Baby acne (also called neonatal acne) is when a newborn gets small red or white bumps on the face, neck, upper back or scalp. The bumps show up in the first month of life. They usually go away on their own within a few months.

Here’s some information to help you care for your baby at home.

• Wash your baby's face once a day with warm water and mild soap. Dry with a clean towel.
• Do not squeeze or pick at the bumps. This may cause scars.
• Do not use any ointments, creams, or lotions unless they are prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Your baby:

• Still has baby acne after 4 months of age
• Gets bumps on another part of the body
• Has bumps that are getting bigger or that look very red or irritated

What is the treatment for baby acne? Because baby acne goes away on its own, treatment isn't needed in most cases. Sometimes, healthcare providers prescribe a medicated cream or ointment.

What causes baby acne? The exact cause of baby acne isn't known. It may be related to the mother's or baby's hormones (chemical messengers) or to a yeast (type of germ) that lives on the skin.

Does breastfeeding cause baby acne? The hormones in breast milk may be part of the cause of baby acne. But formula-fed babies get baby acne too. Since baby acne almost always goes away completely, this is not a reason to stop breastfeeding.

Does baby acne make it more likely that my baby will have acne as a teen or adult? No. Having baby acne doesn't make a child more likely to have acne later in life.