Acne in infancy

Why does acne appear in infancy?

Acne in infants occur under the influence of androgen hormones – male sex hormones that get into the infants bloodstream through the placenta during the pregnancy or later, after birth, through breast milk.

What is the prognosis of infant acne?

Changes usually start three to six months after birth. Duration of the condition is individual and it depends upon hereditary factors and sebaceous glands sensitivity to the androgen hormones exposition. Infant acne usually passes without leaving scars, except in rare cases with very severe inflammation. A dermatologist should be consulted upon a first signs of condition to set the right diagnosis and determine treatment. In skin care, it is important to avoid the application of fatty cream. Fifty percent of children who had acne as infants often have a more severe form of acne during puberty.

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