A 7-month-old boy was brought by his parents for a facial eruption that had been present for last two months. There was no history of any topical or systemic medications. The 26-year-old mother had a history of acne vulgaris during adolescence. Examination revealed multiple closed and open comedones, inflammatory papules, and a few pustules distributed on the cheeks and nose (Fig. 1). There were no other mucocutaneous abnormalities; systemic examination was normal. A diagnosis of infantile acne was made; lesion improved gradually on once-nightly application of benzoyl peroxide (2.5%).

Fig. 1 Multiple popules and comedones in infantile acne.

Although acne is a disorder of adolescence, newborns and infants may rarely develop it. Neonatal and infantile acne is predominantly comedonal and usually limited to the face. Infantile acne needs to be differentiated from staphylococcal folliculitis (superficial postules with no comedones) and acneform eruption (monomorphous inflammatory papules often with a history of topical steroid abuse). Regular cleansing with a mild soap, and avoidance of application of oil or greasy substances is advised in mild disease. Moderately severe lesions may be treated with topical benzoyl peroxide (2.5%), clindamycin or tretinoin.