Neonatal acne: occurs in up to 20% of newborns and typically presents during the first 4 weeks after birth. Erythematous papulopustules develop on the face, especially the cheeks. It has been attributed to the transient elevation of androgenic hormones (both maternally derived and endogenous) that are present in a newborn infant. The lesions typically resolve within 1 to 3 months as androgen levels fall. Neonatal cephalic pustulosis is a term that has been proposed to replace neonatal acne. Because lesions have been shown to contain Malassezia species, neonatal “acne” may actually represent an inflammatory reaction to this yeast flora and not true acne. Infantile acne: affects a smaller number of infants on a delayed basis (3 to 6 months) and is characterized by greater degrees of inflammatory papules and pustules. Open and closed comedones and sometimes nodules are also present. This type is similar to acne vulgaris and may persist for years. The cause is unknown. Most patients with this condition have no evidence of precocious puberty or increased hormonal levels, although severe acne in this age group warrants evaluation for hyperandrogenism. Systemic therapy is sometimes required.
Posted on: Mon, 01 Dec 2014 13:24:30 +0000