Infantile Acne/Baby Acne at 5months

[trf26]

Hiii,
I’m wondering if there’s anyone who’s in a similar position to me who can provide some advice please!

My son started to develop very mild pimples on his cheeks at around 4 months old, since then they have gotten much worse and often fill with pus. We have taken him to the doctors several times and we have been told it’s baby acne and very common and sent on our way. After doing some more research we realised he may have infantile acne which I believe is quite rare and can lead to scarring :(

we decided to take him to a private dermatologist who prescribed clindamycin phosphate gel and fusidic acid cream (I think that’s the name). He didn’t seem concerned and again said it will clear on its own without scarring.

Although we’ve been seen by a dermatologist I’m still so worried about my son’s skin! I think I can already see scarring which looks like tiny pin prick holes, and the old spots seem to be leaving behind red marks :(

Has anyone else been in a similar position with positive results? Any other tips or advice on how we can reduce the spots and prevent scarring?

Just to add, my son began getting a really upset tummy a while ago and has been put on Nutramigen allergy milk so I don’t think his spots are related to dairy.

thank you!!!!

My DD2’s cheek looked identical to your son’s pic when she was a baby - I couldn’t imagine the large blocked pore in the centre healing on its own but obviously couldn’t squeeze it 🫣
anyway, it all cleared up and she has beautiful skin now so hope that reassures you x

Ahhh amazing!!! Good to hear your little one’s skin cleared. Can I ask how old she was when it started and how long it took to clear? Thank you!!! Xx

Are you breastfeeding along with the formula? Breastmilk worked to clear it here x

We breastfed for around 8 weeks until we moved to formula and sadly used up all my freezer stash

Yep all mine had it and it clears up. Baby skin heals beautifully. We didn't use any antibiotics or cream so am a little surprised you were given a prescription to be honest. It is perfectly normal.

Your baby is beautiful btw. Huge congratulations 💐

My breastfed baby had similar acne. We did not use anything for it, no creams or medication. It cleared up after a few months and she has had lovely skin since.

Aww thank you! Can I ask what age your little one developed the acne? X

That’s amazing to hear! Did your little one get the acne as a newborn or when they were slightly older? X

About the same age I think. Was gone by 12 months. Occasional flare ups until puberty. Am sure the flare ups were due to being a bit run down at times, rather than anything else. One DC has had teenage acne so that might be worth keeping an eye on, although in our case it took a long time to get them in a good skin care routine.

All mine had this. I think its perfectly normal. Skin adjusting to outside world. Personally I wouldn't ever had considered putting creams on a baby's skin... sorted itself out.
From around a few months old to about a year.

My daughter had this and still has it (aged 8) though not in the face. I have mentioned it to basically every doctor and paediatrician we have ever seen and they all say it’s atopic dermatitis. We didn’t use soap when she was a baby and used sensitive laundry detergent but you are probably already doing this. What did help was to use a cleanser on her skin morning and night as it stopped the spots getting infected; perhaps ask in the pharmacy for a baby-safe, ultra senstivie one.