Infantile acne is a form of acneiform eruption that occurs in infants from 6 weeks to 1 year of age. Typical symptoms include inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions, papules and pustules most commonly present on the face. No cause of infantile acne has been established but it may be caused by increased sebaceous gland secretions due to elevated androgens, genetics and the fetal adrenal gland causing increased sebum production. Infantile acne can resolve by itself by age 1 or 2 however treatment options include topical benzyl peroxide, topical retinoids and topical antibiotics in most cases. Signs and symptoms
Infantile acne has a later onset and is less commonly seen than neonatal acne, occurring between 6 weeks to 1 year of age. It is also more commonly seen in boys rather than girls. Infantile acne tends to be more inflammatory and wide spread than neonatal acne. It presents with both open and closed comedones, papules and pustules. Cystic lesions are uncommon. Scarring can occur in severe cases. Very rarely, facial conglobate acne, a severe form of acne that involves extensive inflammation and nodule formation can develop and lead to extensive scarring. Lesions occur most commonly on the cheeks but can also appear on the chest and back. More severe occurrences may lead to development of more severe forms of acne in adolescence. Causes
The cause of infantile acne is not known for certain. Research into higher occurrence in boys rather than girls imply that higher than normal levels of testicular androgens can cause increased sebaceous gland secretions.
This change typically occurs at night, suggesting neural control, and significantly increases intrauterine pressure. Some women may experience contractions before labour is due. These are Braxton Hicks contractions, which are sometimes referred to as "false labour." There are several endogenous compounds involved in coordinating uterine contractility in labour, including oxytocin and prostaglandins. Oxytocin
The hormone oxytocin has been identified as inducing uterine contractions, and labour in general. Oxytocin is produced by the body naturally and since the 1950s has also been available in synthetic pharmaceutical form. In either form, oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions to accelerate the process of childbirth. Production and secretion of oxytocin is controlled by a positive feedback mechanism, where its initial release, either naturally or in pharmaceutical form, stimulates production and release of further oxytocin. For example, when oxytocin is released during a contraction of the uterus at the start of childbirth, this stimulates production and release of more oxytocin and an increase in the duration, intensity and frequency of contractions. This process compounds in intensity and frequency and continues until the triggering activity ceases. Prostaglandins
The concentration of prostaglandins in the blood plasma and amniotic fluid increases during labor. These inflammatory mediators encourage myometrial contractions to induce labor. Prostaglandins are also related to the changes in gap junction formation and connexin-43 expression during labor. In orgasm
Uterine and vaginal contractions usually take place during female sexual stimulation, including sexual arousal, and orgasm.