Infantile acne
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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.
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
L70.4 – Infantile acne
SNOMEDCT:
49706007 – Infantile acne
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Last Reviewed:10/30/2025
Last Updated:10/30/2025
Last Updated:10/30/2025
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Infantile acne
