Acne neonatorum L70.8

Immediately after birth in the face on the capillitium, on the back and buttocks, transient, inflammatory follicle-related dermatosis.

4.5-20% (!) of newborns (Sachdeva M et al. 2002; Tarang G et al. 2011; Melnik B et al.2018); no established gender preference.

Before birth, the placenta produces increased amounts of CRP (corticotropin releasing hormones). This stimulates the fetal synthesis of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS). Acne neonatorum is probably caused by maternal or fetal androgens.

Seborrheic facial skin; closed comedones (30.8%), inflammatory follicular papules (15.3%), pustules (15.3%) and cysts (Alakloby OM et al. 2008).

In contrast to acne infantum, newborn acne is mild, short and heals spontaneously and without scarring (Zuniga R et al. 2013).

Apparently, the term "Acne neonatorum" is not used uniformly either in clinical everyday life or in literature. This also explains the different incidence figures (5%-20% of newborns). Acne neonatorum must be distinguished from transient malassezia folliculitis of the infant (syn: neonatal cephalic pustulitis), which lacks the follicular efflorescences defining acne such as comedones, inflammatory papules and cysts.

1. Alakloby OM et al (2008) Acne neonatorum in the eastern Saudi Arabia. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 74:298.
2. Melnik B et al (2018) Acne and rosacea. In: Braun-Falco`s Dermatology, Venerology Allergology G. Plewig et al. (Hrsg) Springer Verlag S 1317
3. Sachdeva M et al (2002) Cutaneous lesions in new Born. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 68:334-337.
4. Tarang G et al (2011) Incidence of vesicobullous and erosive disorders of neonates. J Dermatol Case Rep 5:58-63.
5. Zuniga R et al (2013) Skin conditions: common skin rashes in infants. FP Essent 407:31-41.