditions like impetigo, eczema, molluscum contagiosum, or even hives caused by an allergic reaction. If you live in an area with a measles outbreak and you start to notice that your child has flat red bumps accompanied by a high fever and cold symptoms, call your doctor immediately.

Your health care provider can tell you if your child needs prescription creams or antibiotics to treat the acne. At home, you’ll want to treat your toddler’s skin gently. Wash with a clean, warm washcloth, and consider switching over to fragrance- and dye-free soap and detergent to make sure the skin doesn’t get more irritated. And no matter how tempting a whitehead might look, don’t squeeze! Not only will squeezing a pimple cause your toddler discomfort, it can also lead to permanent scars and, depending on the cause of the bumps, potentially make the acne worse. Consult your doctor before trying any over-the-counter acne treatments, as the active ingredients in many products are not meant for delicate toddler skin.

Finally, you’ll want to keep your toddler's hands clean and prevent your little one from picking at, squeezing, or scratching the acne, all of which can lead to scarring.

Acne at any age isn’t fun, but acne in a toddler is cause for a trip to the doctor for more information and personalized treatment advice.