Guidelines for Treating Pediatric Acne

Acne has begun to affect children at increasingly younger ages. Experts believe this trend may be linked to the earlier onset of puberty occurring with newer generations. One study of 9- and 10-year-old girls found that more than 75 percent had pimples.

Pediatric acne is not usually cause for alarm, but it can be embarrassing and may cause psychological distress in some adolescents. Acne typically involves the appearance of whiteheads and blackheads around the chin, forehead and nose. While pediatric acne is unlikely to be a sign of a hormonal abnormality, it may signal that more serious acne problems will occur during the individual’s teen years.

The American Acne and Rosacea Society recently developed—and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) endorsed—the first detailed and evidenced-based recommendations for pediatric acne in an effort to standardize management across primary and specialty care practices. The hope is that these recommendations will lead to improved care for children of all ages suffering from acne.

As a basic rule of thumb, it is best to wash your face gently twice a day with a soap-free pH-balanced cleanser. Facial toners can also help clear away oil but should be used in moderation because they can irritate the skin. Additionally:

·         Mild acne can often be treated with over-the-counter face washes, lotions and products containing benzoyl peroxide, which helps kill bacteria while also preventing antibiotic resistance.

·         For moderate acne, prescription medications like Avita, Differin and Retin-A are highly effective topical treatments. These medications contain Vitamin A, which helps to speed skin cell turnover and unclog pores. Use a moisturizer afterwards to minimize skin irritation and dryness.

·         Moderate to severe acne might require adding oral antibiotics to your regimen to help eliminate the bacteria that lives on the skin. When pores become clogged with oil and skin cells, bacteria can grow and cause inflammation. Antibiotics help by killing the bacteria and soothing inflammation. However, increased use over time can cause certain bacteria to build up immunity to the drugs.

It is also important for parents to help their children dispel myths about acne. For example, acne is not caused by dirt or poor hygiene, and roughly scrubbing your face will only irritate your skin more. Also, while there is some evidence that suggests food plays a role in acne, it is still not clear if a change in diet will help clear up skin.

If your child suffers from pediatric acne, schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologists by calling (864) 242-5872. Stop by our office at 369 Woodruff Road to browse our acne treatment products and speak with one of our skincare experts today.