For many teen-agers, acne can be devastating to their social life. For many new moms, infant acne, or neonatal acne, can be disconcerting. But it doesn’t have to be. Both are normal and, in many cases, can be treated at home.

“Acne is never just a cleanliness issue,” says Dr. Robin Carder, chief of the clinical service of dermatology at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. “Acne is not caused by dirt, and while washing the skin is good skin care, it won’t cure acne. It is very important to wash gently and not scrub.” In fact, too much rubbing can actually worsen acne and increase inflammation.

Dr. Carder says bacteria forming inside pores causes acne in teens and adults. Acne is a disease of the oil glands and occurs where these glands are the largest and most active — usually on the face, back, shoulders and chest. “There is no magic age when acne clears up,” she says, “but with good treatment tailored to a patient’s particular skin type and type of acne, we can achieve excellent control of the problem.”

There are many over-the-counter products that can help treat acne. Dr. Carder recommends finding products that contain benzoyl peroxide. “Benzoyl peroxide is a good treatment for acne, and products that have an antibacterial property will help with inflammation,” she says. “Salicylic acid also helps open pores and prevent plugging, but it can be drying and irritating to people with dry skin types.”

According to Dr. Carder, it is important for parents to understand that acne can have a psychosocial impact on their teen-ager. “It can be socially devastating to a teen-ager,” she says. If acne is treated early, it can help a teen’s self-esteem and lessen the probability of scarring.

Acne usually presents in the preteen years, but it may begin in some children as young as 9 or 10 and can continue into the 30s or 40s. Genetics can play a role in acne, and cases with a family history of acne should be treated sooner to reduce the severity of the condition.

“Neonatal acne usually does not require medical therapy,” Dr. Carder explains. “I ask parents to be patient during the first few months since neonatal acne is a self-resolving condition that usually goes away by 6 months.”

To treat the small, pink bumps on infant’s cheeks and foreheads, Dr. Carder recommends using a mild, fragrance-free soap for sensitive skin. “Cetaphil, Dove unscented, Basis and Purpose all are good and easy to find. Adult medications can be too irritating for a baby’s skin.”

Dr. Carder recommends consulting a doctor if the baby develops “adult-looking” pus bumps, cysts or deep lesions, or if the condition does not improve or go away by 6 to 8 months of age.