What causes the little red bumps on the face of a 1-month-old?

Question:
My 1-month-old has a rash on her face—little red bumps. What is this coming from, and is it all right to put Neosporin on the rash?

Answer:
The most common cause of little red bumps on the face of a 1-month-old is neonatal acne. This disorder produces pimples on the face (rarely on the chest) and is related to hormones that the baby received from her mother across the placenta. Neonatal acne generally goes away by itself over several weeks to months, and can be worsened by the application of greasy ointments or creams. Consult your pediatrician, who can provide more information after examining her.