Acne in Children: Presentation and Treatment Overview
March 2011
in “
Informa Healthcare eBooks
”
TLDR Acne in children varies by age and severity, requires a pediatric treatment approach, and may need diagnostic evaluation for underlying conditions.
The document from 2011 provides an overview of acne in children, detailing the presentation and treatment of neonatal, infantile, mid-childhood, and preadolescent acne. Neonatal acne affects up to 20% of newborns and is usually self-limited, while infantile acne, more common in boys, can persist for months and may indicate severe adolescent acne. Mid-childhood acne is rare and may signal an endocrine disorder, with diagnostic evaluations recommended. Treatment for acne in children mirrors that for teenagers and adults, with specific considerations for the use of tetracycline antibiotics and isotretinoin, which is reserved for severe cases. The document stresses the importance of a pediatric approach to treatment, considering the psychosocial impact of acne and the need for simplified regimens to improve adherence. It also discusses the potential side effects of isotretinoin and the use of intralesional corticosteroid injections for nodular lesions.
