Treatment of acne in children

Am J Clin Dermatol. 2014 Apr;15(2):77-86. doi: 10.1007/s40257-013-0057-1.

Abstract

Acne is a common skin condition in adolescents. It is not uncommon in childhood and it persists into adulthood. A broad range of acne treatments are available and have been shown to be safe and effective in adolescents and adults. However, there is limited literature regarding acne treatment in childhood and its available therapeutic options. It seems reasonable to extrapolate findings of the various studies reported on treatment of acne in the adolescent and adult age group, with the exclusion of the use of tetracycline derivatives. As clinicians, we must be more familiar with the clinical presentation of acne and available treatment options in our younger patients. Early recognition of acne with prompt and appropriate initiation of therapy in childhood will help prevent severe scarring in children.

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / diagnosis
  • Acne Vulgaris / drug therapy*
  • Acne Vulgaris / epidemiology
  • Acne Vulgaris / etiology*
  • Administration, Topical
  • Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / complications
  • Adrenarche
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Benzoyl Peroxide / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cicatrix / prevention & control
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Dermatomycoses / microbiology
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Facial Dermatoses / microbiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Malassezia / isolation & purification
  • Male
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / complications
  • Retinoids / therapeutic use
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Skin / microbiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Retinoids
  • Benzoyl Peroxide