Neonatal acne

Neonatal acne, also known as acne neonatorum, is a type of acne that develops in newborns, typically within the first six weeks of life. It presents with open and closed comedones on the cheeks, chin and forehead.

The main cause is not known for certain but it may be caused by maternal androgens transferred from the mother to the newborn from the placenta and androgens produced by the fetal adrenal gland and neonatal testicles that stimulate sebaceous glands to increase production of sebum. As a self-limiting condition, neonatal acne tends to resolve on its own but treatment options can include topical benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, topical antibiotics and topical antifungals.