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Infantile acne
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Infantile acne

Contributors: Eric Ingerowski MD, FAAP, Craig N. Burkhart MD, Dean Morrell MD, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

This summary discusses acne in infants. Neonatal acne and acne vulgaris in adults and children are discussed separately.

Acne presenting between 6 weeks and 6 months of age is classified as infantile acne. Infantile acne is uncommon and affects about 2% of infants. This should be differentiated from neonatal acne, which is common and presents in the first few days of life and up to 6 weeks after birth.

Infantile acne is postulated to be due to hormonal imbalances, an immature adrenal gland with elevated dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and elevated luteinizing hormone (LH), and is often noted in infant males. Associated endocrine abnormalities and other virilizing signs are usually not seen. Infantile acne usually subsides after 1-2 years, although it may rarely persist into childhood and adolescence. Severe nodular forms may leave scars.

Codes

ICD10CM:
L70.4 – Infantile acne

SNOMEDCT:
49706007 – Infantile acne

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Last Reviewed:10/30/2025
Last Updated:10/30/2025
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Patient Information for Infantile acne
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Infantile acne
A medical illustration showing key findings of Infantile acne : Erythema, Face
Clinical image of Infantile acne - imageId=2102454. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'Erythematous acneiform papules and open comedones on the chin of an infant.'
Erythematous acneiform papules and open comedones on the chin of an infant.
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